San
Diego Jewish World
Today's Newsmakers..... Click on the caption to go
to their stories
does just
that,” said Congressman Patrick Murphy. “When the forces of hate attack Israel,
they attack American values – and today we stood up for our ally and our values.
I am very pleased that this important bill received such wide, bipartisan
support.” “I rise today to offer a resolution to let the world know that this House stands opposed to anti-Semitism and re-affirms our support for academic freedom.”
“Israel is
a stable democracy that shares our values. This is rare in a region of the world
where few nations have democracy, rule of law and religious freedom.
“That’s
why, when Israel comes under attack from hate-mongers, it is the American values
that are also under such attack. Today, by passing this bi-partisan resolution,
we are stating with one voice that this Congress will stand up and defend our
friend the State of Israel.” “Limiting academic exchange and shrinking the marketplace of ideas only hinders our ability to bring peace to the Middle East and to help solve the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.” Prior to being elected to Congress, Patrick Murphy served as a Captain in the U.S. Army. He was deployed to Bosnia and to Iraq. In Iraq he served with the 82nd Airborne where he was awarded the Bronze Star for service. He is the first and only Iraq war veteran to serve in Congress. He is a former West Point professor and criminal prosecutor.
The
preceding article was provided by the office of Congressman Patrick Murphy.
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Nepal's
Foreign Minister Pradhan visits JERUSALEM (Press Release)—The Honorable Mrs. Sahana Pradhan, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Nepal declared today her government's decision to open an embassy in Israel very soon. The announcement was made in her meeting with Vice Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mrs. Tzipi Livni. Mrs. Pradhan is on an official visit to Israel, this is the first visit of a Nepalese Minister for Foreign Affairs to Israel since the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1960. Minister Pradhan also met with the elected President Mr. Shimon Peres and greeted him formally on behalf of the Prime Minister of Nepal Girija Prased Koirala, for being elected to the presidency. Mr. Aaron Abramovich, Director General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs met the Hon. Minister. The Minister delivered a lecture at the Israel Council on Foreign Relations. The minister visited "Yad Vashem", the Holocaust Memorial and laid a wreath in honor of the holocaust victims. At their meeting, the two ministers of foreign affairs appreciated the friendly bilateral relations between the two countries. They discussed issues of mutual benefit and potential areas of cooperation between Nepal and Israel. They also discussed regional issues. Minister Livni expressed Isreal's concerns regarding the threats posed to the whole world by the extreme regime of Iran. Minister Pradhan conveyed her hope for successful outcome of the Middle East Peace Process, based on UN Security Council resolution 242 and a two states solution. Minister Livni appreciated the ongoing peace process in Nepal and acknowledged with satisfaction the opening of a Nepalese Embassy in Israel which to her view will strengthen the bilateral relations between the two countries. Minister Livni also expressed Israel's desire to cooperate in various fields of priority for Nepal, through MASHAV – the center for international cooperation.
During their meeting the two Ministers discussed also the issue of the Nepalese
workers in Israel and took note of the need to reach an understanding that will
enable to regulate the issue of Nepalese manpower employment in Israel. The
government of Israel has expressed its willingness to consider the issue
favorably. In the spirit of the friendly relations between their countries, the
two ministers agreed to form a permanent mechanism for bilateral consultations
between the two Ministries of Foreign Affairs. BUREIJ REFUGEE CAMP, Gaza (Press Release)— IDF soldier, Staff Sergeant Arbel Raich, 21, of Yuvalim, was killed Wednesday night, July 11, in an operation carried out by the Givati Brigade Reconnaissance Battalion, to destroy terror infrastructures in the central Gaza Strip, near the Bureij refugee camp. Two additional soldiers were wounded. The wounded soldiers were taken to a hospital to receive medical treatment. Reich was buried on Friday, July 13, at Misgav Mortuary.
The preceding story
was provided by the Israel Defense Forces
TUL
KARM, West Bank, Palestinian Authority (Press Release)—Approximately 5 p.m.
