Aussie Guide in Israel

The Palestinian that murdered a US tourist

Police have uncovered a Palestinian cell responsible for the murder of American tourist Kristine Luken and the attempted murder of tour guide Kaye Susan Wilson in a forest near Jerusalem last month, it was cleared for publication Wednesday.

The 13 cell members are also suspected of committing 21 different crimes between 1997 and 2010.
A police investigation revealed that the cell's motives were criminal at first, but turned terrorist after the assassination of senior Hamas commander Mahmoud al-Mabhouh in Dubai in January 2010.


Forces search for Kristine Luken (Photo: Ohad Zwigenberg)

We see how this cell developed into a nationalistically-motivated cell, Jerusalem District Commander Aharon Franco said Wednesday.

Jerusalem District Court Judge Amnon Cohen extended the suspect's remand by three weeks to allow the lawyers to study the material. The prosecution's representative, Attorney Joey Ash, said that the case was based on the suspects' admission and reenactments.

According to the police, the Palestinian cell members are suspected of two murder cases, two attempted murders, seven robberies and seven house burglaries. Eight members have been arrested so far, and four of them -- Iyad Patpata of Tarqumiya, Kifah Ghanimat, Muhammad Ghanimat and another man from the village of Surif -- were indicted Wednesday morning at the Jerusalem District Court.

Police officials noted that the four other members would be indicted soon, after the completion of the evidence gathering. Sources involved in the investigation expressed their hope that they would be able to put their hands on the remaining five cell members, who live in the territories.

Four of the suspects were arrested in a joint police, Shin Bet and Israel Defense Forces operation.

'Wilson's testimony was crucial'
The police noted that the cell was uncovered following the murder of Luken and the attempted murder of her friend Wilson. The tour guide, who was found in serious condition after being stabbed near Moshav Mata in the Beit Shemesh area, said that she and her friend had taken a tour of the wadi when they were suddenly attacked by two young Arab men.

She said she managed to escape after pretending to be dead and did not know what happened to her friend.

Wilson was dubbed a hero by the Shin Bet investigators for remaining calm through the ordeal from the moment she realized that the two Palestinians were trying to hurt her and her friend.

The investigators noted that as soon as Wilson spotted the two men approaching her, she told her friend, They have a plan, and tried to convince them that she and her friend were not Jewish.

She even told Luken that she would stage an epilepsy attack in a bid to scare the two Palestinians. Wilson, who was holding a penknife, managed to stab one of the attackers, and his blood stains, which were used for a DNA sample, were one of the main factors which helped solve the case.

After realizing that her friend was in critical condition, Wilson played dead and managed to trick the Palestinians into believing that she was no longer alive. She walked away from the site barefoot, with hear hands tied, and in serious condition.

I tried to get up three times and fell down, I deviated from the path and couldn't find my way, and it was very difficult for me to breathe, but I had to make a switch in my head and think positive, she told the investigators.

After the murder, the Shin Bet appointed a special investigation team. Three of the suspects were arrested the next day thanks to the findings and the description provided by Wilson.


The cell members are also suspected of breaking into homes and stealing cars. According to the police, the burglaries were aimed at stealing weapons, as several guns were found in the suspects' possession.

The men are suspected of 15 crimes committed within the Jerusalem district, five in the Judea and Samaria District and one in central Israel. They are also suspected of raping a Jewish woman one of them had met in July 2009.

The investigators are checking whether the cell members are linked to additional murder cases and crimes which took place in the Jerusalem area in recent years and have yet to be solved.

Attorney Michael Decker, who is representing Kristine Luken's parents, Larry and Meg, arrived at the Jerusalem District Court on Wednesday morning and told Ynet: As far as I know, Luken was murdered in a terrorist act. The family was not informed about the investigation and received no cooperation from the police. The family wanted the police to cooperate with them, but they refused and would not even hand over the autopsy report.



The family is pleased that there are suspects and indictments and would like to receive details and information on the incident. The family doesn't know whether Kristine suffered during the murder. The family is currently in the United States and has no plans to visit Israel at this stage.

The Art of Waiting | Rabbi Yaacov Haber | Parshas Be'Haaloscha 5779

Join Rabbi Yaacov Haber for 3 minutes in ushering in Shabbos with his insight to Parshas Be'Haaloscha.

For more updates and shiurim by Rabbi Yaacov Haber visit

For Rabbi Haber's shiurim in the Nefesh Hachaim series:

For the full serires of Shiurim on Tomer Devorah by Rabbi Yaacov Haber view this playlist:

For Rabbi Yaacov Haber's shiurim on Kedushas Shabbos by Reb Tzadok Hakohen Check out this playlist:

For Rabbi Yaacov Haber's in depth explanation of Kinos on Tisha Be'av check out this playlist:


Rabbi Yaacov Haber has been a leading force in Jewish Education for over 40 years. He is presently the Rav and Spiritual leader of Kehillat Shivtei Yeshurun, a young and vibrant community in the center of Ramat Bet Shemesh, Israel.
Before arriving in Israel, Rabbi Haber succeeded Rabbi Berel Wein as the spiritual leader of Congregation Bais Torah in Monsey, NY and as the National Director of Jewish Education for the Orthodox Union, where he created the internationally acclaimed and highly successful “Pardes Project.” At the same time he created “TorahLab, a popular online educational resource center.
He was a founding trustee of AJOP, the Association of Jewish Outreach Professionals, the founder and director of the Torah Center of Buffalo, and the founder of the Australian Institute of Torah (a project of Kollel Bais HaTalmud).
Rabbi Haber can be contacted at rabbiyhaber@gmail.com.
Please visit yaacovhaber.com
#Torah #Judaism #thisweeksparasha

The Shitah of The Tanya (I) | Shaar 3, Ch. 2 | Rabbi Yaacov Haber | Nefesh HaChaim #189

Join Rabbi Yaacov Haber in learning the Nefesh Hachaim.
A full series of in depth Shiurim on Reb Chaim Volozhin’s sefer Nefesh Hachaim.

For the rest of the shiurim in this series:

For more updates and shiurim by Rabbi Yaacov Haber visit



For the full serires of Shiurim on Tomer Devorah by Rabbi Yaacov Haber view this playlist:

For Rabbi Yaacov Haber's shiurim on Kedushas Shabbos by Reb Tzadok Hakohen Check out this playlist:

For Rabbi Yaacov Haber's in depth explanation of Kinos on Tisha Be'av check out this playlist:


Rabbi Yaacov Haber has been a leading force in Jewish Education for over 40 years. He is presently the Rav and Spiritual leader of Kehillat Shivtei Yeshurun, a young and vibrant community in the center of Ramat Bet Shemesh, Israel.
Before arriving in Israel, Rabbi Haber succeeded Rabbi Berel Wein as the spiritual leader of Congregation Bais Torah in Monsey, NY and as the National Director of Jewish Education for the Orthodox Union, where he created the internationally acclaimed and highly successful “Pardes Project.” At the same time he created “TorahLab, a popular online educational resource center.
He was a founding trustee of AJOP, the Association of Jewish Outreach Professionals, the founder and director of the Torah Center of Buffalo, and the founder of the Australian Institute of Torah (a project of Kollel Bais HaTalmud).
Rabbi Haber can be contacted at rabbiyhaber@gmail.com.
Please visit yaacovhaber.com
#Torah #Judaism #NefeshHachaim

Visualization | Shaar 2, Ch. 13 (part 2) | Rabbi Yaacov Haber | Nefesh HaChaim #158

Join Rabbi Yaacov Haber in learning the Nefesh Hachaim.
A full series of in depth Shiurim on Reb Chaim Volozhin’s sefer Nefesh Hachaim.

For the rest of the shiurim in this series:

For more updates and shiurim by Rabbi Yaacov Haber visit



For the full serires of Shiurim on Tomer Devorah by Rabbi Yaacov Haber view this playlist:

For Rabbi Yaacov Haber's shiurim on Kedushas Shabbos by Reb Tzadok Hakohen Check out this playlist:

For Rabbi Yaacov Haber's in depth explanation of Kinos on Tisha Be'av check out this playlist:


