Lexi Thomas' Israel Blog: 2011

This article is about a Haifa resident, Meir Korner, nearly at record age, who received reconstructive surgery. The 109-year-old developed skin cancer on one side of his nose. Plastic surgeons at Rambam Medical Center were able to create a "new" nose from skin off his forehead. Korner has followed almost every good example to stay healthy as you grow older, besides not exposing yourself to too much sunlight. A few months ago, Korner noticed somewhat of a skin infection on his nose, and went in to the doctor. They then removed a malignant skin tumor on his nose in early May. The procedure of removing a portion of skin from his forehead, and re-sewing it also was a bonus for Korner; it stretched out the wrinkles, actually making him look younger. Doctors reported that the whole operation for Korner turned out really well, although it was not such a simple one. Yitzhak Ramon, the practicing surgeon, stated that only after a few days did Korner's nose return to normalcy, just like before the cancer. Korner, who was born in 1901, stated that he could not wait to go swimming in the Mediterranean after his nose completely healed. “I feel good. I give credit to the Rambam doctors and to the fact that I do things I love. In my conversations with God, He promised me I would have many more years on this earth. The moment I can go to the beach, I will, but with protection against the sun.” says Korner.

First of all, I can't believe this man is 109! I couldn't imagine living another 93 years! This story is just one of those pure happy stories; no sadness, only besides the fact he had a malignant skin tumor, but even that turned out okay. If I ever live to be that old, I want to be just like him. He's always up and about, and staying healthy... well as healthy as a 109-year-old can be! I was glad to find an article like this where is no violence or disgusting incidences.

http://www.jpost.com/Health/Article.aspx?id=222099

Hepatitis C Sufferer Charged with Sodomizing Youths

This article is about Yair Shir Menajem, a 47-year-old Jerusalem resident who, on Monday, was charged in the Jerusalem District Court with "sodomizing and carrying out indecent acts on several minors over recent years." These offenses began occurring sometime between 1995 and 1996 when the suspect would visit his parents' home and began to sexually abuse an eight-year-old neighbor boy, and have continued for the 15 years since. The charge sheet on the suspect read that Menajem was accused of exploitation of young, vulnerable youths. Menajem denied all charges of which he was accused. As far as the eight-year-old boy, the Menajem knew that the boy's grandparents had recently passed away and that he was very emotionally attached to them, and he used that to exploit him immensely. Menajem told the boy that if he cooperated with him, he could make sure to bring his grandparents to him in his dreams. The boy asked Menajem why his grandparents hadn't yet come, and he promised the boy that this would happen soon. This incident was recorded at the suspect's indictment, along with many others which were described with extreme graphic details. Prosecutors stated that the boy has needed many years of therapy because of Menajem. "In 2001, Menajem attended a yeshiva for youths. Prosecutors said he forced oral sex on a teenager after luring him back to his home with a promise of curing him from astigmatism." Another incident in 2005, Menajem allegedly invited a 13-year-old boy to move in to his home after he fought with his parents. It never stated whether or not this move in actually occurred; during this time Menajem was diagnosed with Hepatitis C. From 2005 to 2007, Menajem had continued to sexually assault minors, many times. Overall, eight minors were allegedly assaulted by Menajem.

I am completely disgusted with people like Menajem. I think out of all the crimes possible to commit, sex crimes are the most revolting, let alone sex crimes against minors. I hope the judge on this case hates crimes like these as much as I do, because if she or he does, Menajem will be getting life in prison. I also don't understand how someone could be so disgusting as to do these kinds of things or even think about doing them. I feel so sorry for the eight little boys' lives that this man has ruined because of his own disgusting fetishes. How could someone trick innocent beings into doing something so awful? This kind of person has to have something seriously wrong with him or her. Doing an article on this man and this type of crimes seriously gave me the chills every time I thought about what I was reading. What is wrong with people these days?