Thursday, July 12, a Subaru approached the Inubta crossing, near Tul Karm. When
it reached the checkpoint, which is manned by IDF soldiers around the clock, the
vehicle slammed on its brakes, and the driver left the vehicle. He immediately
began to shoot at the forces manning the post. The soldiers returned fire,
confirming a direct hit. The terrorist was identified as Muhammed Diab, who was known as an operative of the Islamic Jihad in the region of Jenin. His weapon bore the symbol of the terror organization. The IDF will continue to ensure the security of the citizens of the State of Israel, and will act to prevent and eliminate terrorism threatening the region of Judea and Samaria. The preceding story was provided by the Israel Defense Forces
Ban Ki-moon calls for immediate
reopening of
UNITED NATIONS, N.Y
(Press Release)– Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon today called for all crossings
into the Gaza Strip to be re-opened to allow humanitarian supplies, relief
workers and commercial goods to pass through, voicing increasing concern over
the territory’s deteriorating economic situation. “The continued restrictions on Gaza will have a severe humanitarian impact and can only cause further suffering to the people there,” Ban said in a statement released by the spokesperson. Israel has closed or restricted the handful of border crossings with the Gaza Strip since deadly intra-Palestinian violence – which has since subsided – erupted early last month. UN humanitarian officials warned earlier this week that the restrictions are threatening the economically sustainability of the territory, where more than 1.4 million live in a 360-square-kilometre area. In today’s statement, Ban’s spokesperson cited new World Bank figures showing that, in the last month alone, the closing of nearly 3,200 businesses in Gaza has left over 65,000 people unemployed. “If what is left of Gaza’s economy is allowed to collapse, poverty levels, already affecting an estimated two-thirds of households, will rise further and the people of Gaza will become near totally aid-dependent,” the statement added.
Mr. Ban is calling
for the Karni crossing to be opened immediately to allow commercial imports and
exports to pass through, as well as the Rafah crossing, so that over 4,000
Palestinians stranded in Egypt can re-enter Gaza. Quartet principals last met face-to-face in Berlin at the end of May, but since then they have held talks by conference call after the eruption of intra-Palestinian violence, especially in the Gaza Strip, last month.
The
preceding story combined two press releases issued by the United Nations.
For more on the Quartet meeting, see News Sleuths
below
SALEM, Massachusetts—Almost everybody in Israel and many people throughout the world have a Shimon Peres story. I'm no different. So here's mine. Peres will become president of Israel on Sunday, making almost everybody in Israel happy that a person of well-tested honesty and integrity, proven intelligence and proud Zionism will be assuming that important, though largely ceremonial, office. I figure that 60 percent of Israeli voters have voted for Peres for one office or another. And that 60 percent of the voters have voted for his opponents. And they all have their own stories because of all the meetings and events Peres has attended over 60 years at the Knesset, at kibbutzim, in schools and community centers, Labor Party offices, city halls, bar mitzvahs and weddings, funerals, plus all the personal hospitality he and his wife, Sonya, have extended. And don't think he just popped in for an obligatory speech. In Israel, meetings are interminable. Everybody exercises the inalienable right to speak truth to power. Not only has Shimon Peres survived all that, he apparently revels in it. Patience and perseverance, willingness to listen, remembering people's names and interests, following up on promises, this is the stuff of his popularity, as well as his enduring advocacy of social justice and peace. Here's the condensed version of his remarkable 60-year governmental career: Key administrator in the building of Israel's defense, aircraft and nuclear facilities; prime minister twice; minister with various portfolios, including defense, foreign affairs, immigrant absorption, finance and transportation. Plus