Rabbi Yaacov Haber has been a leading force in Jewish Education for over 40 years. He is presently the Rav and Spiritual leader of Kehillat Shivtei Yeshurun, a young and vibrant community in the center of Ramat Bet Shemesh, Israel.
Before arriving in Israel, Rabbi Haber succeeded Rabbi Berel Wein as the spiritual leader of Congregation Bais Torah in Monsey, NY and as the National Director of Jewish Education for the Orthodox Union, where he created the internationally acclaimed and highly successful “Pardes Project.” At the same time he created “TorahLab, a popular online educational resource center.
He was a founding trustee of AJOP, the Association of Jewish Outreach Professionals, the founder and director of the Torah Center of Buffalo, and the founder of the Australian Institute of Torah (a project of Kollel Bais HaTalmud).
Rabbi Haber can be contacted at rabbiyhaber@gmail.com.
Please visit yaacovhaber.com
#Torah #Judaism #NefeshHachaim

Kinos 5779 | Rabbi Yaacov Haber | Kehillas Shivtei Yeshurun

Please help us create the center which melts the boundaries between Jews and inspires all who enter its walls to a path of Torah, holiness and Ahavat Yisroel. Together we can shed a new light in Beit Shemesh and the Land of Israel.

For more updates and Shiurim by Rabbi Yaacov Haber visit

Tisha B’Av morning Rabbi Yaacov Haber will lead an explanatory Kinos with his Kehilla, Kehillas Shivtei Yeshurun in Ramat Bet Shemesh, Israel.

The Rav will explain the background and context of selected kinos with his inimitable blend of history, Kaballah, Chasidus, Musar and Halachah




For the full serires of Shiurim on Tomer Devorah by Rabbi Yaacov Haber view this playlist:

For Rabbi Yaacov Haber's shiurim on Nefesh Hachaim check out this playlist:

For Rabbi Yaacov Haber's shiurim on Kedushas Shabbos by Reb Tzadok Hakohen Check out this playlist:

For Rabbi Yaacov Haber's in depth explination of Kinos on Tisha Be'av check out this playlist:


Rabbi Yaacov Haber has been a leading force in Jewish Education for over 40 years. He is presently the Rav and Spiritual leader of Kehillat Shivtei Yeshurun, a young and vibrant community in the center of Ramat Bet Shemesh, Israel.
Before arriving in Israel, Rabbi Haber succeeded Rabbi Berel Wein as the spiritual leader of Congregation Bais Torah in Monsey, NY and as the National Director of Jewish Education for the Orthodox Union, where he created the internationally acclaimed and highly successful “Pardes Project.” At the same time he created “TorahLab, a popular online educational resource center.
He was a founding trustee of AJOP, the Association of Jewish Outreach Professionals, the founder and director of the Torah Center of Buffalo, and the founder of the Australian Institute of Torah (a project of Kollel Bais HaTalmud).
Rabbi Haber can be contacted at rabbiyhaber@gmail.com.
Please visit yaacovhaber.com
#Torah #Judaism #TishaB'av

Beit Shean - Aerial View - North (BibleWalks.com)

Beit Shean was a major Biblical city, located in the center of major trade routes. The Hellenistic city, Scythopolis, was established near its ruins and became a major city until its destruction in the 8th C AD.

Children from Moshav Tekuma Take a Break from the Rockets

On Day 15 of Operation Protective Edge, the communities of southern Israel are still under attack by rockets from Gaza, and KKL-JNF is continuing to offer children and families from the south a range of activities that provide a brief respite from the tense security situation. Thanks to a donation from Friends of JNF Australia, a group of 60 children and teenagers from Moshav Tekuma, which is situated very close to the border with the Gaza Strip, were able to take a three-day break in northern Israel and enjoy a variety of activities offered by KKL-JNF guides and instructors.

The end of the winter in Nes-Harim, Israel

Time Lapse video.

Pro-Israel Rally in Helsinki Finland Part II

In response to the Finnish media's mishandling of the reporting on the Mavi Marmara incident, Finns from around the country converged upon Helsinki to demonstrate their opinions on the biased media. The footage was taken in front tof the Finnish house of Parliament as the pro-Israel marchers make their way towards Mannerheim street and proceed to the center of the city

A gorgeous sunset. Taken from the border of Syria and Israel (Mount Bental, Golan Heights)

Zahi Shaked A tour guide in Israel and his camera
zahigo25@walla.com 972-54-6905522 tel
סיור עם מורה הדרך ומדריך הטיולים צחי שקד 0546905522
My name is Zahi Shaked
In 2000 I became a registered liscenced tourist guide.
My dedication in life is to pass on the ancient history of the Holy Land.

