The body of Lieutenant Colonel Yehuda Edri z"l lies on the road where he was killed

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Lieutenant Colonel Yehuda Edri was shot and killed this morning as he drove on the tunnel road near Gilo, Jerusalem on his way to meet an informer who shot him at close range. The accompanying security guard was seriously wounded from the shooting yet, managed to return fire and kill the terrorist. Fatah took responsibility for the shooting and Palestinian officials claimed that the attacker was collaborating with Israel, and when discovered, he agreed to attack his Israeli contact to clear his name.

On Monday, thousands accompanied baby Yehuda Haim Shoham (z"l) on his last journey. The baby was injured by a rock to his head near the Shiloh settlement last week and succumbed to his injuries this week. Prime Minister Ariel Sharon attended the funeral: "How long shall we bury our dead?" cried the mourners, and the Prime Minister answered them: "I have not come to speak, I have come to cry with you. If we ask "how long?' every day, we shall lose this war."

That same night, shots were fired at an Israeli car near Ma'ale Adumim. Shots do not discriminate between religions. This time, the victim was a Greek Orthodox monk, Germanos Zivokatsakis, resident of the St. George monastery in Wadi Kelt, near Jericho.

Last night, a Palestinian who was driving a Mercedes truck on the Anatot-Mishor Edumim road was killed near the Jerusalem suburb of Pisgat Ze'ev. Police are investigating to determine whether the shooting was instigated by Palestinians in error or by Jews, as an unidentified caller informed the daily newspapers that the "Gilad Shalhevet Brigades" in memory of Gilad Zar (z"l) and Shalhevet Fass (z"l), take responsibility for the incident.

The Israeli Intelligence Officer and the Palestinian killed today died after the cease-fire, initiated by the director of the CIA, George Tenet, came into effect. Yesterday morning, while discussions for a cease-fire came to a positive conclusion, Palestinian snipers shot at Shlomit Binyamin, a young woman from Ofra who was waiting at the bus stop at the settlement entrance for her ride. More than 30 bullets were fired at her and although injured, she managed to flee and was later taken to hospital.

Per the agreement, instructions were given yesterday to cease-fire at three in the afternoon. Israel has until tomorrow to ease the closure around Palestinian cities and the IDF is already pulling tanks out of the urban areas, gradually re-allowing traffic of Palestinians on the roads. The IDF has to come up with a plan to revert the situation to pre-Intifada status, by Wednesday.

In the meantime, Palestinians have agreed to arrest and interrogate terrorists, immediately; to locate and confiscate illegal firearms; to prevent incitement; to provide information to Israel and the US leading to the prevention of acts of terrorism; and to renew security coordination.

Official sources in Israel express skepticism regarding Palestinian intentions. Senior US officials say that they expect the Palestinian Authority to take control of the situation within a few days, quelling the unrest. In the meantime, they are refraining from any commitment that the cease-fire will last over the long term.

Jewish Agency shlichim and Zionist youth movement leaders in England are working to bring hundreds of Jewish youngsters to Israel through the Jewish Agency's Israel Experience programs. Dubi Bergman, head of the JAFI delegation in England, reports that 1,000 youngsters are expected to come to Israel during the summer.

UJIA leaders this week sent a letter to the parents of those participating in the "Israel Experience" program, confirming their commitment to the State of Israel and to on-going activity by British Zionist youth in Israel, emphasizing the safety and security of the youngsters.

A letter sent to parents by Jonathan Kestenbaum, Chief Executive and David Cohen Chairman of the UJIA in Britain, stated that: "The Israel Experience program is the educational opportunity of a lifetime for our young people". The two also wrote that although the decision to send the children is that of the parents alone, they are adding their personal recommendation, taking into account the special arrangements made by the Jewish Agency - which runs the Israel Experience programs.