vital contributions to peace treaties with Egypt and Jordan. Nobel laureate, seven books to his credit and the establishment of an international peace institute. He's 83 years old — looks 63, with the energy of a 43-year old. Good man; good genes. My Peres story: Early in the 1980s, I met Shimon's youngest son, Yoni. Both of us ran one-man gardening businesses. But Yoni, an agricultural school graduate, knew what he was doing. I, after three years of working in a kibbutz orchard, knew a lot about avocadoes and citrus, but little about lawns, shrubs or flowers. We became friends, and soon I was helping Yoni on his larger jobs. (Today Yoni is a veterinary surgeon.) I was invited to a Passover seder at his parents' home, a modest apartment in Ramat Aviv. The next year I was invited again. But this seder took place at the prime minister's residence in Jerusalem because Yoni's father was now prime minister under a Likud-Labor coalition arrangement. What is a Passover seder like at the Israeli Prime Minister's residence? Not unlike seders at the average American Jewish home. There were fewer than 25 people, Shimon leading the service, with kippot, but not so Orthodox that people leaned to the left or went on talking past midnight. Nor did the PM compose four modern questions or sing, "We Shall Overcome." Mrs. Peres and a daughter served the food, a child cried once or twice. The first time around the table participants read the Haggadah in Hebrew. When it was my turn again, the prime minister said, much to my relief — my Hebrew was never very good — "Burt, if you wish, you may read in English." After dinner, I found myself sitting with the prime minister and a woman family friend. I always thought one of my strengths was my professorial ability to ask questions. But I couldn't ask about politics during this serene religious holiday. Other questions that came to mind were either too dumb or inappropriate, like "How was your last trip to Washington?" or "Read a good book lately?"
Try it. What would you say to your favorite among all the US presidents on
Christmas Day at the White House? That night, I thought, "It's OK to be tired and quiet, not to talk, to just rest your brain in the moment, particularly if that's what a prime minister wants to do." Now, just days before he is to be sworn in, I say on behalf of my family and myself, and I suspect every reader of this newspaper, "Mazel tov, Mr. President, may you and Israel move forward in good health and strength, for justice and peace." This article also appeared this week in the Jewish Journal-Boston North.
The motion, tabled by general secretary Jeremy Dear and NUJ president Michelle Stanistreet, recognized the concerns expressed by some members and branches about the proposed boycott and the NUJ resolved “to take no further action” over the boycott call. The original boycott motion was passed by 66 votes to 54 at the NUJ’s annual delegates meeting in Birmingham in April. It caused a large amount of upset with numerous journalists and academics speaking out against the idea. Other British trades unions have, however, continued to back boycotts of Israeli products in protest against what they see as harsh policies of the Israeli government against the Palestinians, prompting accusations of racism and anti-Semitism. The NUJ dismissed suggestions of this. “The motion also rejected firmly any allegations that the union was anti-Semitic or racist and reaffirmed the union’s commitment to fighting racism in all its forms,” a statement said.
The preceding story was provided by the World Jewish Congress
Austria's
government adds to the reward for the
JERUSALEM
(Press Release) —The Simon Wiesenthal Center welcomed the announcement made
public today by the Austrian Justice Ministry on its official website, that it
was offering the sum of 50,000 euros for information which would lead to the
capture of the number one and number two "Most Wanted" escaped Nazi war
