Blog about politics (mideast and pro-Israel, Canadian and local Montreal), world events, and random thoughts.

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The World I Know is updated on a semi-regular basis by segacs.

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3:11 PM
Sorry... for the lack of blogging these days. I'm coming off a rather crazy week at work, plus trying to get over the hockey loss and enjoy the sunshine. Normality should resume soon.

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9:56 PM
It's over.

Yes, sadly, the dream ended for the Habs tonight in a 3-1 loss to the Lightning, completing their sweep in 4 games.

*Sigh*.

I couldn't bear to watch. I think it's almost better that I didn't. It would've been nice to at least win one game, but after Tuesday I think we all pretty much knew it was over, and so why postpone the inevitable?

There's always next season... we hope.

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10:14 PM
16 FRIGGIN' SECONDS!!!!!!

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8:27 PM
Russell Crowe's big gesture:

Gotta give him props for this one: Russell Crowe has pledged aid to Talmud Torah in the wake of the firebombing. Apparently the movie star, who was filming in Toronto, heard about the hate crime and phoned the principal of the school to lend his support:

Tough guy actor Russell Crowe was so upset by a fire-bombing at a Jewish elementary school in Montreal, he called the school to offer a donation to help rebuild its library, a school spokeswoman said on Tuesday.

[ . . . ]

"He said he was very upset about what had happened that a place of learning should be attacked that way," Paris said.

"He wanted to make sure that our students knew that he was thinking about them and that he was very upset about the fire-bombing," Paris said.

I was starting to think that there were no Hollywood actors left with any kind of a conscience. Even if it was a publicity stunt, this is refreshing.

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9:24 AM
Happy 56th Birthday, Israel!



Today is Yom Ha'Atzmaut - Israeli Independence Day.

In Israel and in Jewish communities around the world, the blue and white will be displayed prominently as everyone celebrates.

For the first time this year, I unfortunately won't be able to make it to the Israel Solidarity Rally taking place this morning in Montreal. Work obligations, you know. It's disappointing because the last couple of years were incredible, and I would've liked to go today. If you're reading this and would like to go, there's still time - it's starting at 11am at Phillips Square, and there are free busses from all the major departure points.

In the meantime, I'd like to share the words of President Moshe Katsav on the occasion of the 56th Yom Ha'Atzmaut:

Message to the Jewish Communities from the President of the state of Israel Mr. Moshe Katsav on the Occasion of the state of Israel's 56th Independence Day

Dear Friends,

On the 56th anniversary of the State of Israel, we are proud of our achievements, despite the difficulties and the obstacles which the Jewish State has faced. The State of Israel is a leading country in the fields of science, technology, medicine and agriculture and we serve as an example to many nations. Israel's democracy is strong. We have absorbed millions of new immigrants from all over the world, some of whom arrived without any possessions, and we provided all with housing, education, social security and health care. The citizens of Israel still suffer from brutal terrorism, but Israeli society maintains its strength and vitality and the State of Israel continues to flourish as a modern, Jewish and democratic country.

The security situation in Israel, along with global macroeconomic fluctuations, has been detrimental to Israel's economy in the last few years. However, we are already witnessing signs of recovery. Israel's economy is based on strong foundations which will lead to growth. We have undertaken to protect the weaker strata of society, as befits the values of a well-ordered state.

I feel greater unity among the Jewish people in Israel. I sense the solidarity of the Jewish communities abroad toward Israel. The numerous visits of community leaders and representatives and those of young Jewish students, strengthen us and enrich the relations between us and the mutual dialogue which characterizes the relations between Israel and the Jewish People in the Diaspora.

Fifty-six years after the regaining of Jewish sovereignty in the land of Israel, despite the anger, disappointments and frustration of the last years, Israeli society remains united, determined and full of belief in our ongoing search for a just peace with our neighbors.

I wish the Jewish people in Israel and the Diaspora a happy Independence Day on which we look forward to the continued realization of the sovereign aims of the State of Israel and the realization of the dreams and prayers of the Jewish People in every generation.

I will be proudly singing Hatikva and wearing blue and white today. With so much to mourn, it's all the more necessary to celebrate.

Update: Shai has a great list of 56 things that give Israel its unique character (via Harry).

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5:25 PM
New York, New York . . . was nice.

I headed down there over the weekend, and I managed to squeeze some city exploring in between the business I had to do. It's been a number of years since my last visit, and I can't get over how much the city has changed. Not just the conspicuous absence of a couple of towers. But also how much more patriotic everyone seems. And how clean the city is in general, compared to what I remember from my last time there. Still expensive though. That hasn't changed.

At any rate, I missed a bunch of news over the weekend, and rather than play catch-up, I'll post a few links:

Allison, Lynn, and Harry commemmorate Yom HaZikaron. Barry has been all over the North Korean train crash story. David weighs in on the abortion debate. And Meryl tries to take back the F-word from the nutbags. (In case you're wondering, the F-word in question is feminism.)

In other news, seems like the only Habs fan cheering these days is none other than Vinny Lecavalier. *Sigh*.

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