At the same time, an "Israel Fair" was held in Paris this week, attended by 1500 members of the Jewish community. Dov Puder, head of the JAFI delegation in France, reports that all the Jewish youth movements participated in the event, working to promote the summer activities. Those participating in the fair also examined aliyah options and met with representatives from Israel; from the Ministry of Labor, the National Insurance Institute, the Small Business Unit as well as representatives of high-school programs in Israel. A special delegation led by Bet Shemesh mayor Danny Vaknin, and Ramle mayor Yoel Lavi, also attended the fair. These towns have been designated key areas for the absorption of French olim.

Meanwhile, the leadership of the world Betar movement announced that it intends to send, as planned, more than 100 teenagers and youth leaders from the movement in France to the Jewish Agency's "Israel Experience" program.

Despite the security situation and the cancellation of visits by youth from the Jewish world, this week 250 Jewish students from all over the FSU (Former Soviet Union) will begin an educational visit to Israel through the Birthright project, with Jewish Agency assistance. The students will arrive on several flights: 85 youngsters from Russia arrived on an El Al flight from Moscow; and two days later - 85 youngsters arrived from the Ukraine on an El Al flight from Kiev and 85 youngsters arrived from Russia on another El Al flight from Moscow. In all, during the course of the month, the Jewish Agency will bring over 500 Jewish students from the FSU for their first visit to Israel.

Each group will spend 10 days in Israel, during which they will tour various parts of the country, organized by the Jewish Agency's Israel Experience, and will learn about study and absorption possibilities in Israel through the Jewish Agency's programs for youngsters, such as Selah (students before parents).

The Birthright program is run jointly by the Jewish Agency, the Israeli government and Jewish philanthropists and communities worldwide. The project is based on the principle that every Jewish youngster has an inherent right to get to know Israel and feel that s/he is a partner in the unity and revival of the Jewish people.

As such, this summer 5,000 Jewish youngsters from all parts of the world will visit Israel through the Jewish Agency's Israel Experience programs. They will tour the country and participate in workshops in the spirit of Israeli culture and tradition.

A special loaf of bread from Tashkent was the gift presented by the group at Ben-Gurion airport to the Director General of Ulpan Akiva, Esther Perron.
The guests who arrived on Birthright, were given a very warm welcome by the staff of the Ulpan and were singing in Hebrew with tears in their eyes. Many of them do not speak Hebrew and are not familiar with the goings on in Israel.

The group was welcomed by Ulpan Akiva students from more than 20 countries, including Uzbekistan.

The Ambassador of Uzbekistan Mr. Usmanov Ibek was the guest of honor; representatives of the Municipality of Netanya were among the guests.
The Ambassador was excited to meet the group and praised their determination for coming to Israel during this stressful period and requested all of us to pray for one of the critically injured in the recent blast where 20 immigrants found their death. Ambassador Ibek is very confident that relations between the two countries will be strengthened.

Ulpan Akiva has organized a unique program for the group - a combination of Hebrew study, enhancement of Jewish identity, leadership, involvement in Jewish community and encounter with Israeli youth. We hope to sow in them the seeds for future immigration to Israel.

2,000 youth and Jewish youngsters from the world celebrated their Israel experience at a gala evening in Jerusalem within the framework of Birthright, a program initiated by philanthropists Charles Brofman and Michael Steinhardt, the Government of Israel, the Jewish Agency for Israel, the United Jewish Communities of North America and the UIA/Keren Hayesod.

2,000 youth have already visited all four corners of Israel and responded with enthusiasm to the speeches and artistic presentations by Israeli artists who presented the event as "victory of Jewish Unity as opposed to the scare tactics of the Palestinian Authority" The hosts thanked the youth for their willingness to come at times like these to identify with Israel and called on them to serve as young ambassadors in their countries in order to encourage other youngsters and family members to support and visit Israel.

