News Digest — 11/22/21
2 Terror Attacks Sunday: One Israeli Killed, Four Wounded, One Stabbed
Early Sunday morning (21st), a Hamas terrorist opened fire at Israelis in the Old City of Jerusalem, killing Eliyahu Kay, 26, an Oleh from South Africa, and wounding four others, one of whom was seriously injured and is in life-threatening condition.
The terrorist, a member of Hamas, was killed by Israeli forces on site.
The dead man Eliyahu Kay was on his way to work when killed by a member of the Hamas terror organization. One of the wounded was seriously injured and the others are in moderate condition.
The police have boosted their forces in the capital fearing further attacks.
In a second attack Sunday afternoon, a 67-year-old man was stabbed five times while walking with his wife in Jaffa, Israel media reported, in what was later confirmed as a terrorist attack.
The victim’s wife was not injured, according to the Magen David Adom paramedics. The victim was first treated at the scene by medics who stopped the bleeding and administered medicine. The victim was then transferred to the hospital for further treatment.
The suspect robbed his victim before fleeing the scene, which initially led investigators to believe the motive to be criminal. After launching a manhunt and arresting the suspect, an 18-year-old illegal immigrant from Jenin, police later announced the incident was a terrorist attack.
(tps.co.il, Times of Israel)
Shooting Victim Eli Kay – Passionate Zionist, Heart Always Open To His Friends
An ardent Zionist dedicated to the Jewish people and the Land of Israel, and a close devoted friend, is how Eli Kay, who was shot dead by a Hamas terrorist on Sunday (21st) was remembered by his firends.
Several of Eli’s friends and comrades from the IDF, as well as his commanding officer, spoke of his warm and friendly nature and of his deep sense of mission in contributing to the Jewish State.
Eli made aliyah from South Africa in 2016 by himself, studied at a Chabad yeshiva in Kiryat Gat and then enlisted in the army.
The IDF initially refused to allow him to serve in a combat unit because of certain medical issues but Eli was insistent and was eventually allowed to join the Paratroopers Brigade in the “Arrow” company and served part of his stint along the Gaza border.
Michaya Beasley, who was Eli’s deputy company commander, described him as totally reliable, uncomplaining, and the hardest working member of his unit, who motivated not only his fellow soldiers but his officers too.
One of Eli’s friends and fellow soldier, Moshe Dassa, said that Eli was much loved by soldiers and commanders alike, describing him as a charismatic soldier who was “accepted as a leader” by his peers.
“He was very alive, he loved people, he loved connecting with his friends, his heart was always open to all of us,” said Dassa.
“It’s hard to find people like Eli – he was unique, one of the righteous people of this world, it’s impossible to describe him,” he added.
Kay, who was employed at the Western Wall as a tour guide since serving in the IDF, was shot dead by a Hamas gunman, while walking to work Sunday morning (21st). According to Eli’s family, he and his fiance were anticipating getting married soon.
Eliyahu Kay’s funeral took place Monday morning (22nd) at Hamenuchot cemetery in Jerusalem at 11:00 a.m.
Hundreds Of Arabs Marched In Eastern Jerusalem In Support Of Hamas Gunman
Hundreds of Palestinians marched through Shuafet in East Jerusalem on Sunday (21st) in support of the Hamas gunman who shot and killed one Israeli and wounded four others in the capital’s Old City.
The rally was initiated by the Hamas terrorist organization in an area that is under full Israeli control.
Demonstrators marched through the main street of the town towards Fadi Abu Shkhaydam’s home, the 42-year-old schoolteacher who carried out the attack Sunday morning (21st) killing one and injuring four Israelis. Shkhaydam was killed by Israeli security forces.
The crowd set fire to tires and threw rocks at Border Police forces that arrived at the scene while chanting “The martyrs are going to Jerusalem in the millions” praising the Hamas military wing. Residents also called for a general strike in the neighborhood on Monday (22nd).
Israeli security forces knew that Abu Shkhaydam was a Hamas member, but he was never arrested by the Shin Bet domestic security agency.
