2 July 2008

Three people were killed and over 50 wounded in a terror attack in Jerusalem shortly before noon.
Driving a bulldozer against the traffic on Jaffa Road between the Central Bus Station and the Mahane Yehuda market, a terrorist - a construction worker on Jerusalem's light rail project - plowed into cars and pedestrians as well as two public buses (Egged buslines 13 & 60) carrying some 50 passengers. Police shot and killed the terrorist.

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2 July 2008

Israel Reopens Gaza Border Crossings After Day Without Rocket Fire
 
Israel reopened four Gaza crossings on Wednesday (2 July), and for the first time in a year allowed the transfer of dry cement for construction.
 
A Kassam rocket fired from northern Gaza Monday evening (30 June) landed in an open field near Kibbutz Miflasim in the western Negev as dozens of teenagers were celebrating the beginning of summer vacation at the kibbutz's pool. No injuries or damage were reported.
Israel views the rocket fire as a clear and flagrant violation of the understandings of the "state of calm." FM Livni: "I do not care which organization fired the rocket, Israel must respond militarily and immediately." (more...)
 
An Egyptian initiative to end terrorism from the Gaza Strip and the resulting Israeli military operations led to a "state of calm," which went into effect on Thursday morning, 19 June.

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29 June 2008

The Israeli government on Sunday, 29 June 2008, approved the outline for the agreement on releasing the abducted soldiers in Lebanon:

The abducted soldiers Ehud Goldwasser and Eldad Regev will be returned to Israel, a report on the disappearance of Ron Arad will be delivered to Israel and remains from the Second Lebanon War will also be received.

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As Israel celebrates the 60th anniversary of its independence this year, the Israeli Embassy in Ottawa was excited to present its booth at the international Pavilion of the 2008 Tulip Festival.

Israel is a flourishing, modern country whose evolution has literally witnessed the desert bloom.  Israel is a passionate country whose culture and rich biblical tradition is infused with an infectious energy. 

The Israel booth at the international pavilion showcased the things that are best about Israel; its arts and culture; its keen attention to detail and innovation; the raw beauty and storied history which makes us one of the holiest places for all of the world’s major religions; and Israeli wine to delight the palate and compliment the experience perfectly.

Yom Hazikaron is a particularly important day for Israel as it marks its fallen soldiers and victims of terror. 

We remember the countless people who have given their lives fighting for ideals we can all believe in, and the tragic deaths that are attributable to senseless acts of terror.

Let Us Not Forget our Abducted Soldiers

Yom Hashoah, or Holocaust Rememberance Day, was marked in two seperate ceremonies this year at the Soloway JCC and the following day on Parliament Hill.  A crowd of close to 1000 people were addressed by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Maxime Bernier, and all of Canada's Federal Party Leaders.

Ambassador Baker reminded us that Holocaust Rememberance is essential, lest history repeat itself.