He stole the "patent" from Hitler ...
A RADICAL Islamic cleric blew himself up in the Gaza Strip yesterday after a shootout with security forces in which 28 people were killed and 150 injured.
Abdul-Latif Moussa was the head of a group inspired by Al-Qaeda in the southern town of Rafah, near the Egyptian border. He defied Hamas, the Islamic party that has controlled Gaza since it seized power in 2007, during a sermon at Friday prayers by declaring Rafah an “Islamic emirate” where even stricter theocratic rule would apply.
This was a direct challenge to the authority of Hamas, which ordered the mosque to be stormed. Residents of the town, which is still sealed off, described a night of terrifying violence. Flares lit up the night sky as Hamas machinegun fire and rocket-propelled grenades slammed into the mosque.
Moussa, a doctor as well as a cleric, died after a negotiator was sent at dawn yesterday to agree terms of surrender. Moussa was wearing a suicide vest and blew up both himself and the mediator, according to witnesses. Among the dead were three children and six Hamas security men.
Taher al-Nono, a Hamas spokesman, said: “We hold Moussa and his followers fully responsible for what happened because of his hasty declaration during Friday prayers of a so-called Islamic emirate.”
Tensions have been rising in Gaza since the Israeli offensive in December and January. Groups such as Moussa’s Jund Ansar Allah (Soldiers of the Companions of God) are inspired by Al-Qaeda and want to launch more direct attacks on Israel. The clashes reflect the frustration of many younger Gaza residents at what they see as the soft approach of their leaders towards Israel. Hamas hopes for international acceptance and the lifting of the Israeli embargo, which has crippled the impoverished territory.
“I’m certain that once the long-awaited American peace plan is launched, more and more militants will leave Hamas to join Al-Qaeda-linked groups,” said Matti Steinberg, an Israeli expert on terrorism.
Hamas confirmed that among the dead was Abu-Jibril Shimali, one of its leading commanders, whom Israel says orchestrated the capture three years ago of Sergeant Gilad Shalit, an Israeli soldier still being held by Hamas.
Give them guns and a lot of ammo!
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A Hafla is a Middle Eastern Dance party, and everyone enjoys a party right? So have a Hafla! It can be held in someone's living room, around a campfire in the woods or maybe a private room in a restaurant, as long as there is Middle Eastern Dance, Music and Food. You might have a theme, such as scenes along the banks of the Nile, a Desert Oasis, a Sultan's Harem, an ancient Temple or maybe a Nomad's camp. You can decorate the space simply, with veils, rugs and potted plants. Feel free to ask the guests to bring something to add to the ambiance. It's the enjoyment of the participants that should be the focus. Shared experience builds a sense of community, and it's the gathering together of people that creates shared experience.
With "fire works" and the whole LOT!...
..Israeli Shekel Exchange
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