To: bpr-list@philologos.org (BPR Mailing List)
Subject: [BPR] - Israel Wire items (5/15/00)
From: bpr-list@philologos.org("Moza")
Date: Tue, 16 May 2000 10:44:38 -0400

Israel, Italy to sign military agreement
(IsraelWire-5/15) The Israeli and Italian air forces are slated to sign an
agreement facilitating mutual training, Haaretz reported.

The agreement is the first of its kind signed by the Israel Air Force with
a western country. Security Establishment officials said on Thursday that
in light of the threat to Israel by more distant countries like Iran and
Iraq, the IAF must train over distant, unknown territories.

Last September, six Israeli F-16 and F-15 jets as well as a Hercules
freight plane landed in Italy for a short period to practice navigation.
Two months later, six Italian jets arrived in Israel, practicing emergency
airborne fueling methods along the way.

Meanwhile, according to HaTzofe, Polish Minister of Security Dr. Yanucz
visited Israel Aircraft Industries and discussed the possibility of having
Polish jets and helicopters improved by the IAI. . (Israel Consulate- NY)

Experts: Trans-Israel Highway will adversely affect water supply
(IsraelWire-5/15) Following last week's Yediot Ahronot report concerning
the dangers of toxic pollutants in the drinking water supply in Central
Israel, professors have explained the Trans-Israel Highway would further
damage our drinking water supply.

Fifteen professors, led by Yoram Avnimeleh, a former senior researcher for
the Ministry of Environmental Affairs, have expressed their expert
evaluation of the project vis-à-vis the area's drinking water. They
explained the estimated 10,000 vehicles an hour that will use the new
road, will leave behind a trail of vehicular byproducts which will include
fumes, oil residues, as well as other components used in a vehicle's
engine and car tires.

The section of the planned road between Kibbutz Einat and the Kassem
Interchange would lead to the contamination of the area's water supply.
The professors explain that for that very same reason, the Ministry of
Health to date, has not permitted the construction of residential housing
units in the area - fearing the construction would lead to contaminants
coming in contact with the wells in the area.

The professors warned that if the "appropriate precautions are not taken,"
the project might cause irreversible damage to the area wells and drinking
water supply.

Ministry of the Interior preparing to absorb SLA soldiers & families
(IsraelWire-5/15) Officials in the Ministry of the Interior are preparing
to absorb members of the Israel-allied Southern Lebanese Army and their
immediate families. As preparations for the unilateral troop withdrawal
continue, government officials continue to promise SLA officials that
Israel will not abandon its ally of over two decades and will do whatever
necessary to ensure the safety of the combatants and their families.

SLA members opting to relocate to Israel will be permitted to do so. They
will be given temporary resident cards and work permits. Those wishing to
do so may after one year apply for permanent residency.

Leaders of the Israel's Arab community, including Arab members of Knesset,
have already expressed strong opposition to plans to integrate the SLA
troops in existing Arab communities, explaining that in their eyes, the
paid mercenaries are guilty of fighting against their own people.

Recap of Sunday's Arab violence
(IsraelWire-5/15) The violent clashes between Arab rioters and Israeli
security forces continued on Sunday throughout Judea, Samaria and Gaza,
for the third consecutive day. At least one-dozen Arab rioters were
injured by rubber-coated steel bullets and/or teargas fired by Israeli
security forces whom were responding to attacks with rocks, bottles and
firebombs.

Rioters were calling upon Israel to release 1,600 Arab prisoners being
held by Israel.

The day's largest demonstration was outside Netzarim where several hundred
demonstrators marched towards the Jewish community of Netzarim and then
began attacking security forces stationed outside the community. When the
attacks escalated to firebombs, the soldiers used teargas and rubber
bullets to repel the mob. PA security forces looked on, making only a
symbolic effort to push back the rioters.

Similar riots were reported in Ramallah, at Yosh Junction, as well as in
other towns throughout Judea and Samaria.

