Donald H. Harrison

Sanctions don’t hurt Iran’s decision makers

By Shoshana Bryen WASHINGTON, D.C. — Western Iran-watchers have been pleased these past few weeks to see evidence that international sanctions against the Islamic Republic appear to have precipitated the collapse of local currency and demonstrations in the marketplace.  The EU added a new sanctions package last week.  Finally, they seem to be saying, we’re […]

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Middle East, Shoshana Bryen

Celebrating Hadassah’s centennial as a delegate

By Eileen Wingard JERUSALEM — The State of Israel pulled out all the stops to welcome the Hadassah Convention in Jerusalem October 15-18, celebrating the women’s Zionist organization’s centennial and the dedication of Hadassah Hospital’s new Sarah Wetsman Davidson Tower. There were banners and signs displayed everywhere, and on Ben Yehuda Street, the stores all

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Eileen Wingard

My Funny Girl experience

The following article was submitted by a young cast member appearing in J*Company’s production of Funny Girl. For the 2012-2013 Season, J*Company is proud to present a tribute to Barbra Streisand featuring productions of FUNNY GIRL, a role that won Streisand her first Oscar for her portrayal of Fanny Brice; YENTL, based on Isaac Bashevis

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Travel and Food

When Jews seek spirituality elsewhere

By Rabbi Michael Leo Samuel CHULA VISTA, California — Obviously Jewish survival must depend upon something more than empty sentimentalism. There must be something more than a cultural Jewish identity that finds Jewish fulfillment in bagels and lox. While many Jews live a nostalgically religious life, at least an equally large number have become ambivalent

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Jewish Religion, Michael Leo Samuel-Rabbi

Christian letter on Israel a ‘big muddy’ for their leaders

Dexter Van Zile writes that the letter calling on Congress to investigate military aid to Israel—which prompted major Jewish groups to walk away from interfaith dialogue—has all the markings of Churches for Middle East Peace, an organization that interprets its mandate to promote peace as a call to assail Israel with one-sided criticism and treat

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Jewish Religion

U.S., Israel in joint missile defense exercise

By Jacob Kamaras/JNS.org The largest-ever joint defense exercise between the United States and Israel kicked off on Sunday and is lasting for three weeks in the Jewish state. Austere Challenge 12 (AC12), an air and missle defense training exercise, will involve 3,500 U.S. military members and another 1,000 from the Israel Defense Forces, according to

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Jacob Kamaras, Middle East

JNS news briefs: October 23, 2012

Jimmy Carter blames Israel for ‘vanishing’ peace (JNS.org) Former U.S. President Jimmy Carter lamented the “vanishing” prospects of Israeli-Palestinian peace during a trip to Jerusalem this week, blaming Israeli construction in the West Bank. Carter called the current situation “catastrophic” and accused Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of pursuing a one-state solution, despite Netanyahu’s previous

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International