Donald H. Harrison

What Abbas and Haniyah may have told each other

By Shoshana Bryen WASHINGTON, D.C. — Hamas and Fatah have reportedly smoothed over their differences to present a united front in pursuit of a declaration of Palestinian independence from the UN General Assembly in September. [Side note: most countries declare independence, a la Thomas Jefferson or David Ben Gurion. The Palestinians prefer that someone do […]

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Middle East, Shoshana Bryen

Time for new Yom Kippur readings

By Rabbi Leonard Rosenthal SAN DIEGO — In the middle of Vayikra, the Book of Leviticus, with its long, detailed, and arcane descriptions of Israel’s ancient sacrificial rite, we are caught short by the appearance of parashat Kedoshim. Parashat Kedoshim speaks not of Priests, altars, and sacrifices, but of Godliness and holiness: “You shall be holy,

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Travel and Food

Hamas-Fatah deal augurs death of Israeli-Palestinian peace process

By Barry Rubin HERZLIYA, Israel — Suddenly, after years of persistent failure, Fatah and Hamas–which means the Palestinian Authority (PA) and Hamas–have signed a detailed reconciliation agreement. Why now? It’s preparation for the UN and the claim that the PA is sole, legitimate representative of the Palestinians. In exchange for being able to claim it

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Middle East

Adventures in San Diego Jewish History, March 16, 1956, Part 1

Compiled by San Diego Jewish World staff UJF Campaign Opens Sunday, March 25; Senator Speaks on Israel as Israel Crisis Grows More Critical Southwestern Jewish Press, March 16, 1956, Page 1 United States Senator Hubert H. Humphrey of Minnesota will be the honored guest and principal speaker at the Pace-Setters Dinner on Sunday evening, March

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Adventures in SD History, Jewish History

Obama may have Nobel Prize but in foreign policy he needs help

By Ira Sharkansky JERUSALEM — No one should claim that Barack Obama is a foreign policy sophisticate. His Nobel Peace Prize will keep historians busy speculating for generations. We might forgive his pledges to close Guantanamo and focus the American commitment in Afghanistan as electoral fluff, but Guantanamo is still active as his campaign for

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Ira Sharkansky, USA

Maimuna: A holiday for reaching across the ethnic divide

By Rabbi Dow Marmur  JERUSALEM — The festival of Maimouna was brought to Israel by the Jews from Morocco. There’re several theories about its origin, none of which is convincing. But that hasn’t stopped it from becoming a national event in the country, celebrated by Jews from many different backgrounds. It starts the same evening as Pesach

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Middle East

Adventures in San Diego Jewish History, March 2, 1956, Part 4

Compiled by San Diego Jewish World staff The Red Cross and You (Editorial) Southwestern Jewish Press, March 2, 1956, Page 7 All through the year, American people call upon the Red Cross for help.  Once each year the Red Cross asks the people for support. This year, which marks the 75th anniversary of the founding

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Adventures in SD History, Jewish History