In the autonomous city of Nablus, an effigy of Prime Minister Barak was
fired upon with life ammunition while Israeli flags were burned.

More unrest is expected on Monday when Arabs mark "Nakba" ("The
Catastrophe"), making reference to Israel's becoming a state in 1948.

Israel slipping off the most moral countries list
(IsraelWire-5/15) According to an Israel Radio report, Israel is slipping
off the list of the twenty "most moral" nations regarding its businesses
practices and public points of view. The survey, conducted by the World
Bank, measures the level of business morality in eighty countries.

The reason given is the growing number of public officials involved in
scandals on all levels of government.

Israelis barred from areas "A" on Nakba Day
(IsraelWire-5/15) Violence is expected throughout Judea, Samaria and Gaza
on Monday as Arabs mark "Nakba" ("The Catastrophe"), the day the State of
Israel was established in 1948. There has been Arab violence throughout
Yesha for the past three consecutive days, with Monday promising to bring
more of the same.

As a result, the IDF has banned all Israelis from entering into areas "A",
under total control of the PLO Authority.

War" reported at Yosh Junction
(IsraelWire-5/15-15:12-DST) The situation at Yosh Junction, in the
Benjamin Regional Council of Samaria, is being described as "war" by
Israeli forces on the scene. There is a steady exchange of gunfire between
Israeli and PLO Authority (PA) forces, and there are now confirmed reports
of an unspecified number of injuries.

Magen David Adom EMS ambulances are being dispatched to the area at the
time of this report, and military reinforcements are being dispatched as
well. IDF and other Israeli forces are under fire and members of the media
are being distanced from the area as the gunfire and violence continues to
escalate.

Earlier in the day, a senior officer of the border police was
moderately-to-seriously injured, and was transported to a Jerusalem trauma
center.

Rioters are continuing to throw stones and firebombs at Israeli troops
while PA forces, instead of working to restore order in Ramallah, are
firing at Israeli forces.

It has been confirmed that in the northern Samaria, PA troops in the
autonomous city of Jenin, also fired on Israeli forces, moderately
injuring one officer who was transported to a Haifa trauma center.

Residents of the small Southern Hebron Hills community of Negohot are also
under siege, as rioting is reported on the access road leading to the
community. The road was given away to the PA by the current
administration, placing PA forces in control of its security while the
Jews of Negohot travel on it. There are reports of massive stone-throwing
and other disturbances on the road, compelling Negohot residents to remain
where they are while Israeli forces look on helplessly, not having
jurisdiction on the approach road.

Attacks against Israeli forces are also being reported in the autonomous
city of Bethlehem, at Rachel's Tomb, as well as in Gaza, where the Jewish
community of Netzarim is under siege, with the only access road having
been shut down by the IDF during the morning hours.

Hundreds of rioting Arab residents of Gaza earlier in the day attempted to
storm the community of Netzarim, but were driven back by Israeli forces
using rubber-coated steel bullets and teargas. At least 20 rioters were
injured. The extent of their injuries remains unknown at this time. During
the past hour, dozens of firebombs and "massive quantities of stones" have
been throwing at IDF troops assigned to protect Netzarim.

IsraelWire will provide additional details as they are made available.

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To: bpr-list@philologos.org (BPR Mailing List)
Subject: [BPR] - IsraelWire items (5/16/00)
From: bpr-list@philologos.org("Moza")
Date: Tue, 16 May 2000 10:44:39 -0400

Recap of “Nakba” day throughout Yesha
(IsraelWire-5/16) May 15, 1948, the day the State of Israel was
established, is observed annually by Arabs as “Nakba”, (“The
Catastrophe”), declaring an annual day of mourning and unrest.