criminals Alois Brunner and Dr.Aribert Heim. The preceding story was provided by the Simon Wiesenthal Center 26 Bronfman Youth Fellows for 2007 named DELMAR, N.Y— For the 21st consecutive year, The Bronfman Youth Fellowships in Israel has selected a group of 26 high school students to be Bronfman Fellows. The Bronfman Fellows participate in an intensive five-week program of study and travel in Israel designed to develop future community leaders committed to Jewish unity. The program is funded by The Samuel Bronfman Foundation (TSBF). This year’s Bronfman Fellows were selected from 12 U.S. states and Canada, following a rigorous application process. They represent diverse Jewish backgrounds including Orthodox, Conservative, Reform, Reconstructionist, unaffiliated and other. Traveling throughout Israel, the Fellows participate in seminars and dialogues with diverse rabbinic faculty. Fellows also spend a week with a group of Israeli peers who have been chosen through a parallel selection process as part of our Israeli Youth Fellowship, Amitei Bronfman. Bronfman Youth Fellows are asked to do 40 hours of community service when returning home after the summer. “The Samuel Bronfman Foundation is committed to programs that make Judaism relevant to young Jews from all backgrounds,” said TSBF Managing Director Adam R. Bronfman. “Bronfman Fellows gain a special opportunity to explore their Jewish identity in fresh ways. The Bronfman Youth Fellowships in Israel offers a powerful experience that, as 20 years of success show, can last a lifetime.” This year’s youth fellows are: Eliot Abrams of Oak Park, Ill; Ari Atkins of Montclair, N.J.; Samy Belfer of Manalapan, N.J.; Alison Fitch of El Cerrito, Calif.; Gabriel Frieden of Cambridge, Mass.; Eliana Tair Roberts Golding of Paxton, Mass.; Roberta Goldman of Woodcliff Lake, N.J.; Edie Hannah Joseph of Gainesville, Fla.; Rebekah Judson of Poughkeesie, N.Y.; Elyssa Rose Kaplan of Bogart, Ga.; Eitan Lefkowitz of Baltimore, Md.; Arielle Lewis or Thornhill, Ontario; Noah Lindefeld of Woodmere, N.Y.; Yasha Magarik of Brooklyn, N.Y.; Julie Meyer of Mount Vernon, N.Y.; Hody Nemes of St. Louis, Mo.; Gabe Paley of N.Y., N.Y.; Hannah Rabinowitz of Albuquerque, N.M.; Ben Schenkel of Allentown, Pa., Daniel Smith of Centennial, Colo.; Dalia Terry of N.Y., N.Y.; Anya van Wagtendonk of Great Barrington, Mass.; Isaac Wilder of Overland Park, Kan.; Jordan Yadoo of East Williston, N.Y.; Cody Yudkoff of Englewood, N.J., and Yoel Zinkow of Bexley, Ohio. Here is a link to biographical sketches about each of them.
The preceding story was provided by the Bronfman
Youth Fellowships in Israel (BYFI) POSTVILLE, Iowa (Press Release)—The animal rights group PETA has said America's largest kosher meat company does not treat animals properly before slaughtering them. PETA released a new video showing that AgriProcessors, which produces the ‘Aaron's Best’ line of kosher meats, has not followed through on its pledge to shoot with a gun any cow that appeared to be alive after it had been through the kosher slaughtering process. AgriProcessors came under fire in 2004 when PETA released a video it had filmed at a slaughterhouse in Postville, Iowa, showing gruesome footage of cows flailing about after they had had their throats slit in accordance with the practice in kosher ritual slaughter. After the video was released, the AgriProcessors agreed to reform its work practices, but PETA now claims that the company has broken that agreement.
"It is extremely disappointing to find that three years later AgriProcessors
still can't slaughter without horrible abuse of the animals involved," Bruce
Friedrich, PETA's vice president of international grassroots campaigns, told the
weekly magazine ‘Forward’. Attorney Nathan Lewin, who has defended
AgriProcessors in the past, said the new video "proves that PETA is out to
destroy or make unlawful" kosher slaughter, according to the magazine’s report.
At the very least, vegan
food is kosher
BUENOS AIRES (Press Release)—Argentineans are to mark the 13th anniversary of the bombing of the AMIA Jewish community center in the capital Buenos Aires. AMIA and Argentina's central Jewish political organization, DAIA, have arranged for radio and television stations and police cars to sound a siren at 9:53 a.m. on Wednesday, July 18, the moment the attack took place. In addition, several arts organizations are marking the anniversary. The non-Jewish art group Escombros is displaying an exhibition of plastic bags filled with tears for all the victims, each with its own name. A photograph of the facade of the old AMIA building, which was destroyed in the attack, covers the facade of the new building.
