ICFUFOR Journal - No 43 - April 2004

Magazine Overview

This document is an issue of the ICFUFOR Journal, specifically issue No. 43, dated April 2004. It focuses on UFO (Unidentified Flying Object) sightings and related phenomena reported in Israel.

Key Broadcast and Official Response

The issue highlights a significant Chanel2 TV broadcast from February 29, 2004, titled “Foreign Guests,” produced by Ilan Shushan. This broadcast is noted for its explanatory approach to UFOs, a rarity on Israeli television. The program featured a videotape filmed by Oron Sultan in Beit-Shemesh in October 2003, which clearly showed unidentified flying objects and their sounds. For the first time, the IDF Spokesman officially responded to UFO phenomena in Israel. Additionally, Ret. Gen. Avihu Ben-Noon, former IDF Air Force commander, commented on Sultan's videotape, stating he had never seen anything like it, didn't recognize the crafts or their sound, and recommended investigation by the air force. The IDF spokesman, however, stated that the Israeli air force is not familiar with any unit investigating UFOs and does not recognize their existence, while affirming their role in protecting Israeli skies and acknowledging potential airplane activity.

Witness Testimonies and Sightings

The journal presents several detailed accounts from witnesses across Israel:

Shimon Rosenberg's Observations (Ma'alot)

Shimon Rosenberg reported multiple sightings in February and March 2004:

• February 2, 2004 (17:00-17:05): While walking his dog, Rosenberg saw an orange-red 'lighted stripe' moving north. He initially thought it was an airplane trail but noted it moved as one piece. He estimated its length at 2.0-2.5 cm (at arm's length) and its altitude at 25-35 degrees above the horizon. The object flew steadily at a mediate speed for about 30 seconds before disappearing.
• March 12, 2004 (22:55): Rosenberg observed an object flying at tremendous speed, leaving a long trail. Its color was described as beautiful, between bluish and bright purple, and it made a dim whistle sound.
• March 13, 2004 (23:07): He observed a yellow-orange bright object crossing the sky from south to north for about 1-2 seconds at a very high altitude.
• March 19, 2004 (15:10): Rosenberg saw a dark, circular, drop-like object flying from southeast to northwest at a moderate speed. He noted its small size due to high altitude and its steady movement, which he believed could not be explained by a balloon or bird flying against the wind.

Yehudit's Observation (Ha'chof Road, between Hadera and Natanya)

• February 2, 2004 (16:50-17:00): Yehudit and her family saw an orange, elongated object descending from the sky. It changed direction, flying horizontally at an estimated size of 1 meter by 10 centimeters. It appeared as a bright orange trail of fire, entered and exited clouds, and disappeared after 2 minutes.

Ron Sharvit's Observation (Tsfat)

• February 17, 2004 (19:30): Ron Sharvit, a 19-year-old, saw blue-green lights at airplane altitude, appearing in two pairs above the city. He expressed fright and worry, questioning the contradiction between extraterrestrials and his religious faith.

Ron Shoval's Observation (Sajur, next to Carmiel)

• February 17, 2004 (19:30): Ron Shoval and six friends observed a lighted blue-green object moving fast, the size of an airplane. They noticed four lights moving in pairs, with varying brightness. The object was observed for less than a minute, with no sound reported.

Moti Ashkenazi's Observation (Hod Ha'Sharon)

• March 10, 2004 (21:00): Moti Ashkenazi reported seeing a very bright object, brighter than a star, with four beams of light emanating from it, located in the west direction at an estimated altitude of 1 kilometer. He had lived in the area for two years and never seen such a sight.

El'dad's Observation (Ramat-Gan)

• March 11, 2004: El'dad, a computer engineer, observed two lighted objects separated from each other. Using binoculars, he identified one as an elongated rectangular object surrounded by spots of light, seen in the west direction. After an hour, it was no longer visible.

The Bloom Family's Observation (Kfar Hannanya)

• March 12, 2004: The Bloom family (mother Smadar, father, two boys, grandfather, grandmother) witnessed a very bright, unusual object in the north-west direction. The father videotaped it. The videotape showed the UFO moving closer and away, with shades of red and purple, a 'pulse of light,' and shades of green. It also appeared to have 'wicks' at its top and bottom. The object was later observed to reduce its light, turn into a 'dot,' disappear, and reappear over an hour. It was also videotaped again that night. On March 14, the family saw the UFO again near Golany Junction, but not at 21:00. On March 17, Shimon Rosenberg observed the same sky sector from Ma'alot but saw nothing.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring theme is the reporting of unexplained aerial phenomena in Israel, with a focus on detailed witness accounts and attempts at objective description. The journal appears to adopt an investigative stance, encouraging the examination of such events, as suggested by Ret. Gen. Avihu Ben-Noon. The inclusion of the IDF's official non-recognition of UFOs provides a counterpoint to the witness reports, highlighting the ongoing mystery and debate surrounding these sightings. The journal's editorial stance seems to be one of open inquiry into anomalous aerial phenomena, presenting evidence and testimonies for the reader's consideration.