A DAY OF VIOLENCE
On Monday, May 15, the day was among the most violent seen in recent
Israeli history, with PLO Authority (PA) paramilitary forces declaring war
on Israeli troops and motorists in locations throughout Judea, Samaria and
Gaza. Bloodshed and violent riots and warfare were reported in Jenin, Tul
Karem, Ramallah, Yosh Junction, aimed at the communities of Bet El,
P´sagot, Negohot, in Bethlehem, at Rachel´s Tomb, Joseph´s Tomb, Atarot
Airport, Abu Dis, el-Bireh, Kalkilya and other locations. A general
commercial strike was declared to coincide with the official day of
mourning. Fatah leaders put out the word - everyone was to take to the
streets and engage IDF and border police troops in conflict.

CHRONOLY OF WARFARE
9:00am Monday morning - The IDF was forced to close the road leading to
the Gazan Jewish community of Netzarim, as hundreds of Arab protestors
began making their way to Netzarim.

10:00am - A two-minute siren sounded in all autonomous areas, calling for
reflection over the tragic day when the State of Israel was born.

10:02am - Following the siren, in a well orchestrated simultaneous event
throughout Judea, Samaria & Gaza, as many as thousands of Arabs began
pelting Israeli security forces with stone, bottles and firebombs. A
senior military intelligence officer told the Knesset Foreign Affairs &
Defense Committee that the day´s warfare was undoubtedly arranged by the
PA, with Arafat´s Fatah faction leading the attacks against soldiers.

Not long after the start of the violence, the first IDF soldier sustained
a head injury from stones, at Netzarim.

12:00pm - Violence erupts at Rachel´s Tomb, with security forces coming
under attack with rocks and firebombs.

1:00pm - First reports of Israeli forces coming under attack from PA
paramilitary forces using live ammunition.

By the early afternoon hours, reports of widespread civilian unrest and
warfare aimed at security troops, with the epicenter being at Yosh
Junction in Samaria, located on the northern border of the autonomous city
of Ramallah, 500 meters south of Bet El and opposite the IDF´s Judea &
Samaria command center.

DIPLOMATIC EFFORTS
During the evening, Prime Minister Ehud Barak spoke on the telephone with
PA Chairman Yassir Arafat, informing him that despite the passing of the
Abu Dis deal by the government and the Knesset, implementation would not
be immediate. Barak promised the Knesset that until the day´s violence was
reviewed in-depth, the handover of Abu Dis, Azariya and Swahara would not
take place.

THE DAY IN DETAIL
PA officials report at least 60 rioters were injured by rubber-coated
steel bullets in conflicts at Rachel´s Tomb.

NABLUS & JENIN
Near Nablus, hundreds of rioters attacked Israeli forces. Arab sources
report an 18-year-old rioter was killed near Jenin - many more were
injured. Rioters attempted to overrun the northern Samarian community of
Ganim but were driven back by IDF and border police troops. There were
exchanges of live gunfire. An IDF officer of the rank of major sustained
moderate injuries and was transported to the trauma center of the Rambam
Medical Center in Haifa.

GAZA
In Gaza, near Netzarim, three soldiers were lightly injured as dozens of
firebombs and countless rocks and bottles were hurled at them. Security
forces were responsible for driving back the advancing forces of hostile
locals who were trying to overrun Netzarim. When the IDF threatened to
bring armored personnel carriers, the crowd decided to comply with orders
to withdraw. Some thirty demonstrators were injured by rubber bullets.

The LAW Human Rights organization reports that overall, there were more
than 375 Arabs injured by rubber bullets, live ammunition and teargas.

The IDF Gaza Division Commander, Brig.-Gen. Yair Naveh reported that the
PA, believing it would be able to control the violence, orchestrated the
unrest.

YOSH JUNCTION
Undoubtedly, attacking forces targeted Yosh Junction as the epicenter of
the day´s warfare. For almost one-hour soldiers took cover while PA forces
fired live ammunition. When the offensive continued to escalate, the order
was given to return fire and to “shoot to kill” those persons firing live
ammunition. All efforts to arrange a cease-fire via PA officials serving
in the District Coordinating Office were in vain, with the offensive
continuing to gain in intensity with time.

