Israeli Consulate

An Israeli security chief said suicide bombers who struck at the British consulate and a branch of London-based HSBC Bank in Istanbul, Turkey, in November had originally planned to attack Israel's consulate there. Avi Dichter, head of the Shin Bet, said the bombers changed their minds after "they saw the kind of security" at the Israeli consulate, about 200 yards from the blasts. The two explosions killed 27 people, most of them Turks, on Nov. 20.

Supporters of Israel rallied in front of the country's consulate in Los Angeles on Sunday as the Jewish state continued to defend itself against an international outcry over a deadly raid on a pro-Palestinian aid flotilla bound for the Gaza Strip last week. "Today we call all the world to wake up," said Israeli Consul General Jacob Dayan, who addressed the cheering crowd while wrapped in his national flag. "Those who led the flotilla were not peace activists. Those who tried to murder our soldiers were not freedom fighters."

In reference to "Israel's Supporters Flock to Volunteer There" (Part A, Jan. 31), I would like to clarify Israel's position regarding visits by volunteers and dignitaries to Israel. Israel attaches great importance to the volunteering spirit exhibited by many in the local Jewish community. We appreciate also the support of many of our non-Jewish friends. Moreover, we welcome visits to Israel by leaders and dignitaries from the community during these times as an expression of their solidarity with and support for our country.

Thousands cheered Sunday as the blue-and-white Star of David flag was raised for the first time in front of the Israeli Consulate on Wilshire Boulevard. "As we mark 60 years of Israeli independence, as we paint Wilshire Boulevard blue and white, we must reaffirm in one voice our support for the Jewish state," Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa told those gathered for the flag-raising ceremony.

Aman wanted for a Tarzana murder and a Las Vegas casino robbery and attempted murder was in custody in New York City following his weekend arrest at the Israeli Consulate, Los Angeles police said Tuesday. David Hagag, 29, was charged Monday with the Dec. 27 killing of Simon Sarkissian, 54, of Tarzana, Detective Rick Swanston said. Police said Hagag killed Sarkissian, a heroin dealer, during a robbery attempt.

In response to your editorial "How Not to Settle This Issue," Jan. 31: The prime minister of Israel, Yitzhak Shamir, clarified remarks he made last month that "a big immigration requires a big Israel." He said that what he meant was "that in order to absorb a big wave of immigration, Israel must be a strong, united country." The government of Israel, by introducing the policy of direct absorption, affirms the right of every immigrant to choose the place in which he or she wishes to live.

Israeli Prime Minister Yitzhak Shamir made a sudden trip to Hungary on Monday to discuss upgrading of diplomatic ties with the Budapest regime, a senior government official said. If full relations are established, Hungary would be the first East Bloc country to restore ties with Israel that were severed after the 1967 Middle East War. The lightning visit--Shamir is expected to return today--follows an unpublicized trip by the Hungarian foreign minister to Jerusalem over the weekend.

The American Israel Public Affairs Committee, one of the most influential lobbies in Washington, D.C., is about to open a Westside office as part of its effort to influence American policy on behalf of the Jewish state. "This is a recognition that Southern California is very important in the national political scene," said Murray Wood, executive director of the Community Relations Committee of the Los Angeles Jewish Federation Council, who will head the new office as of next month.

Supporters of Israel rallied in front of the country's consulate in Los Angeles on Sunday as the Jewish state continued to defend itself against an international outcry over a deadly raid on a pro-Palestinian aid flotilla bound for the Gaza Strip last week. "Today we call all the world to wake up," said Israeli Consul General Jacob Dayan, who addressed the cheering crowd while wrapped in his national flag. "Those who led the flotilla were not peace activists. Those who tried to murder our soldiers were not freedom fighters."

Israeli security guards opened fire Wednesday on club-wielding Kurds who had stormed the Israeli Consulate here, killing three protesters, wounding 15 and provoking fears of escalating violence among the despairing, stateless people.

