In today`s headlines:

Troubling statistics regarding Israeli school system

Homeowner who shot and killed burglar set free by courts

Top CEO`s vow not to fire workers despite world financial crisis

And new permissiveness on Arabic TV

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A homeowner shot dead a burglar who had broken into his house. Local residents say break-ins are common in their village. The homeowner was taken in for questioning, but freed. The homeowner was offered support by Shai Dromi, the farmer who also shot dead a burglar who broke into his farm. A law was passed by the Knesset termed the Shai Dromi law saying that homeowners who shoot intruders into their homes will not be prosecuted.

Startling statistics regarding the Israeli school system. Physical and verbal abuse against teachers, systematic cheating, lack of control in the classrooms are just a few of the findings. The teachers union accuses the education minister of not transferring funds promised to teachers.

February tenth. That`s the apparentl date set for the upcoming general elections. That gives MK`s three and a half months to campaign.

Syria has decided to close several American institutions, including an American school in Damascus, following a US attack on terror targets within Syria close to the Iraqi border.

Two top CEO`s from leading Israeli companies, Bank Leumi and Checkpoint, said they would not fire workers despite the world economic crisis. However, economic leaders did admit that Israel will likely face a financial downturn. Nevertheless, several hundred workers, mostly from the hi-tech sector, have already lost their jobs due to the global financial crisis.

A key witness in the case of former finance minister avraham hirshzon testified today that he handed fat envelopes to prime minister ehud Olmert, which he pocketed.  Representatives for the prime minister denied the claims.

A new openness regarding sexuality on an Arabic Television Channel broadcast. This panel discussion is dealing with sexuality on one`s marriage day. Participants talked about virginity, and even womens rights.

Jeffrey Katzenberg, CEO of Dreamworks is bringing actors Ben Stiller, Chris Rock and Jada Pinkett, stars of the companys new movie Madagascar 2, to Israel. s/u stiller

And Yossi Beilin of Meretz, one of the architects of the Oslo accords, announced that he would not be running for the next Knesset.

In today`s headlines:

Moderate losses on Tel Aviv Stock Exchange

Israeli job market on edge

Fourth night of rioting in Acco

Livni says coalition deal with Labor done

Does Jerusalem mayoral candidate really live there?

Is economic downturn affecting exclusive boutiques?

And Harlem Globetrotters coming to Israel

Welcome to Jerusalem online.com news

Following huge losses on world markets, The Tel Aviv Stock Exchange opened with sharp drops but ended up losing just under 4%. The cabinet held a special session on the economic downturn. Prime Minister Ehud Olmert said that if the government continues to act responsibility, the Israeli economy can overcome the influence of the world economic crisis. Finance Minister roni bar on said the government will stand behind the stability of the financial markets in Israel. Governor of the bank of Israel Stanley fischer said the bank is preparing a campaign to support economic growth despite the difficult situation in the world. The Bank of Israel is considering streaming money into the banking system to free up credit.

Meanwhile, many Israeli companies are putting hiring on hold and are even preparing lists of workers to fire. The local hi-tech industry in particular is expected to be hit hard by the world economic crisis. However, local hi-tech execs say the industry is much more mature than when the hi-tech bubble burst in 2001, and that Israeli hi-tech will continue to flourish.

Meanwhile, it seems that some financial institutions are still extending credit. British Bank HSBC has loaned Israeli businessman Yitzchak Tshuva 250 million dollars for his plaza hotel building in New York.

Tense quiet following the fourth night of rioting between Jews and Arabs in Acco. The rioting began on Yom Kippur when an Arab drove a car through a Jewish neighborhood. Police swarmed into the city to keep the peace. Many of the cities residents are using text messages to feed the flames. Knesset members from Jewish and Arab parties exchanged mutual accusations regarding the riots. The conversation deteriorated into name calling. The driver who sparked the riots said he would be willing to give his neck to return coexistence to his town.

Kadima leader Tzipi livni said a coalition agreement between her party and Labor is all but a done deal. According to the deal, labor leader will be a full partner in peace talks and will become deputy prime minister.

Are Israel`s exclusive stores feeling the economic pinch? According to storeowners, Israel`s wealthy are continuing to buy high end items such as clothes and perfumes. However, some boutique owners say even this top shelf buyers are much more cautious about their purchasing.

Does Jerusalem mayoral candidate, billionaire arkady guydamak, really live in Jerusalem, live in his Jerusalem apartment. Investigations say that Guydamak only visits his Jerusalem home once every month or two. His main residence seems to be in Ceasaria.

Israel`s national soccer team defeated Luxembourg to keep their world cup hopes alive.

And the harlem globetrotters are heading to Tel Aviv for several performances and are sure to wow local crowds with their mix of hoops and hijinx. s/u