Shots were fired into the civilian communities of Bet El and P´sagot,
which borders Ramallah/El-Bireh, and residents in both locations were
ordered to immediate take cover, realizing they too were under siege. At
least one car, traveling from Bet El to Dolev, was fired upon, with no
less than two shots hitting the vehicle. PA snipers ascended to rooftops,
to enable to get a better shot at the homes of “settlers” in Bet El, as
well as the IDF Judea & Samaria Command. Fortunately, in all attacks
against the civilian communities, IDF base and motor vehicles, there were
no injuries. Students attending school in Bet El were ordered into their
rooms. Gunshots were heard as helicopters flew overhead. No one was
certain what was taking place, but the children quickly understood they
were under attack. This was not a drill. The community quickly put into
effect the procedure that has been reviewed many times in the past. The
gates were closed and a state of alert was declared.

IDF Commander of Forces in Judea & Samaria, Brig.-Gen. Shlomo Oren
stated
that throughout the morning, his troops used restraint, enduring a great
deal, making certain never to use live ammunition, but only the minimum
force necessary to repel attacks. Oren stated he could actually see PA
forces take up position as they prepared for the armed assault with live
ammunition, changing the ground rules of the day.

5:00pm -It was already confirmed that at least six PA paramilitary forces
had been killed. The situation continues to escalate. By this time, at
least two Arab civilians involved in attacks against security forces are
confirmed to have been killed. Eleven IDF soldiers have been injured, with
two reported in moderate condition.

An update received at 4:38pm from Yael Bosem-Levy, spokesperson for
Hadassah Hospital in Ein Kerem, Jerusalem, indicates the border policeman
brought in earlier is listed in moderate/stable condition, an IDF soldier
is listed in light condition and an unidentified third victim of gunfire
is in serious condition, still under the care of the trauma team. The
third victim is identified as an Arab journalist employed by a German
media station.

KNESSET DEBATE CONTINUES
Despite a request from Shas leader Minister Eli Yishai, Prime Minister
Ehud Barak rejects any attempt to postpone the Knesset vote on the giving
away of Abu Dis, Azariya and Swahara. The government, earlier in the day,
had already approved the ‘good-will´ deal to the PA in advance of the
final status negotiations.

6:00pm - Parked cars in Bet El, the sentry post and at least one home, all
come under attack by live gunfire. An Israeli vehicle traveling from Bet
El to Dolev is fired upon. Two shot hit the car. There are no casualties.
Bet El residents are ordered not to travel the area in any vehicle not
armor-plated against gunfire.

Rioting and warfare continue throughout Yesha. Senior officials believe
that although orchestrated by Arafat, he and his PA have lost control.

7:00pm - Combat helicopters take to the air over the skies of Ramallah and
Yosh Junction. The PA is given an ultimatum, either control the situation
immediately or be fired upon from the air. The PA forces firing at Israeli
troops immediately retreat and the first signs of quiet in many hours are
seen.

Hadassah officials report that a 21-year-old soldier, wounded at Yosh,
arrived at the trauma unit shortly after 6:00pm with a gunshot wound to
his neck. The soldier, who was conscious, was reported in moderate/stable
condition.

The violence at Netzarim Junction in Gaza has ceased and the area is
reported quiet at this time.

ABU DIS DEAL PASSES THE KNESSET
7:30pm - The Knesset votes on the Abu Dis deal, passing it by a 56 to 48
with one abstention and 15 legislators absenting themselves from the vote.

JOSEPH´S TOMB/OD YOSEF CHAI YESHIVA UNDER ATTACK
9:00pm - Soldiers stationed at Joseph´s Tomb come under attack. One
soldier is lightly wounded by gunfire and another by stones. One Arab is
shot and killed and according to PA officials, four are injured by IDF
gunfire. Not wishing to see a repeat of the September 1996 PA assault on
Joseph´s Tomb, during which eight soldiers were killed and the complex set
ablaze, the IDF orders helicopters and a tank to the scene. The tank is
strategically positioned, but not before attackers successfully throw a
firebomb inside, causing significant damage.