Following upon many years of travel around the world, which was highlighted by a very exciting emotional and soul-searching meeting with the Dalai Lama, I realized that I had a mission. To pass on the the history of the Holy Land, its religions, and in particular, the birth and development of Christianity.

In order to fulfill this calling in the best way possible, I studied in depth, visited, and personally experienced each and every important site of the ancient Christians. I studied for and received my first bachelors degree in the ancient history of the Holy Land, and am presently completing my studies for my second degree.(Masters)



Parralel to my studies, and in order to earn a living, I was employed for many years in advertising. What I learned there was how to attract the publics attention, generate and, increase interest, and assimilate information. All this I use as tools to describe, explain and deepen the interest in the sites that we visit. From my experience, I have learned that in this way, the Holy Land becomes more than just history, and that the large stones that we see scattered about in dissaray, join together one by one until they become - a Byzantine Church. This also happens when I lead a group of Pilgrims in the Steps of Jesus. We climb to the peak of Mount Precipice, glide over the land to the Sea of Galilee, land on the water and see the miracle which enfolds before us. This is a many faceted experience. Not only history which you will remember and cherish, but an experience which I hope will be inplanted in your hearts and minds, and will accompany you all the days of your life.

Fighting Back The BDS MOVEMENT | Rabbi Yaacov Haber

Sadly, the BDS movement have organised a boycott of hundreds of Israeli businesses. This has significantly harmed many hard working Jewish families and wonderful businesses in Israel. This, of course, has significantly affected the Parnossa of so many of our brothers and sisters in Israel.

Our community, in partnership with Lev HaOlam, has gathered a beautiful basket of boycotted products for you to give as Mishloach Manot.

Here is what you can do.

Order a bountiful basket of tasty and lovely Israeli products for your friends, family and employees, and we will have it delivered to their doorstep in Israel, England, USA, or Canada.

Fight the boycott of Israeli goods by ordering Mishloach Manot today. Your order will support Israeli farmers, artisans, and manufacturers and fulfil the great mitzvah (good deed) of spreading happiness and kindness this Purim.

Thank you so much. May Hashem bless you for your kindness.



For more updates and shiurim by Rabbi Yaacov Haber visit

For Rabbi Haber's shiurim in the Nefesh Hachaim series:

For the full serires of Shiurim on Tomer Devorah by Rabbi Yaacov Haber view this playlist:

For Rabbi Yaacov Haber's shiurim on Kedushas Shabbos by Reb Tzadok Hakohen Check out this playlist:

For Rabbi Yaacov Haber's in depth explanation of Kinos on Tisha Be'av check out this playlist:


Rabbi Yaacov Haber has been a leading force in Jewish Education for over 40 years. He is presently the Rav and Spiritual leader of Kehillat Shivtei Yeshurun, a young and vibrant community in the center of Ramat Bet Shemesh, Israel.
Before arriving in Israel, Rabbi Haber succeeded Rabbi Berel Wein as the spiritual leader of Congregation Bais Torah in Monsey, NY and as the National Director of Jewish Education for the Orthodox Union, where he created the internationally acclaimed and highly successful “Pardes Project.” At the same time he created “TorahLab, a popular online educational resource center.
He was a founding trustee of AJOP, the Association of Jewish Outreach Professionals, the founder and director of the Torah Center of Buffalo, and the founder of the Australian Institute of Torah (a project of Kollel Bais HaTalmud).
Rabbi Haber can be contacted at rabbiyhaber@gmail.com.
Please visit yaacovhaber.com
#Torah #Judaism #BDS

The Power of The Seder | Rabbi Yaacov Haber | Pesach 5779

The divine connection between father and son at the Pesach Seder.

Join Rabbi Yaacov Haber for 3 minutes in ushering in Yom Tov with his insight to Pesach.

