VFI News January 12, 2021

President of Israel Reuven Rivlin today, Thursday, addressed the nation ahead of the beginning of the lockdown this evening and commented on the events in Washington. In his remarks, the president called for full compliance with the restrictions and warned against anarchy.

"The pictures of the disturbances from Capitol Hill are shocking. They remind us all that democracy, even when it is strong and deeply-rooted, is not to be taken for granted.

"I call on all public leaders – in all towns, from all sectors of society, political leaders and spiritual leaders, mayors, heads of civil society organizations – please, do your duty and stop the threat of anarchy. The lockdown, with all its restrictions as decided by the government, applies to us all. Whatever your position, this lockdown is the decision of the government, Israel’s elected government, on the recommendation of the professional medical advisors responsible for our health, the health of the people as a whole without any deviation or political views.” (INN / VFI News)

I appeal to you, brothers, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree, and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be united in the same mind and the same judgment. - 1 Corinthians 1:10

Magen David Adom reported today (Thursday) that it has completed the first round of vaccinations in all elderly care facilities and sheltered accommodation nationwide, making Israel the first country in the world to carry out the first phase of the nationwide vaccination program. Next week, the second round of vaccinations is set to begin, with elderly residents and employees receiving their second and final dose.

The Corona vaccination drive targeting the country's elderly population was launched about 10 days ago. Since then, the vaccine has been administered to approximately 150,000 residents and employees of elderly care facilities and sheltered accommodation.

MDA teams with extensive experience treating elderly citizens underwent special training in preparation for the drive as part of the "Magen Avot Ve'imahot" program, allowing them to provide high-quality, fast, and highly professional treatment. (JPost / VFI News)

Do not cast me off in the time of old age; forsake me not when my strength is spent. - Psalm 71:9 ESV

Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu pledged to vaccinate the entire population against the coronavirus by the end of March thanks to a shipment of millions of Pfizer vaccines which will be delivered to Israel next week.

"I am excited to announce a tremendous breakthrough, a breakthrough that will take us out of the Corona and bring us back to life," Netanyahu said in a statement to the media. "We will be the first country to emerge from the corona crisis. The agreement I reached with Pfizer allows us to vaccinate all Israeli citizens over the age of 16 until the end of March and perhaps even before that. We will vaccinate all the relevant populations and anyone who wants to can be vaccinated. "

The vaccination campaign will be called 'Returning to Life' and the order of the vaccinators will be published soon. The first plane is scheduled to arrive as early as Sunday and will be in a series [of deliveries]. (JPost / VFI News)

For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope. - Jeremiah 29:11

The Scottish government posted a foreign travel advisory warning for the Jewish State amid the coronavirus pandemic, with an interesting caveat of distinguishing Jerusalem and Israel as being two separate entities.

The advisory was published on Thursday in light of the recent spike of infections in Israel, which has sent the country into its third lockdown.

Those traveling from Israel to Scotland will now be required to self-isolate for 10 days upon arrival, as per the new public health rules.

"Travelers arriving in Scotland from Israel and Jerusalem must now quarantine on arrival for 10 days," the advisory read, noting Israel and Jerusalem separately. (JPost / VFI News)

But avoid foolish controversies, genealogies, dissensions, and quarrels about the law, for they are unprofitable and worthless. - Titus 3:9-11

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Iran's Supreme Leader on Friday banned the government from importing COVID-19 vaccines from the United States and Britain, labeling the Western powers "untrustworthy," as the infection spreads in the Middle East’s hardest-hit country.

In a live televised speech, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei raised the prospect of the two Western countries, long-time adversaries of the Islamic Republic, possibly seeking to spread the infection to other countries.

He added however that Iran could obtain vaccines "from other reliable places." He gave no details, but China and Russia are both allies of Iran. (JPost / VFI News)

“God, we ask that you protect innocent lives from the actions of those who would put their pride above the safety and welfare of their own people.”

In an extraordinary turnaround, the Jerusalem District Court ordered the postponement of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's trial on Friday, citing the coronavirus lockdown and the large number of necessary participants.

The order could potentially push the calling of witnesses to right before or right after election day.

The order came less than 48 hours after the same court on Wednesday night rejected Netanyahu's request for postponing his January 13 hearing next week.

The court on Wednesday had said that although the prosecution had amended the indictment, that because Netanyahu's lawyers had a full year to study the original indictment and with the changes not being hugely substantive, there was no reason not to proceed. (JPost / VFI News)

“God, we ask that you enlighten all public officials with your wisdom and clarity during this difficult time.”

The Republican Jewish Coalition (RJC) congratulated President-elect Joe Biden on his election to become the 46th President of the United States, after Congress ratified the results and certified his victory on Thursday.

Shaken elected officials formally stamped Biden's victory hours after hundreds of President Donald Trump's supporters stormed the US Capitol in a harrowing assault on American democracy.

“After the abhorrent mob attack yesterday on our Capitol, our elected officials went back to work, fulfilled their duty under our Constitution, and certified the results of the 2020 election," the RJC said in a statement. "Now is the time for the same peaceful transition of power that the US has carried out for over 220 years. It is also time for healing and unity in our country, because we face many serious and significant challenges."

The RJC noted that unity is needed now more than ever after the showing the United States gave the world on January 6, noting that "adversaries and competitors abroad will be watching the new administration closely." (JPost / VFI News)

“God, we ask that you let peace and justice prevail in the face of chaos and violence.”

A graduate researcher and teaching assistant (TA) at Johns Hopkins University's chemistry department has suggested penalizing Zionist students for being pro-Israel, according to a series of letters sent to the university.

The faculty member, who works in the university's chemistry department, "allegedly posted a series of racist, antisemitic statements on a public Twitter account, including shocking bigoted statements attacking Israelis and white people, and a poll asking followers if [he] should penalize 'zionist students' with low grades due to [his] hatred of Israel," according to the first letter sent to the university from the Zionist organization.

The TA asked in a Twitter poll if he should give a pro-Israel student their points in an exam "even though they support your ethnic cleansing."

(JPost / VFI News)

“God, we ask that you blot out all forms of antisemitism—wherever it hides.”