9:45pm - Israel Television and Radio are reported renewed violence at
Rachel´s Tomb, Atarot Airport, Abu Dis and at Joseph´s Tomb.

10:00pm - IDF forces have repelled attackers at the airport and a tense
quiet in reported at the Od Yosef Chai Yeshiva.

Residents of the small Southern Hebron Hills community of Negohot are told
they may not return to their homes. IDF commanders realize that the
two-kilometer (1.2 mile) road heading to the community was too dangerous
since the Barak government handed it over to total PA control. In the
event of an attack against Negohot residents, IDF forces do not have
jurisdiction on the road under total PA control, leading to the decision
to order residents not to return to their homes.

THE EXPERTS REVIEW THE DAY
Senior commanders assigned to the Central Command believe that Tuesday
will bring another day of violence, which will accompany funeral services.

IDF intelligence officials tell members of the Knesset Foreign Affairs &
Defense Committee that the violence will most likely dissipate over the
coming days.

Five members of the IDF and border police were wounded by gunfire and
seven by stones. Four are listed in moderate condition and the remainder
are listed in light condition - having been injured by stones and bottles.
Included among the wounded were 4 officers of the border police, 3 border
policemen, & 6 IDF soldiers.

Israel Radio reports that three Arabs were killed and 180 were wounded.
Arab sources report over 370 wounded.

ORDERS OF THE DAY
Ø Residents of Yesha communities are ordered to exercise increased
caution when traveling to and from their homes. Residents of communities
that came under fire, such as Bet El, were instructed not to travel in
vehicles that are not bulletproof. Ø Israelis are barred from entering
into areas “A”, under total PA control. Ø Military commanders stated they
hold a grave view of the attacks aimed at security forces on Monday.
Ø Security forces remain on high alert. Ø Senior commanders have warned
that any additional attacks would be met with swift and decisive
responses, as was the case Monday.

IsraelWire will provide additional details on events throughout Yesha as
they are made available.

Ben-Ami confirms reports of secret talks
(IsraelWire-5/16) According to an Israel Radio report, Minister of
Internal Security Shlomo Ben-Ami has confirmed reports that he is engaged
in ‘secret´ talks with PLO Authority (PA) officials in Stockholm. The
senior minister stated that his talks did not involve the handing over of
any lands in the Jerusalem area.

Ben-Ami added that in his opinion, recent events do not dictate that any
parties withdraw from the coalition.

In Brief - Firebomb thrown at Israeli security troops at Aram Junction
(IsraelWire-5/16-10:15-DST) A firebomb and stones have been hurled at
Israeli forces stationed at Aram Junction, south of el-Bireh, over the
past hour. There were no reports of injuries.

Border police arrest Arab carrying IDF uniform
(IsraelWire-5/16) On the Minharot road, near the southernmost Jerusalem
neighborhood of Gilo, border police on Tuesday morning arrested an Arab
man carrying a bag containing an IDF uniform and information pertaining to
the use of various weapons.

The man has been taken for questioning. No additional details are
available at this time.

Security forces are on increased alert status in anticipation of another
day of Arab violence.

Minimal Arab violence reported Tuesday morning
(IsraelWire-5/16) Border police in Tul Karem were attacked by Arab
stone-throwers on Tuesday morning. They responded by firing rubber-coated
steel bullets. PLO Authority (PA) forces arrived quickly, dispersing the
demonstrators.

At the Aram Junction, north of Jerusalem, border police were attacked by
stone-throwers. There were no injuries.

On the border of the PA autonomous city of Jenin and “Israel proper,”
demonstrators burned tires.

In a related matter, Yaakov Or, the IDF´s coordinator of activities in
Judea, Samaria & Gaza, met on Tuesday morning with senior PA officials in
Ramallah. They reviewed the violent events of Monday.

