5tjt- Iranian Weapons Ship

Iranian Arms Ship Intercepted BY SAMUEL SOKOL

found on the Karine-A, captured in 2002 carrying weapons to Gaza. In July, a military court convicted former Arafat

Photo By Asaf Ravitz, Defense Ministry

Photo By Avi Rokach

An IDF spokesperson announced Wednesday morning that Israeli naval forces have intercepted an Iranian vessel, flying the Antiguan flag, carrying a cargo of weapons near Cyprus, 100 miles off the Israeli coast. The weapons, including missile systems, were disguised as civilian cargo. The ship was boarded and has been taken to the port of Ashdod for a detailed inspection. Defense Minister Barak lauded Naval commander Eliezer Marom and IDF Chief of Staff Gabi Ashkenazi for the capture of the ship. “This is another success in the incessant battle against the smuggling of arms and military buildup by terrorist organizations who threaten Israel’s security,” Barak said. According to the Palestinian Authority affiliated Maan news agency, Israeli authorities believe that the

weapons were bound for Syria. The vessel is thought to have been carrying a quantity of weaponry similar to that

financial aide Fuad Shubaki for masterminding the Karine-A affair. Shubaki stated that several key figures in the Palestinian Authority were involved in the weapons smuggling, indicating that terror is central to the Palestinian Authority’s aims. ❖

Some of shells found on ship.

Barak aboard seized arms ship.

Because the cry of [the victims of] S’dom and Gomorrah is great, and because their sin is very grievous (Bereishis 18:20) In S’dom it was decreed: “Whoever hands a piece of bread to a pauper or stranger shall be burned at stake” Plotit the daughter of Lot was married to one of the leading citizens of S’dom. One day, she saw a pauper starving in the street, and her soul was saddened over him. What did she do? Every day, when she went to draw water from the well, she would place from all the foods of her home in her pitcher and feed the pauper. But the people of S’dom wondered, “This pauper, how is he surviving?” until the matter became known and she was taken out to be burned, and her cries rose to the Divine Throne. (Pirkei d’Rabbi Eliezer, ch. 25) 78

November 6, 2009

5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES