Stating they were taking a defiant stand in defense of freedom of speech, newspapers in Denmark have reprinted one of the notorious satirical cartoons of Muhammed that caused a storm of violent protest in the Muslim world over two years ago.

The decision to reprint, taken on Wednesday by 15 Danish newspapers and one in Sweden, came in response to news that Danish police had arrested three Muslim men suspected of plotting to murder Kurt Westergaard, who drew one of the cartoons.  The papers thereupon reprinted that very cartoon, which depicts Muhammed with a bomb in his turban.

One of the newspapers, Berlingske Tidende of Denmark, explained in an editorial, "We are doing this to document what is at stake in this case, and to unambiguously back and support the freedom of speech we as a newspaper will always defend."

Cartoons Led to Violence in 2005
The Muhammed cartoons controversy began in September 2005, when twelve editorial cartoons, most of which depicted Muhammed in a less than flattering manner, were published in the Danish newspaper Jyllands-Posten. Danish Muslims responded by holding local protests, but when newspapers in more than 50 other countries reprinted some of the cartoons, the protests spread across the Muslim world - featuring death threats, burning embassies, and over 100 deaths.  Some of the most violent protests were held in Palestinian Authority-controlled Gaza.

Following the reprinting of one of the cartoons, it now appears that Muslim violence might begin anew.  Some 50 Islamic student protesters in Karachi, Pakistan burned a Danish flag on Thursday in a show of anger at the newspapers' decision to reprint. "We will not shy from sacrificing our lives to protect the sanctity of our Prophet," one Muslim participant said. The Muslims also took the opportunity to chant slogans against U.S. President George W. Bush.

In Iran, government officials summoned the Danish ambassador to Tehran in protest over the reprinting of cartoons of Muhammed by leading Danish newspapers, Iranian state TV reported on Thursday.

Calling on U.S. Papers
The California-based Ayn Rand Institute saluted the latest publication, and called on American newspapers to follow suit. "Now it is the turn of American newspapers and media outlets to show their solidarity with that ideal, and reprint all 12 of the original cartoons," said Elan Journo, a resident fellow at the Ayn Rand Institute.

"Newspapers in Denmark grasp that nothing should be allowed to override freedom of speech," Journo said, noting that few US newspapers did the same. "Their refusal to bow down in the face of murder plots should be a wake-up call to editors in 'the land of the free and the home of the brave.' Few U.S. newspapers - and none of the leading ones - dared to stick their necks out, let alone raise their heads, during the cartoons crisis two years ago. U.S. media outlets, who claim to cherish freedom of speech, should realize the need to uphold it as a principle without exceptions."

Egypt officials say they are informing a visiting delegation from the Hamas terrorist organization that police will open fire on anyone who tries to cross the border at Rafah in southern Gaza.

The Associated Press reports that Egyptian intelligence officials said they had received information that terrorists are again planning to force open the border.

Hamas and Egyptian officials met in the town of El Arish, about  45 kilometers south of Rafah, to negotiate the re-opening the Rafah border crossing.

Relations between Hamas and Cairo chilled after Hamas terrorists blew up some 200 meters of the 300-meter-long Gaza border barrier in Rafah last month. Some 700,000 Gaza Arabs flooded through the open border into Sinai, where they bought over $300 million worth of various goods, some of it with counterfeit Israeli and American currency. At least 10,000 Gazans reportedly did not return to their territory after the border was resealed; many were camping outside of El Arish as refugees, while others were disappearing instead into the Sinai Peninsula.

Several Egyptian security officers who initially attempted to stem the tide of Palestinian Authority Arabs stampeding through the open border were wounded by terrorists who shot at them or attacked them with rocks and other makeshift weapons.

Egypt Lays Blame
Egypt blamed the PA, Israel and the European Union for the breach, charging it was a reaction to the Israeli blockade of Gaza, even though Hamas said the destruction of the barrier had been planned for months.  Israel shut down all crossings into the region following massive Kassam rocket and mortar attacks on the western Negev that wounded dozens of people and destroyed houses, factories and farm equipment in kibbutzim.

“Egypt will oppose any additional attempt to break through the barrier between Gaza and its territory,” warned Suleiman Awad, a spokesman for President Hosni Mubarak. “It will never happen again. Egypt is a country with honor,” he added. “Its borders cannot be breached and its soldiers will not be pelted with rocks.”

Senior Hamas terrorist Said Siam said Monday that Hamas would consider breaking through the Egyptian border a second time if Egypt and Israel both continued to close Gaza crossings. 

Siam said Hamas was talking with Egypt in an attempt to get the border opened after it was resealed. Egyptian officials warned the terrorist organization there was no room for negotiation on the issue.  Egyptian Foreign Minister Ahmed Aboul Gheit followed up last week with another warning that Egyptian forces would “break the legs” of Gaza Arabs attempting to cross the border.

A politburo representative of the Damascus-based Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP) expressed outrage in response to the threat. Anwar Raja demanded that Aboul Gheit retract his statement, saying, “The diplomatic courtesy and brotherly relations require that Mr. Aboul Gheit be more responsible in his statements."

The Egyptian foreign minister also expressed contempt for the terror group’s Kassam rocket and mortar attacks on Israel, calling them “cartoonish and comical.” He added that its rockets were “lost in the sands of Israel” while provoking the Jewish state into a military response.

Egypt has insisted on returning control of the Gaza side of the border to the Fatah-led Palestinian Authority under the 2005 arrangement agreed to by Israel. The arrangement calls for PA control of the Rafiah terminal under the supervision of European Union observers and a video hookup monitored by Israeli security agents.

Hamas Terror
Hamas terrorists carried out a deadly suicide bombing ten days ago in the southern Israeli city of Dimona that killed a 73-year-old grandmother and wounded some 50 others. Israel’s nuclear reactor is located nearby.

Hamas and other terrorist groups in Gaza followed up with an onslaught of rocket attacks on the western Negev, prompting the IDF to retaliate with intensified ground and air operations that eliminated a number of terrorists and weapons factories in the region.

Palestinian Authority Arabs set fire to Joseph's Tomb in Shechem (Nablus) on Tuesday. The burial site of the Biblical Joseph is supposed to be protected, according to all agreements with the PA.

The attack was first reported by World Net Daily's Aaron Klein, who spoke with a Fatah official who confirmed the attack.

The Arab official said PA forces were alerted Tuesday that 16 burning tires had been thrown inside the tomb, which has been vandalized several times before - beginning with its takeover and sacking in late 2000. The official said there was fire damage to the holy site and reported that the PA, fearful of embarrassment, has set up a team to learn who was behind the attack.

The arson comes shortly after Prime Minister Ehud Olmert said he would instruct the security establishment to coordinate the reconstruction of the site with the PA.

When Israel handed Shechem over to PA control following the 1993 Oslo Accords, a stipulation was freedom of access to the site for Jews. Buses would transport visitors and the yeshiva at the site would be allowed to remain, though it was declared that Jews could not stay in the city overnight. The compound and structure surrounding the tomb were very heavily damaged after the IDF abandoned the site in 2000, with the outbreak of the Oslo War. PA Arabs proceeded to paint its dome green and declare it a mosque in the days following the initial abandonment.

A follow-up report by WND's Klein Thursday elicited a statement from Fatah referring to the tomb as the “burial site of the holy Muslim Joseph” and promising to guard “this holy Muslim site."

A Kuwaiti newspaper reports that Hizbullah terrorist chief Imad Mughniyeh, who was killed in a car-bomb attack in Damascus on Tuesday, was in the midst of planning major terrorist attacks in moderate Arab countries when he was killed. 

Al-Watan reports that American intelligence had learned that Mughniyeh arrived in Damascus three days earlier with instructions from, and in coordination with, the Iranians.  His objective was to meet with Hizbullah leaders and coordinate a mass attack, for which he was to receive help from Syrian intelligence.

The American involvement in the killing is explained as being in retaliation for a recent car bomb attack that targeted a U.S. Embassy vehicle; three passersby.

Another Kuwaiti newspaper, Al-Siasa, reports that Mughniyeh took part, shortly before he was killed, in a secret meeting in the Iranian School in Damascus.  Also participating in the meeting were Syrian Intelligence Chief Gen. Aisaf Shwackath, Hamas chief Khaled Mashaal, and an Islamic Jihad representative.  On the agenda: planned attacks in Arab countries that refuse to take part in the coming Arab League summit in Damascus.  The newspaper entertains the possibility that the meeting was merely a camouflage for Syrian involvement in Mughniyeh's killing.

US Tightens Sanctions on Syria
Meanwhile, US President George W. Bush has ordered stricter economic sanctions against Syria, the White House announced in an executive message to Congress.

The order to freeze the assets of people held responsible for actions that "undermine efforts to stabilize Iraq" came Wednesday, the day before Mughniyeh’s burial.

Economic sanctions against Syria date back to 2004 for Syrian support of the Hizbullah and Hamas terrorist groups.