http://www.jpost.com/NationalNews/Article.aspx?id=221918

Policeman Arrested on Suspicion of Selling Bullets

This article is about a veteran policeman who served 27 years in the police, Abd al-Jafar Sa'adi, arrested Monday for suspicion of allegedly stealing and selling bullets from a shooting range. He was accused of stealing 80 bullets on more than one occasion. The suspect's attorney says the money he received after he stole the bullets was an "innocent loan", not connected to the bullets. He claims he did not make a profit from the stolen bullets. The suspect claimed to need to go to the hospital, as he had already had heart problems before, but he was checked out by a doctor, cleared right away and then was sent back to custody. The police claimed he was uncooperative with them during the questioning. The veteran admitted to stealing the bullets from a shooting range, but he did not admit to selling them for personal profit. Searches of his home have been conducted, but police have found nothing. The suspect's attorney is trying to earn his client credibility by throwing in the fact that this man has been serving on the police force for 27 years. The judge on the case, Judge Anat Zinger stated that the suspicion on Sa'adi is "reasonable", and has dismissed the claim that the funds he received were from a loan. The suspect's custody was extended by 3 days, courtesy of the court.

Once again, I don't understand why people do these kinds of things. It is so easy for them to be caught, because of how obvious the crime. I also don't understand how someone can make money off bullets? Maybe he sold them cheaper than retail, but I sure wouldn't be buying those kinds of bullets if I needed them. That kind of situation is shady to me; the bullets would almost have to absolutely be stolen. I also don't believe the all-too-coincidental story that the money he received was from a loan. If you're going to tell a story, at least make it somewhat believable. On the other hand, I'm not sure if this man should get too much jail time, if any. It doesn't sound like that serious of an offense.

http://www.jpost.com/NationalNews/Article.aspx?id=222011

Monday, May 23, 2011

Egyptologist Suspected of Smuggling Artifacts from Israel

This article regards the smuggling and selling of ancient archeological artifacts illegally. It was reported that a retired lecturer specializing in Ancient Egypt from the US was caught selling antiquities to tourists and trying to leave the country with cash and checks totaling over $20,000 dollars. He tried to smuggle from Israel to the US hundreds of ancient artifacts. The retired lecturer sold the antiquities to some 20 tourists he was guiding, although they didn't know that he was doing so illegally. The suspect was detained at the Ben-Gurion Airport where he was just about to board his flight back home to the US. He was being held for questioning there. Only after he admitted to his crimes was he allowed to leave the country. The week-long surveillance operation for his arrest was conducted by undercover Antiquities Authority agents. They first saw the suspect selling items to tourists in the hotel where he was staying. After they were sure that the sale was completed, they searched his hotel room, along with belongings, and uncovered hundreds of ancient artifacts they believed to have been stolen by antiquities robbers from archeological sites throughout the country. Early in the investigation, officials stopped the tourists whom the suspect was in charge of guiding, and discovered that 20 of them were in possession of illegally obtained artifacts, all with the intent of taking them out of the country without permits. The tourists quickly told who they got the items from and the information confirmed the officials' suspicions. The tourists' items included bronze and silver coins dating back to the Second Temple period, clay oil lamps from the Roman and Byzantine eras, and ancient glass and ceramic vessels. 'The sale of antiquities without a permit and the export of antiquities from Israel without permission are criminal offenses for which the penalty prescribed by law is up to three years imprisonment,' said Amir Ganor, director of the Antiquities Authority’s Unit for the Prevention of Antiquities Robbery". 'Those buying antiquities from unauthorized dealers place themselves and their money at risk, purchase antiquities at exorbitant prices and are actually encouraging antiquities robbery and the plundering of the country’s history,' he said".

I think that people that do these kinds of things are not very bright. Obviously if you try to leave a country you don't belong to, or any country for that matter, with that much money and ancient artifacts that a civilian would never legally have you are going to get caught. The authorities are not stupid. It's one thing to do one sale or something small, but when you illegally sell artifacts to over 20 people consecutively, you're going to raise a red flag. Committing these kinds of crimes is not smart, even if you're one of the smartest people in the world; you'll eventually get caught. I think it's wrong to break the law anyways. This guy had better hope he has a good sob story for the jury or something like that when he goes to court because this case is pretty much open and shut. Which, for him, will mean three years in prison.