The keynote speech was delivered in Arafat's name by Sahar Habash, member of the Fatah Central Committee, a close confidant of Arafat who is considered to be the movement's official ideologist. The content of the speech is presented here, as published in Alhayat Al-Jadida: "Sahar Habash reiterated the promise to the martyr Alsabawi and all the other revolutionary martyrs. This is a promise to attain the designated peace, for which the martyrs have fallen, emphasizing that this goal is still valid ...... We are currently living in a political vacuum, which overshadows the US and the Zionist entity and its outgoing government. This government continues its acts of aggression even while it negotiates, and attempts to exploit all its military might in order to extract gains from the Palestinian negotiators who have negotiated only with the approval of President Arafat, and have adhered to the fundamental national positions ..... This adherence has made it clear to all those who fail to understand the essence of the struggle which we are conducting, while we are in the trenches, in confrontation, in processions, during the Intifada and the armed struggle - throughout this the battle is directed towards one destination - Palestine, Jerusalem, the right of return dedicated to the refugees."

"The Intifada, which is now at an advanced stage, will lead the enemy to accept the will of our people and it will negotiate in the shadow of the Intifada which will be decisive. Consequently, those who display weakness must appreciate that the Intifada is reality, a part of the renewal and revival of the establishment of a Palestinian state with Jerusalem as its capital, the realization of the right of return for the refugees, the objection to settlements in the State of Palestine and the objection to concessions of any kind on Palestinian soil".

"Experience has shown that without the establishment of a democratic state on all our land, the dream will not be realized. We are in a state of transition through which we can push the Zionist society to rid itself of Zionism, for surely there can be no co-existence between Zionism and the Palestinian national movement. The Jews must rid themselves of the Zionism which controls them, pushes them into one battle after another and does not serve their better interest. They must become citizens of the future state, democratic Palestine, and for this Alsabawi joined the Fatah movement and worked to reach a just and comprehensive peace in the area, in a democratic country".

• $ 29,000 - Jewish Agency allocation for the year 2000 to MERKAZ HAMAGSHIMIM centers for social & environmental activism within the framework of projects that foster "Unity, Tolerance and Mutual Respect."

• $ 25,000 - Jewish Agency allocation for the year 2000 to Israel Boys and Girl Scouts Federation for the establishment of scout groups for the Bedouin in the Negev, within the framework of support of "Special Needs Populations."

• $ 29,000 - Jewish Agency allocation for the year 2000 to HASHOMER HATZAIR for Havruta program within the framework of allocations "Enhancing Jewish Identity for Israelis."

• 17,915 Olim arrived in Israel since the beginning of 2001. 13,584 are from the FSU.

150 young Zionist leaders from 20 countries throughout the world participated this week in the Fourth World Zionist Youth Congress which took place in Jerusalem
(photo: Joe Malcolm)

The Zionist General Council is meeting in Jerusalem next week in a show of solidarity with Israel. On the opening day, June 19^th, delegates will tour confrontation-line settlements in the western Negev, will meet with residents of the Gaza Strip and the Sha'ar Hanegev regions and will end their tour with a meeting at Kibbutz Dorot.

The Zionist General Council has 232 members and is comprised of representatives of Zionist organizations which are the Diaspora branches of the Zionist parties in Israel, international Jewish organizations, all three religious streams (Orthodox, Conservative and Reform), the Bnai Brith organization, World Maccabi, the Hadassah and WIZO women's organizations, world Jewish student organizations, and the Israel-Zionist Council. The Zionist Federations and the FSU are also represented.

The Zionist General Council is the World Zionist Organizations' legislative body and convenes annually between Zionist Congresses. The Zionist Congress, which is the supreme legislative body, meets once every four years in Israel and it elects the Zionist General Council, which is one fifth of the size of the Zionist Congress.

Members of the Zionist General Council constitute 50% of the Jewish Agency Assembly, which will convene immediately after the ZGC session and will also be an expression of solidarity with Israel at the present time. At this session of the ZGC, ideological and organizational issues concerning the 34th World Zionist Congress due to take place in Israel in June 2002, will be discussed. More than 1000 Jewish personalities from overseas will attend these key events taking place in coming weeks. This will be the largest global Jewish gathering this year in Israel.

Arieh Azoulay, Chairman of the Jewish Agency's Aliyah Committee has returned from a fact-finding mission to South Africa and Zimbabwe where he traveled to learn about the unique situation of the South African Jewish Community. Mr Azoulay held public meetings with the Jewish leadership in Johannesburg, Durban, Cape Town and Harare, Zimbabwe, as well as with the Jewish youth movements and South African Union of Jewish Students.