The United States has charged Syria with being behind former Lebanese Prime Minister Hariri’s murder, which occurred three years ago this week. "Syria continues to undermine Lebanon's sovereignty and democracy, imprison democracy activists, curtail human rights, and sponsor and harbor terrorists," the White House said.

Hana Levi Julian contributed to this story.

Hizbullah blames Syrian-based Hamas leaders for causing a security breach that allowed Western elements to kill arch-terrorist Imad Mughniyeh.  A Lebanese source close to Hizbullah reported as much to a Jordanian media outlet.

It was also reported that Mughniyeh's purpose in being in Damascus was to meet with Hamas leader Khaled Mashaal.

Mughniyeh, one of Hizbullah's top terrorists, was assassinated in a car-bombing in Damascus earlier this week, causing shock at the breach of the intense precautions he took to preserve his safety. 

The Hizbullah source said that Mughniyeh's car was blown up shortly after he visited a Hamas military base in Damascus.  The source further noted that an American itelligence officer of the CIA in Damascus was connected with the killing.

The killing of Mughniyeh has thus branched out, causing not only accusations against Israel and the US, but inter-Arab tensions and finger-pointing as well.

Hizbullah Threatens
Hizbullah leader arch-terrorist Hassan Nasrallah, still in hiding for fear of an Israeli liquidation attempt, says that Hizbullah will retaliate for Mughniyeh's death - and not necessarily inside Israel.  As a result, Israel's Anti-Terrorism Task Force released a warning to Israelis traveling abroad to keep away from large concentrations of other Israelis and beware of kidnapping attempts. This applies especially to businessmen who deal with Arab nations. 

Defense Minister Ehud Barak, as well, has ordered the IDF to raise its level of alert for possible terrorist attempts against themselves or against citizens.

Meanwhile, Mughniyeh's mother said in Lebanon that she regrets not having other sons follow in the arch-terrorist's footsteps.

Dr. Irving and Cherna Moskowitz have announced the annual Moskowitz Prize for Zionism - a sum of $100,000 that will first be awarded this Independence Day.

The new prize's website states that the award "was established in recognition of the people who put Zionism into action in today's Israeli society – at times risking their own personal security, placing the collective before personal needs, and doing what it takes to ensure a strong, secure Jewish homeland."

The intention is to grant an annual award to "persons who best personify the essence of modern Zionism in Israel, providing innovative or exceptional activity that reflects the values and challenges that face Zionism today - in education, culture, settlement, social action and other spheres."

The "Strength of Zion Prize" is named for the verse in Isaiah 52, which reads, "Awaken, awaken, wear your strength, Zion."

The prize is likely to be divided among up to three winners, who will be chosen by a public committee made up of public and private figures, including the following: Ex-Foreign and Defense Minister Moshe Arens, former Amb. Amb. Yoram Ettinger, former Public Security Minister Uzi Landau, Rabbi Pesach Lerner, Rabbi Daniel Moskowitz, Rebbetzin Esther Jungreis, Brig.-Gen. (ret.) Avigdor Kahalani, and Lt.-Col.(ret.) Rabbi Yedidya Atlas.

The committee will be chaired by Cherna Moskowitz, and Nobel Prize laureate Prof. Yisrael Aumann will be its Special Academic Advisor. 

Prize recipients must be citizens of Israel - not organizations - 18 years or older, residing in Israel.  Nominations may be submitted by March 10, 2008. Information and forms may be downloaded at: www.moskowitzprize.com.

In recognition of its 60th year of independence, the State of Israel will be the "guest of honor" at two of Europe's largest book fairs this year. Dozens of Israeli authors have been invited to France and Italy for the events. The two fairs, each of which regularly draws upwards of 200,000 people, will feature displays and activities about Hebrew
39 Israeli authors have been invited to France.
literature and the culture of the Jewish State.

French President Nicolas Sarkozy and Prime Minister Ehud Olmert are expected to open the five-day Paris Book Fair on March 14. According to organizers, 39 Israeli authors have been invited to France by the National Book Center and the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The central Pavilion of Honor at the book festival is to be draped in the colors of Israel's national flag - blue and white. Within the pavilion, there will be debates, panel discussions, lectures, activities for youth, musical and theatrical performances, and film screenings. Of course, the fair will also feature a wide range of books for sale in French and Hebrew. 

Recognition of Israel at the Paris Book Fair was long in coming. The State of Israel first offered itself and its Hebrew literature for consideration by the French organizers in 1998. After a decade of rejections, this year's decision was apparently reached both in recognition of Israeli literature, which has earned a positive global reputation, and in honor of Israel's 60th year.