http://www.jpost.com/MiddleEast/Article.aspx?id=221220

Thursday, May 19, 2011

Thai Princess Meets with President Shimon Peres

This article covers the meeting that President Shimon Peres had with the princess of Thailand, Dr. HRH Princess Chulabhorn Mahidol. On route to the meeting, Mahidol got in a small car accident, but only suffered mild injuries. She was advised to go straight to the hospital to get testing, in case she was actually hurt, but she refused and said she wanted to go to the meeting anyway. "Mahidol told Peres, 'In my heart I feel half Israeli. I think like an Israeli. I visited here for the first time in the 1970s, and since then I keep looking for opportunities to return.'" The princess even added an Israeli name to her own: Tzila, which is how she signed her name in the president's guest book. "The princess, the youngest daughter of the Thai King, is a doctor of science, a lecturer in chemistry, and is deeply involved in scientific research in her country where she heads the Institute of Cancer Research." Israel and Thailand are in the middle of negotiating an industrial research and development treaty.

I think it's very cool for representatives for two different countries to just meet and chat... I don't know why but it's almost like two celebrities hanging out on weekends. I also like the way that Princess Chulabhorn Mahidol adores Israel so much that she made it part of her name.

http://www.jpost.com/DiplomacyAndPolitics/Article.aspx?id=220781

Mother and Grandfather Convicted of Murder

This article is about the conviction of murder and life sentence placed on the grandfather and mother of 4-year-old Rose Pizem. The verdict was delivered at The Petah Tikva District Court last Thursday. The court has a hearing scheduled for May 30th to hear arguments for leniency on the two convicted, with a possibility of a lesser sentence. The grandfather, Ronnie Ron was convicted of the actual murder of the toddler, while the mother, Marie Pizem was convicted of soliciting the murder. Ron says he and Rose were in the car together, going somewhere, Rose sitting in the backseat. Ron handed her something to eat.. Rose says "Disgusting, disgusting" in French and Ron said "Enough" back to her in French, and he turned around and smacked her. He stated that she then became reserved and quiet so he thought she was just upset or embarrassed about being slapped. Ron felt bad and thought he would take her to get ice cream. When he stops the car, he lifts her up to try to make her happy, and says she felt limp all the sudden. He stated that he "killed her in a second". Rose's body was found in the Tel Aviv's Yarkon River. Both suspects have shown remorse throughout this series of interviews and trials.

For me, it is very hard to believe that a simple slap killed this little girl. Either he's not telling the whole truth about what else he may have done to her, or that had to have been one heck of a slap. I don't think their story is true at all, except the remorse, although, I don't think the emotions recorded by the two resulted from the "accidental "murder; they are upset that they were caught in their crime, and that they are going to have to pay for it immensely. Ron's story seems way too suspicious for it to be as innocent as he claims. If I accidentally murdered my daughter or granddaughter, I don't know what I would do. But I know what I wouldn't do; dump her in a river like she was nothing. If my daughter wasn't breathing or I thought something was seriously wrong with her, I would have been rushing her to the hospital, and not trying to save my own butt by hiding what happened. If these two suspects would have tried to get help, they would not be looking so suspicious, which is why I think they are guilty.

http://www.jpost.com/NationalNews/Article.aspx?id=221300

http://www.jpost.com/Israel/Article.aspx?id=143538

Tel Aviv Truck Rampage

This article addresses the Tel Aviv motor vehicle incident that occurred recently. The suspect who caused this commotion is Isa Islam, 22, an Arab-Israeli. Islam says that he lost control of his vehicle after the tire exploded, and he plowed into many cars before swerving into oncoming traffic. At first, police were questioning whether this was truly an accident, but now they are increasingly sure that it was not. The driver is okay, but this incident resulted in many injured and one dead. It just so happened that this horrific incident occurred on "Nakba Day"; the day that is mourned by Palestinians as it is the anniversary of the independence of the State of Israel in 1948. It also just so happened that the driver was indeed Palestinian. There is a lot of circumstantial evidence against Mr. Islam. Eye witnesses of this occurrence say that the driver deliberately crashed into those targets along the way down the road. "Investigators believe their findings contradict Islam's version of events, according to which a punctured tire caused him to lose control of his vehicle." The Tel Aviv Magistrate's Court extended Islam's custody by eight days on Monday, most likely for the police to get to the bottom of this.

