Requesting Jewish state recognition a ‘mistake,’ Kerry says (JNS.org) Secretary of State John Kerry called it a “mistake” to continue to ask for Palestinian recognition of Israel as a Jewish state in efforts to reach a peace agreement. “I think it’s a mistake for some people to be raising it again and again as the […]
JNS news briefs: March 14, 2014 Read More »
InternationalBy Ira Sharkansky JERUSALEM–Let’s admit the unpleasant reality. Israel is a pariah in the Middle East and a nuisance for the West. The status of pariah is most apparent in the response of ranking Jordanians, as well as the mobs on its streets, to the killing of a young (30-something) Jordanian lower court judge during
Israel carries burden of being unpopular Read More »
Ira Sharkansky, Middle East
By Dmitriy Shapiro/JNS.org/Washington Jewish Week While meeting in Geneva for its annual spring session from March 3-28, the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) will be deciding on a replacement for Richard Falk, the body’s special rapporteur on Palestinian human rights who has a history of anti-Israel bias. U.N. watchdog groups, the United States, and
UNHRC to pick Richard Falk’s replacement Read More »
Middle East
WASHINGTON, DC (Press Release) – Being able to pay extra on a student loan can provide peace of mind that a financial burden is shrinking faster than usual. That’s until you learn that the extra money has been applied to future payments and interest, reducing your ability to pay down the principal. Congresswoman Susan Davis
Davis bill to facilitate paying off student loans Read More »
Science, Medicine, & Education, USA
By Dmitriy Shapiro/JNS.org/Washington Jewish Week NATIONAL HARBOR, Maryland — In striking a more libertarian tone than in previous years, the annual Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) might be taking the constituency represented by its sponsor, the American Conservative Union (ACU), down a path that is alienating to some in the Jewish community. According to some
Will libertarian tone deter Jews from joining GOP? Read More »
USA
ATLANTA, Georgia (Press Release) – In his first public appearance since joining the U.S. peace process team, David Makovsky spoke at the JCPA Plenum last weekabout the need for a two-state solution and the prospects for peace. The Plenum is the annual conference for Jewish community leaders and representatives from 125 Jewish Community Relations councils
Makovsky outlines Mideast peace benefits to JCPA Read More »
Middle East, USA
By Aryeh Savir JERUSALEM (TNA) — The Israel Air Force (IAF) announced Thursday afternoon that its aircraft attacked seven terror sites in the southern Gaza Strip. “Since yesterday we have seen a substantial deterioration in the safety of the residents in southern Israel,” IDF Spokesman Lt. Col. Peter Lerner said. ”We have responded and will continue
Israel responds to second day of Gaza rockets Read More »
Middle East‘Relative calm’ shattered as southern Israelis shaken by Gaza rocket barrage (JNS.org) After months of relative quiet in southern Israel, dozens of Palestinian rockets exploded in Eshkol, Shaar Hanegev, Merhavim, Sderot, and other communities on Wednesday. Startled residents ran to bomb shelters, once again entering the cycle of fear that occurs during every round of
JNS news briefs: March 13, 2014 Read More »
International
SAN DIEGO (Press Release) – Hundreds of San Diegans are expected to come together Sunday, March 23 for the 3rd annual Walk to End Genocide. Timed to coincide with Genocide Awareness Month, the day of activism will bring together a wide-ranging coalition of schools, churches, synagogues, and other faith-based organizations, highlighting the power of local
Rep. Davis honorary chair of anti-genocide walk Read More »
International, San Diego Calendar
GENEVA (Press Release)– The World Jewish Congress (WJC) on Wednesday called on the United Nations Human Rights Council to recognize as violations of religious freedom any bans or limitations on the right to practice Jewish and Muslim ritual slaughter of animals and male circumcision. “We call on the governments of all UN member states to
WJC seeks UN protection for shechita, brit milah Read More »
International, Jewish ReligionBy Shoshana Bryen WASHINGTON, D.C. –In response to mounting unhappiness in the West with Russia’s acquisition of Crimea and plans to split Ukraine, Vladimir Putin has struck again. The Russian Defense Ministry released a statement over the weekend saying, “The unfounded threats… are seen by us as an unfriendly gesture,” raising the possibility of “new
Time for U.S. to deploy E. Europe missile defenses Read More »
International, Shoshana Bryen, USAAbout two-thirds of Israelis don’t trust Kerry on security, poll says (Israel Hayom/Exclusive to JNS.org) Sixty-four percent of Israelis do not trust U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry to take Israel’s security into account as a “crucial factor” in the framework peace proposal he is attempting to formulate in the current Israeli-Palestinian conflict negotiations, a
JNS news briefs: March 12, 2014 Read More »
InternationalBy Aryeh Savir JERUSALEM – Israel police and Shabak announced they have arrested Aziz Musah Salam Awisat, a resident of the Jabl Mukaber neighborhood in Jerusalem, on charges that he sabotaged gas lines in buildings in several attempts to cause mass explosions. Awisat, allegedly affiliated with Hamas, is 49 and a father of six. Authorities
Israeli Police arrest Arab man on charges of sabotage Read More »
Middle EastBy Rabbi Dow Marmur JERUSALEM–Before the end of this week, the Knesset will have passed three important bills: (1) raising the number of votes before a party can gain seats from 2% to 3.15% and other changes in the composition of future governments; (2) obligating ultra-Orthodox men to serve in the army instead of allowing
Boycotted Knesset to pass 3 bills 67-0 Read More »
Middle East