By Ira Sharkansky The US economy and Gaza may sound like distinct issues, except that they are both high on my worry list. Two newspaper articles make the crucial points, even though one deals exclusively with the US economy and the other with Gaza, and neither mentions the other. One, in the Washington Post, puts […]
Washington and Gaza illustrate dangers of dysfunction Read More »
Ira Sharkansky, Middle EastIsrael tightens law banning indirect business dealings with Iran (JNS.org) The Knesset Constitution, Law and Justice Committee approved a set of guidelines on Tuesday that would effectively forbid Israelis from doing any business with Iran, Israel Hayom reported. The committee approved the guidelines required to enact the Struggle Against the Iranian Nuclear Program Law, which
JNS news briefs: October 16, 2013 Read More »
InternationalIDF destroys explosives-laden tunnel under Gaza borders (Israel Hayom/Exclusive to JNS.org) The Israel Defense Forces blew up an explosives-laden tunnel under Israel’s border with the central part of the Gaza Strip on Tuesday, outgoing IDF Spokesman Brig. Gen. Yoav Mordechai said. The tunnel was a previously undiscovered segment of a tunnel that was uncovered before
JNS news briefs: October 15, 2013 Read More »
InternationalBy Ira Sharkansky JERUSALEM — Somewhere in the American side of my brain is a memory of hearing that America is safe only when Congress is on vacation. The feeling may not be appropriate this week, when Members of Congress are trying to do something along with the White House to loosen their collective hands
Democracy in Israel: not always pretty Read More »
Ira Sharkansky, Middle EastHamas leader Mashaal to visit Iran (Israel Hayom/Exclusive to JNS.org) In another sign of reconciliation between Hamas and Iran, Hamas political bureau chief Khaled Mashaal will arrive in Tehran on Monday night for an official visit during which he will meet with Iranian leaders. Mashaal’s trip is taking place after a two-year rift between Hamas
JNS News Briefs: October 14, 2013 Read More »
InternationalBy Ira Sharkansky JERUSALEM — It should be no surprise that we are hearing another round of Israeli oy gevalt about Jews who leave the Promised Land, and thereby endanger the Zionist dream. The subject erupts every so often, currently provoked by yet another former Israeli who has won a Nobel Prize, at least partly
Nobel Prize renews debate over Israeli emigration Read More »
Ira Sharkansky, Middle EastIDF reserve colonel beaten to death in Jordan Valley terror attack (JNS.org) Israel Defense Forces reserve colonel Sariya Ofer was killed Thursday night in the Jordan Valley village of Brosh Habika in a suspected Palestinian terrorist attack. Ofer was reportedly beaten by at least two Palestinian men wielding iron bars and axes. His wife, Monique,
JNS news briefs: October 11, 2013 Read More »
InternationalIsrael hopes U.S. cut in Egypt aid won’t affect peace deal (JNS.org) The U.S. on Wednesday decided to halt the transfer of $260 million in military aid to Egypt, citing democracy and human rights concerns. America will also withhold the delivery of tank parts, helicopters, anti-ship missiles, and the F-16 fighter aircraft. “As a result
JNS news briefs: October 10, 2013 Read More »
InternationalNobel Prize in chemistry shared by Israeli professor (JNS.org) Arieh Warshel, an Israeli-American professor at the University of Southern California, will share the Nobel Prize in chemistry for his work that made it possible “to map the mysterious ways of chemistry by using computers,” the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences announced. Warshel shares the
JNS news briefs: October 9, 2013 Read More »
InternationalBy Aryeh Savir The Palestinians, according to a recent study by the Jerusalem Institute of Justice, have received 25 times more aid (per capita) than did the Europeans to rebuild war-torn Western Europe under the Marshall plan after the Second World War. Most of these funds, according to the study, reach the Palestinians through the
UNRWA may be prolonging Israel-Palestine conflict Read More »
Middle EastBy Ira Sharkansky JERUSALEM — The police had estimated that half a million would participate in the funeral procession of Rabbi Ovadia Yosef. When it was over, the police estimate was that 800,000 jammed the streets alongside the yeshiva where the ceremonies began as well as along and near the route of the funeral procession.
Massive crowds turn out for Rabbi Ovadia’s funeral Read More »
Ira Sharkansky, Middle EastBy Jeffrey E. Levine NEW YORK — I want to take a moment and introduce myself to all of you as I take on the role as President of Jewish National Fund. Evidently, it was my destiny to become President of Jewish National Fund one day, given that I was born on a street called
New JNF president tells his background Read More »
USANobel Prize in Medicine awarded to two American Jews (JNS.org) Two American Jews, along with their German partner, have been awarded the 2013 Nobel Prize in Medicine. The three scientists, Yale University professor James E. Rothman, 64, University of California, Berkeley professor Randy W. Schekman, 64, and German-born Stanford University professor Thomas C. Südhof, 57,
JNS news briefs: October 7, 2013 Read More »
InternationalBy Ira Sharkansky JERUSALEM–Palestine is not yet a state, except in its own propaganda and the proclamations of enthusiasts. If born, with or without the agreement of Israel, it may be a failed state from the get go. Signs are that it won’t be able to support itself economically, especially if those who choose themselves
Independent Palestine will be a failed state Read More »
Ira Sharkansky, Middle East