Israel in the Gardens

About 60 activists showed from the Justice In Palestine Coalition. Interestingly, very few were of Arab origin. They numbered about one third of what they produced last year
http://www.justiceinpalestine.net/

The Justice In Palestine Coalition made it clear that their objection is not to disputed territories but to Israel\'s birth in 1948

JIP set up in front of a church on a Sunday morning. Parishoners had to be escorted out after the church service

In contrast to all other refugee groups, the Palestinians demand that the grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and all further descendants of Arabs that left Israel in the War of Independence be allowed to flood into Israel

One woman got into a confrontation with the police and appeared to almost get arrested. She has been an aggressor at many previous events.

The Women In Black held a vigil outside the event gates. They claim to not want to be enemies. They actions speak otherwise.

http://bayareawomeninblack.org/

Really, it is Hamas's wall. The barrier enjoys widespread support in Israel, including in the Arab sector, for its reduction in terror attacks. The militant groups and their supporters hate it.

http://www.seamzone.mod.gov.il/Pages/ENG/default.htm

Once again, San Francisco Voice for Israel was on hand to counter protest.

http://www.sfvoiceforisrael.org/

Israel said Arafat and the terror war was the problem. As soon as Arafat died, Israel has resumed peace negotiations.

Over 50% of Jews in Israel are indigenous to the Middle East or North Africa. Most fled for their lives from Arab lands following the establishment of the State of Israel.

http://www.jimena-justice.org/

While their politics are as far left as one can go and still be Zionist, Tikkun members still feel most comfortable surrounded by Israeli flags and by Jews.

http://www.tikkun.org/

One of Israel\'s hottest bands for twenty years, Mashina rocked the house. Many in the audience sang along to every word.

http://www.mashina.com/

Mashina speaks out for the nation
By VIVA SARAH PRESS

MASHINA
Romantica Atidanit
(Helicon)

Mashina, one of this country\'s greatest pop-rock bands, has a new album; Romantica Atidanit (Futuristic Romance). The release of the band\'s 14th album comes 10 years after the five guys - Yuval Banai, Avner Hodorov, Michael Benson, Igi Dayan and Shlomi Bracha - called it quits in May 1995.

As any good fan of Israeli music knows, Mashina started its comeback in 2003 with a much hyped, sold-out concert series. The band taped those performances for an eventual DVD and earlier this year won the prize for DVD of the Year at the Israel Music Awards.

Since its inception in 1985, the band has built a reputation as bearers of the national spirit.

\"Just like in the good times in the past, Mashina succeeds in reflecting the spirit of the times on this album too. It is difficult to think of a band for whom the term \'Israeliness\' is more appropriate. Not surprisingly, the feeling on this album is of despair, loss, hope and melancholy; the lyrics create a forlorn picture of a generation that has had enough,\" writes Y-net News about the latest release.

The song \"Ani Af\" (I Fly) demonstrates these feelings best. The band sings: \"I no longer have strength outside is dangerous/ I want to go but have nowhere else to go/ I live within a frame, fight without tears in a place without borders.\"

The band is jetting off to North America next month for eight concerts in support of the new album. The five will return in July to perform at the Caesarea Amphitheater.

While the group recently signed exclusive rights to its music over to mobile phone provider Cellcom, Romantica Atidanit is not in the least a commercial sell-out. In fact, the songs here are anything but suitable for ring-tones.

Moreover, those who liked Mashina\'s catchy single, \"Mashe\'hu Katan Ve\'tov,\" which was written for the comeback two years ago, should know that it doesn\'t appear on the new album. The song, while a radio success, wouldn\'t suit the atmosphere of Romantica Atidanit. Instead, listeners are treated to 12 terrific tracks, including \"Balash Detective,\" \"Ayzeh Yom Yafeh,\" \"Hatshuva\" and the title track.

Both those who followed Mashina back in the Eighties and their new fans will definitely find something to enjoy in this album.

http://www.jpost.com/servlet/Satellite?pagename=JPost/JPArticle/ShowFull&cid=1117333096635