It's Time

Netanyahu 'ready for peace talks'

Mr Netanyahu offered 'economic peace' to Palestinians, not statehood

Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu has told Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas he intends to resume talks and co-operation to promote peace.

It was their first contact since Mr Netanyahu took office on 31 March.

Mr Abbas initiated the telephone call, which Mr Netanyahu's office described as "friendly and warm".

The new Israeli leader has not publicly endorsed the creation of a fully independent Palestinian state - a fundamental demand of the Palestinians.

An Israeli statement said that during his conversation with Mr Abbas, Mr Netanyahu "recalled their past co-operation and conversations, and how he intended to resume this in the future in order to advance peace".

'Not binding'

Mr Netanyahu leads a right-leaning coalition, which combines the centre-right, centre-left and far-right parties.

During his campaign, he said he was willing to negotiate with the Palestinians but that it was premature to talk of statehood. Instead, he offered Palestinians "economic peace".

Israeli Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman, who leads the right-wing Yisrael Beiteinu party, has dismissed past peace initiatives by US administrations.

He has also said the previous Israeli government's acceptance of Palestinian statehood was not binding.

On Saturday, chief Palestinian negotiator Saeb Erekat reiterated his administration's position that that for peace talks to resume, Israel must declare its support for a two-state solution


Jews around the world celebrate rare sun event

Posted: 05:57 PM ET

By Robyn Sidersky
CNN
(CNN) — At dawn Wednesday, Jews around the world celebrated the Blessing of the Sun, an event that happens once every 28 years.

According to Jewish tradition, the sun was at the same spot in the sky when it rose Wednesday as it was when the world was created.

The event occurs during the spring equinox, which itself occurs every 365 and 1/4 days. Once every 28 years, it occurs at dawn Wednesday (the fourth day of creation, based on Jewish beliefs), when Jews recite the blessing. According to Jewish beliefs, God created the sun, the moon and the stars as the fourth day began.

“It is so rare and so unique,” said Rabbi Raphael Tennenhaus, executive director of the orthodox movement Chabad-Lubavitch, in South Broward County, Florida. “To know that millions of people observe this today is extremely inspiring and exciting.”

Here comes the sun, here comes the sun,
And I say it's all right.
Little darling it's been a long cold lonely winter,
Little darling it feels like years since it's been here.
Here comes the sun, here comes the sun,
And I say it's all right.
Little darling the smiles returning to their faces,
Little darling it seems like it's years since it's been here,
Here comes the sun, here comes the sun,
And I say it's all right.
Sun, sun, sun, here it comes.
Sun, sun, sun, here it comes.
Sun, sun, sun, here it comes.
Sun, sun, sun, here it comes.
Little darling I feel that ice is slowly melting,
Little darling it seems like years since it's been clear,
Here comes the sun, here comes the sun,
It's all right, it's all right. - George Harrison

I am neither Jew nor Muslim, I am a human man. It is time for the walls to come down and for fences to be mended. I am ready to help, we all need the help of our brothers at one time or another in this precious life that has been gifted to us.What do you ask of me? I am here for us.....(Are you here as well?)

Regards,
C