To contribute to Rabbi Haber's Maos Chitim fund visit:
For more updates and shiurim by Rabbi Yaacov Haber visit

For Rabbi Haber's shiurim in the Nefesh Hachaim series:

For the full series of Shiurim on Tomer Devorah by Rabbi Yaacov Haber view this playlist:

For Rabbi Yaacov Haber's shiurim on Kedushas Shabbos by Reb Tzadok Hakohen Check out this playlist:

For Rabbi Yaacov Haber's in depth explanation of Kinos on Tisha Be'av check out this playlist:


Rabbi Yaacov Haber has been a leading force in Jewish Education for over 40 years. He is presently the Rav and Spiritual leader of Kehillat Shivtei Yeshurun, a young and vibrant community in the center of Ramat Bet Shemesh, Israel.
Before arriving in Israel, Rabbi Haber succeeded Rabbi Berel Wein as the spiritual leader of Congregation Bais Torah in Monsey, NY and as the National Director of Jewish Education for the Orthodox Union, where he created the internationally acclaimed and highly successful “Pardes Project.” At the same time he created “TorahLab, a popular online educational resource center.
He was a founding trustee of AJOP, the Association of Jewish Outreach Professionals, the founder and director of the Torah Center of Buffalo, and the founder of the Australian Institute of Torah (a project of Kollel Bais HaTalmud).
Rabbi Haber can be contacted at rabbiyhaber@gmail.com.
Please visit yaacovhaber.com
#Torah #Judaism #thisweeksparasha

Introduction to The Halachos of Niddah | Rabbi Yaacov Haber

A high level introduction to learning the Halachos of Niddah B'Iyun.

For more updates and shiurim by Rabbi Yaacov Haber visit

For Rabbi Haber's shiurim in the Nefesh Hachaim series:

For the full serires of Shiurim on Tomer Devorah by Rabbi Yaacov Haber view this playlist:

For Rabbi Yaacov Haber's shiurim on Kedushas Shabbos by Reb Tzadok Hakohen Check out this playlist:

For Rabbi Yaacov Haber's in depth explanation of Kinos on Tisha Be'av check out this playlist:


Rabbi Yaacov Haber has been a leading force in Jewish Education for over 40 years. He is presently the Rav and Spiritual leader of Kehillat Shivtei Yeshurun, a young and vibrant community in the center of Ramat Bet Shemesh, Israel.
Before arriving in Israel, Rabbi Haber succeeded Rabbi Berel Wein as the spiritual leader of Congregation Bais Torah in Monsey, NY and as the National Director of Jewish Education for the Orthodox Union, where he created the internationally acclaimed and highly successful “Pardes Project.” At the same time he created “TorahLab, a popular online educational resource center.
He was a founding trustee of AJOP, the Association of Jewish Outreach Professionals, the founder and director of the Torah Center of Buffalo, and the founder of the Australian Institute of Torah (a project of Kollel Bais HaTalmud).
Rabbi Haber can be contacted at rabbiyhaber@gmail.com.
Please visit yaacovhaber.com

#Torah #Judaism #niddah

Not Seeing Is Believing | Rabbi Yaacov Haber | Parshat Toldot 5780

The Romans could have been the chosen nation!
Join Rabbi Yaacov Haber for 3 minutes in ushering in Shabbos with his insight to Parashat Toldot.

Rabbi Habers new book on Bereishis Beginnings is now available!
Buy it now!


For more updates and shiurim by Rabbi Yaacov Haber visit

For Rabbi Haber's shiurim in the Nefesh Hachaim series:

For the full serires of Shiurim on Tomer Devorah by Rabbi Yaacov Haber view this playlist:

For Rabbi Yaacov Haber's shiurim on Kedushas Shabbos by Reb Tzadok Hakohen Check out this playlist:

For Rabbi Yaacov Haber's in depth explanation of Kinos on Tisha Be'av check out this playlist:


Rabbi Yaacov Haber has been a leading force in Jewish Education for over 40 years. He is presently the Rav and Spiritual leader of Kehillat Shivtei Yeshurun, a young and vibrant community in the center of Ramat Bet Shemesh, Israel.
Before arriving in Israel, Rabbi Haber succeeded Rabbi Berel Wein as the spiritual leader of Congregation Bais Torah in Monsey, NY and as the National Director of Jewish Education for the Orthodox Union, where he created the internationally acclaimed and highly successful “Pardes Project.” At the same time he created “TorahLab, a popular online educational resource center.
He was a founding trustee of AJOP, the Association of Jewish Outreach Professionals, the founder and director of the Torah Center of Buffalo, and the founder of the Australian Institute of Torah (a project of Kollel Bais HaTalmud).
Rabbi Haber can be contacted at rabbiyhaber@gmail.com.
Please visit yaacovhaber.com

#Torah #Judaism #Toldot

Heeza barmitzvah boy now, Sport

Daniel does Rolf Harris at Ethan's Barmitzvah

Approaching the Greek Orthodox Church in the village of Yasif, Galilee Israel

Zahi Shaked A tour guide in Israel and his camera
zahigo25@walla.com +972-54-6905522 tel סיור עם מורה הדרך ומדריך הטיולים צחי שקד 0546905522
My name is Zahi Shaked
In 2000 I became a registered liscenced tourist guide.
My dedication in life is to pass on the ancient history of the Holy Land.

Following upon many years of travel around the world, which was highlighted by a very exciting emotional and soul-searching meeting with the Dalai Lama, I realized that I had a mission. To pass on the the history of the Holy Land, its religions, and in particular, the birth and development of Christianity.

In order to fulfill this calling in the best way possible, I studied in depth, visited, and personally experienced each and every important site of the ancient Christians. I studied for and received my first bachelors degree in the ancient history of the Holy Land, and am presently completing my studies for my second degree.(Masters)



Parralel to my studies, and in order to earn a living, I was employed for many years in advertising. What I learned there was how to attract the publics attention, generate and, increase interest, and assimilate information. All this I use as tools to describe, explain and deepen the interest in the sites that we visit. From my experience, I have learned that in this way, the Holy Land becomes more than just history, and that the large stones that we see scattered about in dissaray, join together one by one until they become - a Byzantine Church. This also happens when I lead a group of Pilgrims in the Steps of Jesus. We climb to the peak of Mount Precipice, glide over the land to the Sea of Galilee, land on the water and see the miracle which enfolds before us. This is a many faceted experience. Not only history which you will remember and cherish, but an experience which I hope will be inplanted in your hearts and minds, and will accompany you all the days of your life.

Yom Haatzmaut 65 speech - Bezalel Gleiser

A speech given by Bezalel Gleiser the Jewish Agencies Federal Aliyah Shaliach for Australia and New Zealand as a guest speaker during the Tfila Chagigit for Israel's 65 Yom Haatzmaut at Mizrachi melbourne !!

A New Morning | Rabbi Yaacov Haber | Parshat Ki-Tavo 5779

Join Rabbi Yaacov Haber for 3 minutes in ushering in Shabbos with his insight to Parshas Ki-Savo.

For more updates and shiurim by Rabbi Yaacov Haber visit

For Rabbi Haber's shiurim in the Nefesh Hachaim series:

For the full serires of Shiurim on Tomer Devorah by Rabbi Yaacov Haber view this playlist:

For Rabbi Yaacov Haber's shiurim on Kedushas Shabbos by Reb Tzadok Hakohen Check out this playlist:

For Rabbi Yaacov Haber's in depth explanation of Kinos on Tisha Be'av check out this playlist:


Rabbi Yaacov Haber has been a leading force in Jewish Education for over 40 years. He is presently the Rav and Spiritual leader of Kehillat Shivtei Yeshurun, a young and vibrant community in the center of Ramat Bet Shemesh, Israel.
Before arriving in Israel, Rabbi Haber succeeded Rabbi Berel Wein as the spiritual leader of Congregation Bais Torah in Monsey, NY and as the National Director of Jewish Education for the Orthodox Union, where he created the internationally acclaimed and highly successful “Pardes Project.” At the same time he created “TorahLab, a popular online educational resource center.
He was a founding trustee of AJOP, the Association of Jewish Outreach Professionals, the founder and director of the Torah Center of Buffalo, and the founder of the Australian Institute of Torah (a project of Kollel Bais HaTalmud).
Rabbi Haber can be contacted at rabbiyhaber@gmail.com.
Please visit yaacovhaber.com
#torah #ki-tavo #elul