I truly hope that this incident was not intentional on the driver's behalf. It would be awful if he indeed went through all this trouble just to injure people out of spite. Although I hope that this was not the case, there is a significant amount of evidence that points to the idea that this was deliberate. Also, many eye witnesses have collaborated the story of intent by the driver. If so many people who were there say the same thing, doesn't that mean that there is a great possibility that this incident could actually have been intentional? And, to make matters worse for the 22-year-old driver, a witness stated that he yelled "Allahu Akbar", which means "Allah is the greatest", as he plowed into unsuspecting drivers in their cars.

http://www.jpost.com/NationalNews/Article.aspx?id=221183

Friday, April 15, 2011

Police Arrest Syrian Infiltrator

This article begins with an arrest of a Syrian infiltrator at a police check point in Majdal Shams. The Syrian was in a taxi and did not have any papers with him which is illegal. The man was not armed, but he was taken into questioning at a local police station. The taxi driver, who was Palestinian was also arrested for transporting him there. The whole passage, though, is not just about this arrest. Police have been leading house to house searches for Palestinian-Syrian infiltrators, so much so, that they have even set up road blocks throughout the city. The recent protests of Palestinians near the Israeli borders trying to enter the country has caused quite an upset for Israel because they realize that these protesters probably won't stop. On monday, Israel sent out messages to neighboring countries' governments and said they wish to prevent any incidents such as the one recently where protesters infiltrated the border, says Deputy Foreign Minister, Danny Ayalon. The security establishment has been preparing for another day of demonstrations throughout the country and West Bank, protesters infiltrating the border, and just overall chaos for the Israeli government. "Nakba Day" demonstrations and protests continued Sunday throughout Jordan and Egypt with dozens injured. Twenty-four people were injured during a protest that took place on Sunday outside the Israeli embassy in Cairo, Egypt, news agency MENA reported. Egyptian police set off teargas to force back pro-Palestinian protesters who has broken through a barricade outside the embassy. Jordanian police also had to use extreme force at the Allenby Bridge to prevent protesters from entering Israel. Reports were made that two people had been shot and murdered, but the Jordanian police have denied the accusations. "In Syria, the ruling Baath party issued a statement saying, 'the leadership of [Syrian President Bashar] Assad remains as committed as ever to restoring the rights of the Palestinian people,' responding to Sunday's events in the Golan Heights".

It is very sad that countries have to fight like this, let alone neighboring countries. I think that Israel should give Palestine back their "country" except I don't know that whole situation yet and all the facts. I just think that if people feel the need to protest so strongly there must be something that needs to change, whether it be to Israel's benefit or not. But I wouldn't want this type of fighting happening so close to where I live, which is why I feel for the Israeli citizens that have nothing to do with this situation.

http://www.jpost.com/Defense/Article.aspx?id=220742

Toddler Eats Alkaline Battery

This article is about a 3-year-old girl from Kiryat Malachi, Israel who swallowed a "button" battery. The battery was from her grandmother's blood sugar monitor that had been left on the couch. She was taken to the emergency room at Kaplan Medical Center and the toddler told the pediatric gastroenterologist that what she swallowed was a shekel coin. X-rays were taken, and it was discovered that the object she ingested was actually an alkaline battery. On top of that, the battery had begun to leak; the acid in her stomach had caused the metal casing to corrode. Under general anesthesia, the battery was removed. The toddler suffered an extreme burn in her esophagus from the battery, which will require continued treatment. The little girl also has to fast "to enable the tissue to begin recovering, and it will take some time until she can eat normally again.

It's scary, but also kind of humorous that toddlers and little babies will just pick up anything, and just eat it. This just shows you that if a guardian/parent doesn't pay close attention to their little babies, anything can happen to them. I'm glad this little girl is okay!

