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Why "This Night" Is Still Different
by Gerald M. Steinberg
 The attempt to deprive [Israel of its ancient] history denies the link between the Jewish people and the Land of Israel. Jews are portrayed not as the indigenous people returning to their homeland, but as "imperialists" and "neo-colonialists," while the history, including the Exodus, is downgraded to the status of "myth." The Pessah Seder is our collective opportunity to reclaim and reassert Jewish history and the centrality of this legacy. As Ben-Gurion told the diplomatic jury in 1947: "Jews worldwide still eat matza for seven days from the 15th of Nisan, and retell the story of the Exodus, concluding with the fervent wish, 'Next Year in Jerusalem.' This is the nature of the Jewish people." (Jerusalem Post)
The Latest Zionist Conspiracy; Hamas Explains Why American Christians Support Israel
by Mark D. Tooley
 A prominent Hamas leader has explained why most American Christians support Israel. "Even the churches where the Americans pray are led by Jews who were converted to Christianity," said Sheikh Mohammad Abu Tir (pictured). Jewish control of the media is, of course, old hat. Jewish control of the churches, however, is a new twist. It is possible that religious Americans have an innately strong attachment to democracy and human rights. (Weekly Standard)
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Hamas: Politics, Charity, and Terrorism in the Service of Jihad
by Matthew Levitt
 The notion that Hamas' military, political, and social "wings" are distinct from one another is belied by ample evidence. Hamas meets in its own mosques and hospitals to plan terror attacks, buries caches of arms and explosives under its own schoolyard playgrounds, and transfers and launders funds for terrorist activity through local charity committees. The social welfare organizations of Hamas answer to the same political leaders who play hands-on roles in Hamas terrorist attacks. (Washington Institute for Near East Policy)
Reevaluate Birthright Israel
by David Forman
 Short-term solutions do not solve long-term failures. The influence of birthright israel will remain marginal unless it serves one purpose only: aliya. This goal should be the main principle behind all Diaspora Jewish education, including Jewish day schools; and they have a far greater possibility of encouraging aliya than does birthright. If North American Jews wish to reclaim their Jewish self, they will have to follow the path of the Jewish tradition, which requires them to earn their birthright; and like Jacob "become Israel" by ultimately moving to the Jewish state - the singular prescription for long-term Jewish success. (Jerusalem Post)
See also Claiming My "Birthright" by Daniel Bank
I went on birthright this past January and can assure Mr. Forman and your readers that the program is working. Since going to Israel my love for and loyalty to Israel and its cause has strengthened tremendously. When my parents saw the pride I felt when I got off the plane, they realized it was time for them to visit Israel. (Jerusalem Post)
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