Italy's largest book exhibition, the Turin International Book Fair, will also be honoring Israel this year. The event will open in the northern Italian city on May 8, which is the equivalent of the Hebrew date of Israel's Independence Day (Iyar 5).

In the promotional material for the fair, Israeli literature is described as having been received with "high favor" for many years. Specifically, the organizers cite four well-known Israeli novelists - David Grossman, Amos Oz, A. B. Yehoshua and Etgar Keret - for their contributions to contemporary culture. "But the cultural background of the country is obviously much more rich...." than any selection of its authors, they note.

"The 2008 fair will be an opportunity to get to know the culture of this country through historians, essayists, artists, musicians and scientists," according to the Turin Book Fair's promotional material. It will be "an opportunity for dialogue with the contribution of disparate voices to discuss and to focus on a possible model of coexistence."

During the fair, the Italian National Cinema Museum will be showing ten films about Israel and hosting
Israeli literature is described as having been received with "high favor" for many years.
musical performances of traditional klezmer music. "Do not miss events related to [Israeli] culinary traditions and kosher cuisine, its rituals and its symbols," the Turin Book Fair website concludes.

Far-Leftist and Islamic Groups Plan to Boycott
An event honoring Israel in Europe can apparently not go by without a boycott, however. Calls to boycott the Turin Book Fair have been issued by far-left Italian and Arab political activists, as well as by prominent Italian intellectuals and Arab authors. Calls have  come from European Arab activists to boycott the Paris Book Fair as well.

In January, the Union of Arab Writers wrote a letter of protest to the event organizers over Israel's invitation as "guest of honor," which was termed a "provocation" by the union's chairman. The organization also demanded that the Union of Italian Writers take an explicit position on the matter.

In response to the mounting criticism, the Director of the Turin Book Fair, Ernesto Ferrero said, "This is a book fair, this is not the United Nations... The Israeli writers that we invited are usually critical toward their government." He also expressed his exasperation that "other writers are talking about their freedom of expression," calling it "incredible."

The Chief Rabbi of Rome, Riccardo Di Segni, also commented on the growing calls for a boycott of the fair. "I am very concerned that this is a genuine process of systematic delegitimization of the State of Israel, which goes beyond any political criticism and that is part of a broader effort," he said, adding that it appears to be "a new aspect of an ancient hatred and it is very disturbing." The problem, as explained by Rabbi Di Segni, is that anything done in the name of Israel engenders a reaction of hate. 

Grossman, one of the Turin invitees, told the La Repubblica newspaper that he is "opposed to the culture of boycotts, because the essence of culture is dialogue."

Once again, as if in a rerun of two weeks ago, the talk of the town is the upcoming snow. The Jerusalem Municipality is already taking precautions.

Snow is expected to fall this coming Monday in almost all areas of the country that are over 600 meters (2000 feet) in height.  This includes the areas that were snowed in in the previous storm two weeks ago, such as Jerusalem (800 meters above sea level), Kiryat Arba (930), Beit El (870), Tzfat (830), and parts of the Galilee, and also lower areas such as the vicinity of Beit Shemesh (600). 

Snow mixed with rain is expected to fall on Monday in lower-altitude areas. 

Jerusalem Mayor Uri Lupoliansky has given the order to clear away snow and maintain more than 500 kilometers of open roadways at all times. These include main arteries and connecting routes between the various neighborhoods and nearby hospitals. The city's welfare and youth departments have also been instructed to prepare in advance for difficulties the snow may cause, and to once again enact the "Warm House" program for the elderly, homeless and others.

Sunday afternoon rains will follow a warm Sunday morning, turning to snow on Monday because of a very cold front entering Israel from Russia. 

Israel's last snowstorm, which began on January 30, led to school and office closings throughout Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria, the northern Galilee and elsewhere.

Water Shortage
Despite the recent rains and snow, Israel is still suffering from a water shortage.  The Kinneret (Galilee) Sea, Israel's largest reservoir, rose by two centimeters on Wednesday, and now stands at 212.3 meters below sea level - 3.5 meters (11.5 feet) lower than the optimum level. 

If the Kinneret follows last year's pattern, when it rose about 1.13 meters (3.7 feet) between mid-February and the summer, it will still be nearly 8 feet short.  Each foot of Kinneret height represents over 50 million cubic meters of water.

The Water Authority continues to request that the public use water sparingly.