http://www.jpost.com/NationalNews/Article.aspx?id=216577&R=R2

Synagogue Vandalized in Ra'anana

This article addressed the vandalism inflicted upon the Kehilat Ra’anan synagogue in Ra’anana. This incident occurred during the late hours of Wednesday night when unknown persons shattered six windows of the establishment and spray painted a threatening phrase on the one of the outside building walls. The words read, "It has begun" and underneath was the Star of David, all in black spray paint. An investigation has been opened by the police of this incident. "Mayor Nahum Hofri vehemently condemned the 'thuggery' and stressed that such a deed does not characterize Ra’anana, 'a city of tolerance and exemplary coexistence'." He also stated that Ra'anana respects and tolerates every stream of Judaism. This synagogue has experienced an attack like this for the third time now, and by the Reform Movement, this has been seen as a "worrisome development". Police first took these attacks as mere acting out from out of control adolescents, but now they are leaning towards the idea that this is more organized than they have perceived. Security cameras have never been used at the synagogue before, but the head of the Reform Movement, Rabbi Gilad Kariv, has stated that that will most likely change.

I really just want to shake people that act like this. I don't understand people who will just disrespect something that is meant to be so sacred and holy, and they probably don't even lose a wink of sleep over it. Even if they don't agree with something the synagogue is doing doesn't mean they have the right to vandalize the building, not to mention, make threats such as "It has begun". I disagree with a lot of other religions because I have my own beliefs, but in no way does that mean I would ever spray paint the walls of the church/synagogue or whatever, or do anything to vandalize it. That is so disrespectful and not right at all. And also, I would not want someone or some other group vandalizing my church in such a way, either. All I can hope for this group of vandals, is that they don't resort to unnecessary violence to get their point across.

http://www.jpost.com/NationalNews/Article.aspx?id=216653&R=R2

Arab Israeli Sentences for Recruiting to Hamas Terror Cell

This article regards the arrest and sentencing of Islam Marai, 26 for "holding contacts with a Hamas operative, facilitating an illegal association, and providing room and board and transport to a foreign citizen". Marai was sentenced at the Haifa District Court. There was a charge sheet filed on Marai in December 2010 by state prosecutors. His contacts were filled with Hamas operatives with the intent of creating a terrorism cell in Israel that would be aimed at committing lethal acts upon Israeli civilians. He was sentenced six years for committing 'severe national security offenses' such as recruiting Arab-Israelis into Hamas' al-Qassam Brigades. The Haifa District Court stated that he used his presence inside Israel to his advantage so that he could facilitate terrorist activities.

I think out of all the types of criminals there are, terrorists are very high on my list. There is no reason to act like this as a human being. These people that are committing terrorists acts are just power hungry, but I think they also have to somewhat, if not totally, out of their minds. I cringe to think that so many of these terrorists get away with what they are doing, and accomplish their sadist goals so often. I'm glad they at least caught this potential terrorist..... but on the other hand, I do not think six years is even close to being enough prison time for people like this.

http://www.jpost.com/NationalNews/Article.aspx?id=221351

Tel Aviv Murder Suicide

This article is about a couple found, both shot in their apartment in North Tel Aviv. The paramedics pronounced the woman dead at the scene, and then rushed the boyfriend to the Sourasky Medical Center, where he died an hour later. Police ruled this an apparent murder suicide. They stated that the boyfriend shot his girlfriend at close range, and then proceeded to attempt to commit suicide. Both the man and his girlfriend were in their 50s, divorced, and had been dating for approximately eight months. The woman's daughter is the one who found the couple lying on the floor, as she was trying to find her mother. The woman's ex-husband gave a statement to reporters saying that his ex-wife was going to leave her boyfriend and get back together with him, and that must have been why the boyfriend did this to her. The police are still in the beginning phases of this investigation, and are going to inspect all possibilities of this incident, but for now are calling it a murder suicide. As far as the police know, from asking neighbors and loved ones of the couple, there haven't really been any problems among or disturbances by the couple.

This story reminds me so much of Champaign's attempted murder suicide last summer. But in that case, the mom survived, and the dad committed suicide when he thought he had killed her. I hate stories like this because they can be totally avoided. If someone doesn't want to be with you, why push it? And why to go to extreme lengths to make them stay with you, or in this case just not leave you? In my opinion, if someone I was with no longer wanted to be with me, I would eventually move on, because who would want to be in a relationship like that? I know people that commit these types of crimes have to have something extremely wrong with them mentally, though. These stories occur all too often, and are so sad to hear about.

http://www.jpost.com/NationalNews/Article.aspx?id=216733&R=R2