The US ambassador to Argentina, Earl Anthony Wayne, recently met with relatives
of victims of the bombing, which killed 85 people. The perpetrators of the
attack on July 18, 1994 have never been brought to justice. Evidence points to
the involvement of Hezbollah operatives in the attack, with the help of Iranian
planning and sponsorship. Iran and Hezbollah have denied involvement. The preceding story was provided by the World Jewish Congress. (Return to top)
Why numbers matter in discussing the Shoah ENGLEWOOD, N.J—One of the most common errors in describing the magnitude of the Shoah is the number of people who died. Figures range from 50 million to 11 million, a reflection of a fundamental misunderstanding of the uniqueness of this catastrophe. The use of 11 million is a particularly egregious historical distortion as it equates the destruction of the Jews of Europe with that of the others who were murdered.
We study the Shoah to understand what transpired, why it happened and what it tells us about the attitude of Western civilization toward Jews and other minorities living in the West. It is not a contest to see which group suffered the most or sustained the greatest numerical losses.
If we are to learn from history, we must be concerned about objective truth, with transmitting what actually ensued and not allowing those with their own particular agenda or ignorance to obscure our understanding of what occurred. Distinguishing between different historical events does not, and should not, lessen or demean the suffering of others.
When we refer to the Holocaust, we mean the systematic bureaucratically administered destruction by the Nazis and their collaborators of six million Jews during the Second World War. The Jews were found "guilty" only because they were viewed inaccurately as a race. The Nazi state orchestrated the attempted mass murder of every person with at least three Jewish grandparents.
Millions of civilians and soldiers were killed as a consequence of war. Communists, political and religious leaders were eliminated because they were viewed as a potential threat to the Nazis. When the Nazis murdered approximately 10,000 Polish intelligentsia, in 1939-1940, and Polish Catholic priesthood in western Poland, for example, they were trying to prevent these groups from becoming a political and spiritual force that could unite the country against them. Similarly, when the Nazis murdered more than two and one-half million Soviet prisoners of war, they were killing a military force that had fought them on the field of battle.
European Jews, on the other hand, were the only people marked for complete destruction. To the Nazi leadership, the Jews were a satanic force that controlled both the East and the West and, posed a physical threat to the German nation. There was no way to stop this alleged international Jewish conspiracy from gaining total control of the world, the Nazis reasoned, except to physically destroy every Jewish man, woman, and child. Failure to do so, Hitler believed, "would not lead to a Versailles treaty but the final destruction, indeed, to the annihilation of the German people."
When the executioners questioned their superiors about the need to kill every Jewish woman and child, Heinrich Himmler, head of the SS, claimed that he would not have been "justified in getting rid of the men-in having them put to death, in other words—only to allow their children to grow up to avenge themselves on our sons and grandsons. We have to make up our minds, hard though it may be, that this race must be wiped off the face of the earth."
For a number of reasons, we do not know the exact number of Jews who were killed. German historian Wolfgang Benz posits that there were 6,269,027, which is more than earlier studies by Jewish scholars. Six Million is the most accurate term and acceptable.
When we use 11 million or any other number than the Six Million to describe the Shoah, we are distorting the historical record. We trivialize the importance of this unprecedented event in modern history, minimize the experiences of all those who suffered and prevent a legitimate understanding of its causes and its universal implications for Western society.
The stakes are too high to misrepresent history for as Richard Rubenstein accurately noted, "Auschwitz has enlarged our conception of the state's capacity to do violence. A barrier has been overcome in what for millennia had been regarded as the permissible limits of political action.” Our continued interest and fascination with the Nazi period should keep us vigilant Jacob Talmon observed for "it is entirely possible that this is the end that awaits many races and nations -- maybe all of them. And the Jews will then prove to have been the first victim of this new experiment."
An
historian Dr. Grobman’s works include Battling for Souls: The Vaad Hatzala
Rescue Committee in Post War Europe; Denying History: Who Says The
Holocaust Never Happened? and Nations United: How the UN is Undermining
Israel and the West.