An Israeli security chief said suicide bombers who struck at the British consulate and a branch of London-based HSBC Bank in Istanbul, Turkey, in November had originally planned to attack Israel's consulate there. Avi Dichter, head of the Shin Bet, said the bombers changed their minds after "they saw the kind of security" at the Israeli consulate, about 200 yards from the blasts. The two explosions killed 27 people, most of them Turks, on Nov. 20.

Israeli security guards opened fire Wednesday on club-wielding Kurds who had stormed the Israeli Consulate here, killing three protesters, wounding 15 and provoking fears of escalating violence among the despairing, stateless people.

In reference to "Israel's Supporters Flock to Volunteer There" (Part A, Jan. 31), I would like to clarify Israel's position regarding visits by volunteers and dignitaries to Israel. Israel attaches great importance to the volunteering spirit exhibited by many in the local Jewish community. We appreciate also the support of many of our non-Jewish friends. Moreover, we welcome visits to Israel by leaders and dignitaries from the community during these times as an expression of their solidarity with and support for our country.

In response to your editorial "How Not to Settle This Issue," Jan. 31: The prime minister of Israel, Yitzhak Shamir, clarified remarks he made last month that "a big immigration requires a big Israel." He said that what he meant was "that in order to absorb a big wave of immigration, Israel must be a strong, united country." The government of Israel, by introducing the policy of direct absorption, affirms the right of every immigrant to choose the place in which he or she wishes to live.

Aman wanted for a Tarzana murder and a Las Vegas casino robbery and attempted murder was in custody in New York City following his weekend arrest at the Israeli Consulate, Los Angeles police said Tuesday. David Hagag, 29, was charged Monday with the Dec. 27 killing of Simon Sarkissian, 54, of Tarzana, Detective Rick Swanston said. Police said Hagag killed Sarkissian, a heroin dealer, during a robbery attempt.

Israeli Prime Minister Yitzhak Shamir made a sudden trip to Hungary on Monday to discuss upgrading of diplomatic ties with the Budapest regime, a senior government official said. If full relations are established, Hungary would be the first East Bloc country to restore ties with Israel that were severed after the 1967 Middle East War. The lightning visit--Shamir is expected to return today--follows an unpublicized trip by the Hungarian foreign minister to Jerusalem over the weekend.

A landmark in the history of the Israeli foreign service will be reached this summer in, of all places, Atlanta, Ga. Foreign Minister Shimon Peres has named Mohammed Massarwa, an Israeli Muslim Arab, as Israel's new consul-general in Atlanta. If the Israeli Cabinet ratifies his appointment, Massarwa, an attorney known for his rigorous advocacy of equal opportunity for his fellow Arab citizens, will become the first Arab to head an Israeli foreign mission. All citizens of Israel, regardless of religious or ethnic background, are eligible to serve in any public office in that country, from the local city council to the premiership.

Thousands cheered Sunday as the blue-and-white Star of David flag was raised for the first time in front of the Israeli Consulate on Wilshire Boulevard. "As we mark 60 years of Israeli independence, as we paint Wilshire Boulevard blue and white, we must reaffirm in one voice our support for the Jewish state," Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa told those gathered for the flag-raising ceremony.

A landmark in the history of the Israeli foreign service will be reached this summer in, of all places, Atlanta, Ga. Foreign Minister Shimon Peres has named Mohammed Massarwa, an Israeli Muslim Arab, as Israel's new consul-general in Atlanta. If the Israeli Cabinet ratifies his appointment, Massarwa, an attorney known for his rigorous advocacy of equal opportunity for his fellow Arab citizens, will become the first Arab to head an Israeli foreign mission. All citizens of Israel, regardless of religious or ethnic background, are eligible to serve in any public office in that country, from the local city council to the premiership.

The American Israel Public Affairs Committee, one of the most influential lobbies in Washington, D.C., is about to open a Westside office as part of its effort to influence American policy on behalf of the Jewish state. "This is a recognition that Southern California is very important in the national political scene," said Murray Wood, executive director of the Community Relations Committee of the Los Angeles Jewish Federation Council, who will head the new office as of next month.