By Ira Sharkansky JERUSALEM — It looks like they lost the farm. The reconciliation agreement between Fatah and Hamas surprised Mahmoud Abbas as well as Israelis. Fatah’s leadership had signed a draft agreement in 2009, and Hamas’ signing on this week came out of the blue. Or, on the basis of a post hoc analysis,
Hamas-Fatah reconciliation counterproductive to Palestinian cause Read More »
Ira Sharkansky, Middle EastBy Donald H. Harrison SAN DIEGO – There are two questions that I think need to be debated within the American Jewish community, and both are quite painful. First, do you remember the St. Louis, the ship filled with refugees from Hitler’s Germany, which was turned away by the United States as well as other
Two very painful questions about the U.S. and Israel Read More »
Donald H. Harrison
To my readers: This is a long article, I know. I tried to divide it in two but decided that it would detract from its power to shock and to call for action. It is the result of a long and painful research, and the facts clamored to be put together. Please read it at your
A country so generous, it’s bankrupt Read More »
USA
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
What Abbas and Haniyah may have told each other Read More »
Middle East, Shoshana Bryen
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,
Time for new Yom Kippur readings Read More »
Travel and Food
By Natasha Josefowitz, Ph.D. LA JOLLA, California — After my husband died nineteen months ago, I thought I might write a book on living single in a couples’ world. Wanting to use my own experience and that of others, I have interviewed dozens of widows and widowers. The word most often used by everyone I
What are your thoughts on loneliness? Read More »
Natasha Josefowitz, Travel and Food
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
Hamas-Fatah deal augurs death of Israeli-Palestinian peace process Read More »
Middle East
By Rabbi Dow Marmur JERUSALEM — The media pundits around the world and the diplomats in Israel and elsewhere who tried to tell Prime Minister Netanyahu what to say to Congress when he addresses both houses next month have labored in vain. In the end it’s Fatah and Hamas who’ll craft Bibi’s speech and their input
Time for Kadima to join coalition government in Israel? Read More »
Middle EastBy Ira Sharkansky JERUSALEM–The commotion, fighting, and death roiling through Arab countries is likely to produce several kinds of consequences. At the most extreme, it cannot be pleasant to be a Libyan or Syrian, wondering who will suffer from immediate attack or subsequent persecution. Who knows what kind of government will follow the upsets in
Arab turmoil reflected in Israeli debate Read More »
Ira Sharkansky, Middle East
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
Adventures in San Diego Jewish History, March 16, 1956, Part 1 Read More »
Adventures in SD History, Jewish History
By Sheryl Rowling SAN DIEGO — I’m willing to bet that many of you converted IRAs to Roth IRAs last year. And, because we’ve been told that 2011 and 2012 tax rates will remain the same as 2010 rates, most of you likely opted to pay the conversion tax over two years, starting in 2011.
What is a Donor Advised Fund? Read More »
Sheryl RowlingBy 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
Obama may have Nobel Prize but in foreign policy he needs help Read More »
Ira Sharkansky, USABy Shoshana Bryen WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Obama administration says it may look for “targeted sanctions” on Junior Assad’s Syria, and “condemns” the violence there, but – hey, look guys, it isn’t Libya, for Pete’s sake. Asked the difference, White House spokesman Jay Carney said, “We had a Gaddafi regime that was moving against its
Why does U.S. act in Libya but not Syria? Read More »
International, Shoshana BryenBy 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
Maimuna: A holiday for reaching across the ethnic divide Read More »
Middle East