U.S. condemns possible Syrian transfer of SCUDS to Hezbollah

"The United States condemns in the strongest terms the transfer of any arms, and especially ballistic missile systems such as the SCUD, from Syria to Hezbollah," the statement, issued by State Department spokesman Gordon Duguid, said.

The State Department said this was the fourth time in recent months that Washington has raised the issue with the Syrian Embassy.


The U.S. statement was a strong warning to Damascus, saying that weapons transfers were an obstacle to the peace process between Israel and the Palestinians and noting that Syria's designation as a "state sponsor of terrorism" was tied to its support for groups such as Hezbollah.

"We call for an immediate cessation of any arms transfers to Hezbollah and other terrorist organizations in the region."

"We wouldn't have called them in if we didn't think something was going on," the [U.S.]official said.
-- Reuters  April 19, 2010  http://www.reuters.com/article/idUSTRE63J01J20100420

Statement by President on Israel Independence Day

THE WHITE HOUSE

Office of the Press Secretary

_______________________________________________________________________________________

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

April 19, 2010



Statement by President on Israel Independence Day



On the 62nd Anniversary of the establishment of the State of Israel, I join the American people in congratulating the government and people of Israel on this celebration of their independence.  Minutes after David Ben-Gurion declared Israel’s independence, realizing the dream of a state for the Jewish people in their historic homeland, the United States became the first country to recognize Israel.  To this day, we continue to share a strong, unbreakable bond of friendship between our two nations, anchored by the United States’ enduring commitment to Israel’s security.  Israel remains our important partner and key strategic ally in the Middle East, and I am confident that our special relationship will only be strengthened in the months and years to come.  I look forward to continuing our efforts with Israel to achieve comprehensive peace and security in the region, including a two-state solution, and to working together to counter the forces that threaten Israel, the United States, and the world.  On this day, we once again honor the extraordinary achievements of the people of Israel, and their deep and abiding friendship with the American people. I offer my best wishes to President Peres, Prime Minister Netanyahu, and the people of Israel as they celebrate this happy occasion.



 

PM Netanyahu's message to the Diaspora communities for Israel Independence Day 2010

Israel’s Independence Day celebrates a double miracle in the life of the Jewish people.  The first miracle is the restoration of Jewish sovereignty.  There is no other example that I know of in the history of nations in which a scattered people, practically left for dead, has been able to re-assert its national life.  The second miracle is what we’ve done since the establishment of the Jewish state.  Israel is fast becoming a regional economic power and one of the world’s leading technological powers. All the powers of creativity and genius in the Jewish people are bursting forth in every area: in science; in technology; in medicine; in the arts.  This great burst of creativity promises a great future for the Jewish people and for all mankind.  This double miracle is a testament to the life-force of the Jewish people.  It’s a testament to the deep wells of hope we carry inside us and to the deep connection that we have both to our past and to our future.  The two miracles that have already occurred are only the beginning.  If we stand together, if we remain committed to our common destiny, there’s nothing we cannot achieve.

What's so special about Israel?

Five (5) Israels fit into one Iowa.  Independent only 62 years, with 1/1000th of the world's population,  surrounded by enemies, under constant threat and possessing almost no natural resources.What's so special about Israel?  Take a look!




Source:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SGUxzISr9Us&feature=player_embedded 
Producer: aish.com                                      
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