Private meetings were held with the Israeli Ambassador to Zimbabwe, as well as the heads of the various Jewish organizations such as the South African Jewish Board of Deputies, South African Board of Jewish Education, the Chairman of the South African Zionist Federation, and the Central African Zionist Organization, as well as the Chief Rabbi of South Africa and local Rabbis. Mr Azoulay was welcomed to synagogue services on Friday night by the Chairman of Yeshiva College.

Mr Azoulay, who was accompanied on his trip by Uri Bar-Ner, Deputy Director of Western Aliyah and former Aliyah Shaliach to South Africa, held an exciting meeting with the parents of 14 Na'aleh children from South Africa and Zimbabwe currently studying at Boyer High School in Jerusalem. He presented a video taken on Kibbutz, Tzora, a few days prior to his arrival, portraying their day-to-day lives on the Kibbutz. The parents all expressed their appreciation for the opportunity given to their children to further their education in Israel.

Mr Azoulay was deeply impressed by the highly involved, organized and strong Jewish identity of the Jewish community as well as in the interest that was expressed by everyone to enhance Zionist education and aliyah. He also expressed his appreciation for the Jewish community of Zimbabwe, which, although small, is still vibrant.

Mr Azoulay shared with his hosts the concept of a new Jewish Agency method of operation in South Africa, - the "Israel Center" - a body which, in conjunction with the local community, will lead and coordinate the activities of the Jewish community in South Africa in the fields information, formal and informal education, and aliyah.

The chairman of the Jewish Agency's Immigration and Absorption committee Arieh Azoulay (center) met in the capital of Zimbabwe, Harare, with families of children studying in Israel on the Naaleh program of the Jewish Agency and Ministry of Education for high school students from South Africa and Zimbabwe

Next week an international conference of educators will take place in the Western Galilee entitled: "Living together in a multi-cultural society". Israeli educators from the Western Galilee will sit together with American educators from Jewish communities in the US Midwest.

The event is being organized by the Jewish Agency's "Partnership 2000" project. The program links areas in Israel with Jewish communities in the US and is designed to develop Israel's periphery and strengthen personal ties between Israel and the Jewish world.

The convention includes getting to know the Western Galilee area and its residents, a visit to schools in Akko and the Mateh Asher district, and discussions on the subject of life in a multi-cultural society in this region, as well as the preparation of joint study programs for Israel and the Jewish world. During the month there will be a number of conferences in the Western Galilee on subjects such as: Jerusalem the capital of Monotheism, the Study and Meaning of the Holocaust, and the Western Galilee as an expression of variance in Israeli society.

A group of researchers from the Ruth and Baruch Rappaport Center for the Study of Assimilation at Bar Ilan University are travelling to Jewish communities in Mexico, Florida, Marseilles and Tashkent. This is part of a study of the psychological motives which formulate the sense of Jewish identity among Jewish youth worldwide. The study is being lead by Prof. Mario Mikolinser and Dr. Dafna Farag. These four communities have been chosen as a pointer for studying the roots of the stand taken by Jewish youngsters who live in a variety of cultures in an effort to propose relevant solutions.

Dr. Zvi Zohar, who heads the Rappaport Center, said that the Center is not merely academic but deals with practical applications, and its objective is to consolidate ideas and programs for implementation within Jewish communities, to curb assimilation and enhance Jewish identity.

The basic assumption on which all studies at the Center are based is that the Jewish world should be studied from within, and the cause of assimilation should not be viewed as environmental or external and social. The "Four Communities" study is being conducted by psychology researchers in an effort to gain an understanding of the meaning which Jewish youngsters attribute to their Judaism. This will be done through an-depth study of the psychological factors which contribute to the formation of Jewish identity among adolescents, who at this stage of their lives are involved in a general search for their identity.