Day five of Arab violence begins - 1:00pm report
(IsraelWire-5/16) Arabs in Hebron have begun attacking Israeli security
forces in that city, at several locations. Arab stone-throwers are
attacking security troops posted at Shoter Junction and in the Casbah.
Security forces are firing teargas and rubber-coated steel bullets. Three
rioters were lightly injured.

Firebombs are being hurled at security forces and the area is beginning to
become increasingly hostile. Security officials report PLO Authority (PA)
security forces are doing little to curtail the violence.

In the Ramallah area, PLO Authority (PA) security forces are preventing
demonstrators from approaching Yosh Junction to avoid a repeat of Monday´s
unprecedented violence.

In Samaria, stone-throwing attacks against Ariel are coming from the
village of Salfit. Security troops are confronting tens of demonstrators
that tried to break through the fence of the city. There were no reports
of injuries.

“Incidents” of stone-throwing and tire burning and limited violence are
being reported at this time in the Jenin and Kalkilya areas.

In the Benjamin Regional Council of Samaria, Wallerstein Road is closed
due to the volume of stone-throwing attacks against Israeli motorists. The
road bridges the eastern and western portions of the regional council.

Intermittent stone-throwing attacks are also being reported south of
el-Bireh, at the Arak and Aram Junctions.

Earlier in the day, security forces at Aram Junction in northern Jerusalem
were attacked by stone-throwers and demonstrators burned tires in the
Jenin area. There were no reports of injuries.

Israeli security officials report that for the most part, PA forces are
working to contain violence and have stated with caution, they do not
believe today´s violence will escalate to the level of Monday´s violence.

Deputy Commander Yisrael Yitzhak, the commander of border police forces in
Judea & Samaria confirms the reports, adding it appears that the day will
not reach the level of warfare witnessed on Monday. Yitzhak added that the
response by security forces on Monday was one of preparedness, as is
evident by the results of the day´ events.

IsraelWire will provide additional details as they are made available.

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To: bpr-list@philologos.org (BPR Mailing List)
Subject: [BPR] - 'The Vision Of Pentecost Beckons Us Towards Christ'
From: bpr-list@philologos.org("Shophar_Sho_Good")
Date: Tue, 16 May 2000 10:02:20 -0500

{Underlining added : Is this the precursor to "go along to get
along"/"peace at any cost"/comprimise your scriptural basis so as not
to "offend" anyone in the "global community" ???} ,...Shophar

'The Vision Of Pentecost Beckons Us Towards Christ'

http://www.africanews.org/atlarge/stories/20000515/20000515_feat3.html

May 15, 2000

Geneva - On May 5, the World Council of Churches WCC released the
message below of the Presidents of the WCC at Pentecost 2000. The
message was signed by eight WCC officials:

"Grace and peace to you in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ! Since
the dawning of Easter morning Christians around the world have been
celebrating the glorious resurrection of Christ and Christ's undying
love and mercy.

"Together we give thanks for these powerful redemptive gifts that
bind us together as Christian brothers and sisters. We rejoice as the
church continues to form and renew its life in Christ and to proclaim
Christ risen to a world in need.

"As we engage anew the ancient festival of Pentecost, we hold the
Easter promise of resurrected life together with our summoning by the
Holy Spirit to be the body of Christ. We acknowledge that the gifts
of God in Christ inevitably bring us into fellowship and instruct us
in the quality of our relationship.

"The Holy Spirit reminds us at Pentecost that we are not able to live
for Christ independent of each other any more than we are able to be
faithful to Christ without loving one another.

"In the second chapter of Acts we hear again this foundational story
of Pentecost. The Holy Spirit, ever active in creation, made the
risen Christ known to many and drew them together in community. Those
gathered were both amazed and perplexed.

"The Spirit took them to a place beyond what was comfortable and
expected to a deeper level of relationship. On that day the Spirit
united persons across many boundaries of culture, race, and language
such that Christ was central in the hearts of all.

"The witness of the apostles flowing from Pentecost would continue to
take down many walls and make plain that the circle of Christ's love
embraces rather than excludes. This vision of Pentecost beckons and
compels us still as followers of Christ.