He worked as a teacher and frequented the Al Aqsa Mosque, where he urged parishioners to not allow Israeli troops onto the mount and to resist them by force.
Abu Shkhaydam’s wife and children fled Jerusalem three days before the attack.
Hamas praised the killer in an official statement saying that “the Holy City continues to fight against the foreign occupier, and won’t surrender to the occupation. The youth continue their legitimate fight until they achieve their freedom, free their land, and retrieve their holy places.”
Sudan’s Deposed Prime Minister Signs deal – Reinstated
Sudan’s deposed prime minister signed a deal with the military on Sunday (21st) that will see him reinstated, almost a month after a military coup put him under house arrest. A key pro-democracy group that has mobilized dozens of protests dismissed the deal as “a form of betrayal.”
The country’s top general Abdel Fattah Burhan, said in televised statements that Abdalla Hamdok will lead an independent technocratic cabinet until elections can be held. It remains unclear how much power the government would hold. It would still remain under military oversight.
It also remains unclear whether any political parties or pro-democracy groups have signed off on the agreement.
The deal expects the military to release government officials and politicians arrested since the October 25 coup.
Sudanese have been taking to the streets in masses since the military takeover, which upended the country’s fragile transition to democracy. The agreement comes just days after doctors said at least 15 people were killed by live fire during anti-coup demonstrations. Hamdok has been held under house arrest by military leaders for weeks.
With the recent coup in Sudan and the signing of a deal with the military, it makes Israel wonder about Sudan’s signing of the Abraham Accords in 2020. That year both Sudan and Israel announced they would normalize ties in October. Two months later the Abraham Accords were quietly signed in Khartoum with Sudan Justice Minister Nasredeen Adelbari and visiting US Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin.
At the time Israeli Foreign Minister Gabi Ashkenazi tweeted, “Sudan’s signing of the Abraham Accords is an important step in advancing regional normalization agreements in the Middle East.”
(israelhayom.com; reuters.com)
Iran: Tens Of Thousands Take Part In Anti-Regime Protests
Thousands of farmers and their supporters gathered in the central Iranian city of Isfahan on Friday (19th), state TV reported, in a major protest over water shortages in the drought-stricken region.
“Let Isfahan breathe again, revive Zayandeh Rud,” chanted some of the demonstrators in a video posted on social media as crowds gathered in the dry bed of the river where protesting farmers have set up a tent city. “Our children want water to provide food to eat for your children,” read a sign carried by a woman.
In an unusual move, authorities allowed the protests to be held, and no arrests or violent incidents were reported.
Iran’s energy minister apologized for the water shortages. “I apologize to all of our dear farmers, and I feel ashamed for not being able to provide the water needed for their crops. With God’s help, I hope we can overcome these shortcomings in the next few months,” Ali Akbar Mehrabian told state TV.
Protesters complained state funds were being wasted overseas directly criticizing Tehran’s meddling in neighboring countries including Iraq, Yemen and Syria. A video posted to social media showed a young boy giving a speech at the rally having his microphone confiscated after calling for the death of Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. The demonstration began on Thursday (18th) when farmers marched with local politicians. As thousands joined them in protest, demonstrations took on a more anti-regime tone. Local authorities responded by restricting data traffic to prevent unlimited access to social media by demonstrators.
The farmers in Isfahan Province have for years protested the “diversion of water” from the Zayandeh Rud to supply other areas, leaving their farms dry and threatening their livelihoods. A pipeline carrying water to Yazd province has been repeatedly damaged according to Iranian media.
In July, protests broke out over water shortages in oil-producing southwestern province, Khuzestan, with the UN’s human rights chief criticizing the fatal shooting of protesters. Iran rejected the criticism.
Iran has blamed its worst drought in 50 years on many things, but Iranian critics point to mismanagement by the mullah’s-regime as the real culprit.
The drought has forced Iran to import a record volume of wheat.
(reuters.com, israelhayom.com)