Research leaders, Prof. Mario Mikolinser and Dr. Dana Farag, explained that to date a large number of studies have been conducted which presented statistical data on the rate of intermarriage, the number of Jewish students registered in non-Jewish frameworks, etc. For the first time, this new study asks those being questioned how they feel about their situation, what pushes them away from Judaism and Jewish life, and what attracts them. "We believe that when we receive the replies to these questions, we will be able to suggest new ways, solutions and programs of confronting this problem" they said.

The World Jewish Congress will hold a special coordination meeting of the international Jewish Non-Governmental Organizations on the forthcoming UN World Congress Against Racism to be held in Durban, South Africa from August 31 to September 7, 2001.

The special meeting in London is being coordinated by the Government of Israel and will host the Deputy Foreign Minister Rabbi Michael Melchior, who is the chairman of the Israeli delegation to the congress. The meeting will be attended by the leadership of the WJC from Europe, North America, Latin America and Israel.

Thus far, the preparatory process for the UN World Conference has indicated the existence of an ominous Arab plan to transform the conference into an anti-Israeli, anti-Zionist and even anti-Semitic parley. Rabbi Melchior will brief attendees on the latest developments in the preparatory process, while foreign ministry experts will provide more information on the diplomatic struggle.

Britain's ambassador designated to Israel (to fill post in September 2001), Mr. Sherard Cowper-Coles, has begun studying Hebrew through the facilities of the Jewish Agency.

This week, Dubi Bergman, head of the Jewish Agency's British delegation, met with Mr. Cowper-Coles, toured Balfour House with him and explained Jewish Agency activity in general and in the UK in particular.

The new ambassador has previously been posted to Egypt, the US and France, and until this week held the position of Chief Secretary to outgoing UK Foreign Secretary, Mr. Robin Cooke. The ambassador will take a month-long crash-course at Balfour House, with 6 hours of Hebrew study every day. The JAFI UK office will provide him with relevant information about Israel and Judaism. During the course, the ambassador will be hosted at the homes of Israelis in London.

Attorney General, Elyakim Rubinstein, said that upon MK Azmi Bishara's return from Syria, the office of the State Attorney and the police will decide what steps to take following his declarations at the memorial service for late Syrian President, Hafez Asad, and the pronouncements during the service. Bishara called on the Arab states to encourage the "resistance" against Israel and there is need for unity among Arabs face to Sharon's government which, in his words has no political plan for dialogue. Bishara's comments raised anger among many MKs who called to put him on trial.

Jerusalem Mayor Ehud Olmert announced that he is disassociating himself from the Reform Movement in the US, due to its decision not to send members of its youth movement to summer camps in Israel. "For years, the Reform movement has demanded full equality in Israel. Despite the fact that they are not represented in Israeli society, and precisely at this moment of truth, they have failed", said the mayor, who in the past acted to establish ties with the Reform movement, despite criticism from Orthodox groups.

Tel Aviv University's "Jaffe Center for Strategic Studies" published its annual figures for the balance of power in the Middle East (2000-2001) this week, and determined that the strategic balance in the area lists clearly in Israel's favor. This is preventing the deterioration of the violent struggle with the Palestinians into full-scale regional war. "Israel's military power relies on its air force, which is the largest air force in the Middle East. It has more advanced aircraft than all the aircraft in Syria, Iran and Iraq combined", the Center determined.

The number of Bedouin drafted into the IDF has dropped by more than 50%: In November 2000 only 22 Bedouin enlisted in the army compared with 80 in the corresponding draft last year. The figures for the March draft this year were no different, and opinion is that the Al Aqsa Intifada has halted the Bedouin draft into the IDF.

Two soldiers died at a Givati brigade training base, in one week and the possibility that they both committed suicide is being investigated. One of the two made aliyah alone from Russia two years ago. The IDF is of the opinion that although both instances occurred at the same base within a short time of each other, they are unrelated.

Within a month the first payments will be made to some 10,000 persons entitled to compensation from the German fund for forced labor, during the Holocaust. All those eligible will receive the down payment by the end of the year. Agreement to this effect was reached yesterday at a meeting between representatives of the Holocaust Survivors Organization in Israel and the personal envoy of the German Chancellor negotiating the establishment of the Fund, who is currently in Israel.