DVAR TORAH: Mattos-Maasei When two businessmen took in a Silent Partner SAN DIEGO—The Jewish people prepared for their journeys and ultimate conquest of the Land of Israel. It was a scary proposition, but they must follow Hashem's (G-d's) directives with faith and purity, and He would take care of the rest. Indeed, Hashem gave them Divine protection and success in their endeavors. The following true story bears out this very principle: There were two partners in the Jewish community in Aleppo, Syria, a century ago. It seems that one of them had started a business of dealing in antiques and other discarded items. After a few years in business, it became abundantly clear to him that he would never be able to make a go of the business on his own. The business required capital investment and cash, and he did not have the money to make a success of it. He thereupon decided to take in a partner to help him in the business. He took on a trusted and dear friend and they worked diligently together to help the business expand so that they would be able to feed their families from the profits of the endeavor. But, alas, the new partner also did not have money or capital means and the business soon tottered on the brink of bankruptcy. So the two partners decided that their only salvation was to bring into the business a third partner, one who had money to invest in the business and provide it with sufficient capitalization to allow it to grow and prosper. One of the partners was delegated to search for such a new partner, while the other remained to continue running the business. Before embarking on the search for the partner who would save the business, the man repaired to the synagogue to ask for Divine aid in finding this new partner. In the midst of his prayers, he was struck by a startling thought. He said to the Lord: "Why should I search for another partner, when you, O G-d, are the perfect partner for us? You will be our third partner, and Your share of the profits will be distributed for the support of the worthy Torah scholars and institutions of Aleppo." Delighted with his deal, he rushed back to his partner to tell him the great news. "By your facial expression I see that you found us a new partner," his partner said. "But tell me, is this partner reliable?" "He is most reliable and has never failed anyone as of yet," was the excited answer. "Does he have money for our business?" asked the suspicious partner. "Money! He has unlimited funds and can finance any endeavor," came the response. "Who is he?" asked the partner. "I cannot describe the new partner to you, nor can I give you his name. His only request is that the one-third share of the profits that is rightfully due him be distributed to the Torah scholars and institutions of Aleppo," was his answer. The partner mulled the matter over and then agreed to the new partner, unknown though he was. Miraculously, the business took a great good turn of fortune and the two partners became wealthy and kept their end of the bargain, always supporting the scholars and institutions of Torah in Aleppo. Dedicated by Avrohom & Basha in memory of her parents Shlomo Boruch ben Avrohom Zev & Bryna bas Yisroel. Also dedicated by Aryeh & Rena Greenberg to a Refuah Shelaimah for Etta Sarah bas Devorah, and Yonah Nosson Ezra Halevi ben Chana Sheva. .
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News Sleuths:
Re: Tony Blair
Date: July 13, 2007 QUESTION: Well, maybe you can enlighten as to the Quartet meeting status since the UN seems to have come out and said that Secretary General Ban will be attending one in Lisbon on the 19th. MR. CASEY: Well, enlightenment is a hard thing to come by in this building sometimes. But I did just check with her office and I can now confirm that what the UN Secretary General spokesman said -- QUESTION: He's not lying. MR. CASEY: -- is true. There will, in fact -- we understand now there will, in fact, be a Quartet meeting on the 19th in Lisbon. It will be an opportunity for the ministers to follow up on some of the work that's been done by the envoys, including -- at the envoy level, including at their meeting this past week in London. And I do understand as the statement from the Secretary General's office says that Tony Blair will, in fact, be there and that will certainly be the first opportunity for the Quartet envoys collectively to talk with him and talk a little bit about the role and mission he's going to be playing for them. QUESTION: So before -- more questions on the meeting -- does this mean that we can assume that the Secretary's other stop on the trip of the increasingly dwindling itinerary is still on? MR. CASEY: You could assume that as we said yesterday the intention at this point is to go to both Lisbon and to Ghana for her to participate in the AGOA meeting. Yeah, Kirit. QUESTION: Is the U.S. in conversation with the Europeans as to Tony Blair's mandate and what his role's going to be? There