"This vision of Pentecost has also eluded us. In this millennial year
we continue to face the reality that we have defied the Spirit's gift
of unity both in Christ's church and in God's world. We still must
confess the ways that we have allowed our Christian faith and our
silence to be used for means that lead to death instead of abundant
life.

"We must admit that often we live as if Christ's grace and love for
us can somehow be kept from persons we perceive to be different from
ourselves. We continue to build walls instead of God's realm.

"Yet fuelled by the Holy Spirit at Pentecost, the church can shape a
different future for the sake of the world. We can offer together an
alternative to the deadly forces that would divide us as a human
family in the name of greed and power.

"For when we hear and heed the summons of the Spirit, we become a
sign of the eternal reign of God, a community extending the grace,
hope, love, and justice of Christ. When we continue to practice our
unity in the Spirit within the church, we create a gift of peace to
extend to the world. Clearly, we live in an increasingly complex and
global community.

"We must be more acutely mindful that our web of human relationship
extends far beyond persons like ourselves to neighbours of other
cultures and other faiths and to those who walk many other paths.

"We are not faithful to Christ when we ignore the demands for peace
these relationships place on us and fail to respond with the love of
God. The Holy Spirit comes at Pentecost as the rush of a mighty wind.
As all persons know from experience with storms, wind can be
amazingly destructive.

"Yet wind is also an essential force in nature that brings new life.
We pray that in this Pentecost season the Holy Spirit might blow down
the walls that need to fall and fill us with new hope, courage, and
faith".

The WCC officials were Dr Agnes Abuom ( Nairobi, Kenya), Rev Kathryn
Bannister (Bison, KS, USA), Rt Rev Jabez L. Bryce (Suva, Fiji) and
H.E. Metr Chrysostomos of Ephesus (Athens, Greece).

The others were H.H. Ignatius Zakka I Iwas (Damascus, Syria), Dr Kang
Moon-Kyu (Seoul, Korea), Bishop Federico J. Pagura, Rosario
(Argentine) and Bishop Eberhardt Renz (Stuttgart, Germany). ?

_________________________
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To: bpr-list@philologos.org (BPR Mailing List)
Subject: [BPR] - Holy water on your telecard
From: bpr-list@philologos.org("Shophar_Sho_Good")
Date: Tue, 16 May 2000 10:03:26 -0500

Holy water on your telecard

By Judy Siegel

http://www.jpost.com/Editions/2000/05/15/Business/Business.6664.html

JERUSALEM (May 15) - Plastic phone cards costing $6 to $12, each
carrying a gram of "holy water" from the Jordan River, are being sold
by a Jerusalem company to Christian pilgrims as a millennium souvenir
or amulet. They are on display among hundreds of other phone cards in
the recently issued Lapiner Catalog 2000 of Israeli Telecards.

Former Bezeq official Moshe Lapiner, who wrote and edited the new
catalog, says that prepaid phone cards are increasingly popular among
collectors, and their current value - especially in mint condition -
is many times that of the face value. Israeli phone cards are popular
among traders not only here but also abroad.

The third Lapiner catalog, costing NIS 69 when ordered from POB 3602,
91031 Jerusalem), is in full color and in Hebrew and English. Not
only Bezeq telecards for local use appear, but also those produced
for overseas use by Bezeq International, Barak, Golden Lines,
Cellcom, and other telecommunications companies.

Lapiner was one of the founders of the Israel Telecard Collectors
Society, which helped publish the catalogue.

Lapiner lists unintentional errors printed on some cards, which make
them especially valuable. The first Bezeq telecards appeared in 1990.

The catalog contains the range of serial numbers of issued cards and
the quantities of those produced. Phone cards are made of a special
black material that allows ultraviolet rays to penetrate, with a
layer of aluminum on the front. Serial numbers representing the year
and month they were issued and the number in the series appear on the
back.

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