As of the next school year a new lesson will be added to the sixth grade timetable: "Rules of Etiquette" 12-year olds will be taught about the importance of courteous behavior in daily life, how to eat "complicated" foods, how to behave at the table and the correct use of cutlery, how to develop a personal style and even about love: conduct between the sexes, how to invite someone out for a "date" and the meaning of girl-boy relationships at this age.

And finally - something to laugh about? Egypt registered an official complaint with Israel about "taking the Mickey" out of Egyptian president Hosni Mubarak, during Eli Yatzpan's TV entertainment program. The assistant Egyptian Foreign Minister registered a formal complaint with the Israeli ambassador in Egypt, on the grounds that the program embarrasses Egypt. The ambassador said: "The program does not constitute an official position. There is no limit to the subjects which can be used as a source of humor. Yatzpan's jokes are the outcome of Egypt's anti-Israel approach". Yatzpan himself responded: "In the same way that I satirize Arik Sharon and Peres, I also make a satire of Arafat, Mubarak and anyone who lives in the region".

"Lamah Lo!" (Why Not) - a band of olim from the FSU will appear at a global Jewish solidarity concert with Israel and Jerusalem, taking place as part of the annual Jewish Agency Assembly which is due to convene next week (24-26/06/01) in Jerusalem.

The Jerusalem-based band, which performs Kleismer music, recently returned from a round of appearances in Minsk, capital of Belarus, and Baku, capital of Azerbaijan, where it participated in the celebrations for Israel's 53rd Independence Day organized by the Jewish Agency and Israeli Foreign Ministry. The band which was set up in 1999 with Ministry of Absorption support, comprises of 5 professional musicians - all olim from the FSU: soloist Roman Kekhman - on the clarinet and saxophone, composer Yuri Povolotzky - piano and accordion, Alexei Priannikov - trumpet, Yakov Entin - violin and bass guitar, and Simkha Ioffe on the drums.

"Lamah Lo!" performs at a variety of official events, including Knesset receptions, at the President's official residence and at other public events. The band's repertoire confirms that there is a new brand of Jewish folklore, which combines Kleismer style with jazz improvisation and ethnic music.

Members of "Lamah Lo!", who will soon be performing at the Jewish Agency Assembly, look for a conductor ...... meanwhile, the trumpet is offered to JAFI Chairman, Sallai Meridor.

1200 Jews from the Russian town of Samra visited the Israel Film Festival organized last week by the Jewish Agency at the "House of Actors" in town. During the course of the festival Israeli films were shown presenting life in Israel from different angles, and enabling the viewers to become acquainted with history, and cultural and artistic life in Israel.

Among the films shown were: "Jana's Friends", "The Lover", "Operation Jonathan", "Short Distance from Sidon", and others. Before each screening the festival organizers explained the historical background of the plot to the viewers, helping those who were unfamiliar with Israel to gain a better grasp of the content of the films.

During the festival, JAFI representatives in Samra set up an information booth for potential olim at which they presented a variety of aliyah and absorption programs in Israel. Orli Weinberg, JAFI aliyah shlicha in Samra, noted that "the film festival provides a real glimpse of life in Israel, and in some ways even provides more information about Israel than potential olim can gain from a lecture or seminar."

Ingredients:

250 gr. dry houmus (chick peas) 1 slice of white bread, soaked in water and drained, or 2 Tsp. breadcrumbs
5 cloves of garlic
1 bunch of parsley, finely chopped
1 bunch of coriander, finely chopped
1 tsp. cumin
1/2 tsp. baking powder or baking soda (bicarbonate)
Salt and pepper
Oil for frying

Preparation:

• Soak the humus in water overnight. Drain and place in a food processor.

• Add the bread and garlic and blend into a smooth paste. Add the other ingredients and mix well. Leave the mixture to stand for 30 minutes.

• Heat the oil in a small pan (deep frying). Wet your hands and form small balls, or use a special device for this purpose, and fry them in hot oil until golden brown. Remove from the oil with a perforated spoon and drain on absorbent paper.

B'Te'avon!     Bon Appetit!