were I think ten European foreign ministers who wrote an open letter to Tony Blair in Le Monde on Monday and they seemed to encourage him to take a larger role in negotiating between the Israelis and Palestinians. MR. CASEY: Well, I think the Quartet statement issued previously when we announced this gave a general idea of what his mandate and role intends to be. I know there have been some additional discussions about that at the envoys level at their recent meeting. And I'm sure they'll have an opportunity to discuss some of the specifics of how his mission will operate and how he will function as the Quartet's envoy. But I think the mandate that's been provided by the Quartet on this is pretty clear and, again, I think it's -- what that mandate is is extremely important. It's a prerequisite for a Palestinian state to have functioning Palestinian institutions and it's certainly a prerequisite to have a Palestinian state that serves the interest of its people and that functions well. So I think that's a fairly substantial mandate to begin with. Certainly, Prime Minister Blair -- former Prime Minister Blair -- is a respected world leader with tremendous authority and someone who as the President says when he speaks people listen to him. So I'm sure the ministers and others will be happy to listen to whatever advice he has. But I believe the mandate that he's been given by the Quartet is fairly clear. It's a very substantial and important role and I know it's one he looks forward to playing. QUESTION: Have any of the European countries approached the U.S. with an effort to expand that mandate? MR. CASEY: Not that I'm aware of. But of course the EU and the EU countries are represented in -- as part -- they are part of the Quartet and certainly if there is a EU view on this issue that is different than what the EU signed on to at the time the mandate was given, I'm sure that their representatives will be happy to make that case. But it's not something that's been raised with us as far as I know. QUESTION: Were you able to check to see if Mr. Blair would be having any talks pre-Lisbon with the Secretary or -- MR. CASEY: I did and he's not scheduled to meet with anyone here. QUESTION: Okay. And then do you know -- as far as you know, is the mandate -- I'm assuming from what you said before but I just want to make sure. The mandate issue for the United States is settled and this is not something that's going to be brought up at the meeting in Lisbon. MR. CASEY: Again, the mandate as I understand it is what was put forward in the Quartet's statement and I'm not aware of any desire on anyone's part at this point, before he's even begun that work, to change it. QUESTION: Except for the letter that was signed by the ten -- MR. CASEY: Well, again, I'm referring to the members of the Quartet. And at this point I have -- there has been no discussion that I'm aware among the members of the Quartet to, again, decide to change, expand or alter the mandate of someone who has a very important job to play and who's yet to even begin that work. QUESTION: Okay. MR. CASEY: Yeah. QUESTION: But you still think he shouldn't speak directly to Hamas?
MR. CASEY:
I -- we're exactly where we were on that subject, yes.
AROUND THE
TOWN—Talk about your busy households. Three days ago Dr. Karl Jacobs
swam the Catalina Channel in about 10 hours, becoming the 134th recorded
swimmer to do so. Today, he and his family began moving to a new home in
the University City area. And in three months, he and Audrey Jacobs
are expecting their third son. To top it off, Audrey is the admissions
director for the Soille San Diego Hebrew Day School.
BASEBALL—Florida Marlins owner David Samson responded to rumors that Ichiro Suzuki's contract might be extended for five years for $100 million by the Seattle Mariners by saying such a figure would be "complete mismanagement" and a "joke. That drew a rejoinder from Mariners President Chuck Armstrong that his team has never criticized the management of another team, no matter what their personal thoughts might be. ... Mark Cuban, owner of the Dallas Mavericks basketball franchise, will be among the bidders seeking to purchase baseball's Chicago Cubs. ... Kevin Youkilis of the Boston Red Sox begins baseball season's second half with a batting average of .325, good for seventh place among the American League's batting leaders. In Thursday's 7-4 Red Sox victory over the Toronto Blue Jays, Youkilis walked and was credited with his 48th RBI, and also was responsible for a single handed double play... Shawn Green's return to regular Mets from the All-Star break was inauspicious. While the Mets defeated the Cincinnati Reds 3-2 on Thursday, Green could muster no better than a walk in four trips to the plate. He was stranded on the base baths.
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Lightning
strikes Blue Sox, pennant race tightens
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