By Ira Sharkansky JERUSALEM — The Palestinians are betting the farm. Or–Muslim friends, forgive me– throwing a Hail Mary pass. They are doing everything they can to achieve world recognition of their state, with 1967 borders, a capitol in Jerusalem, and maybe something about refugees, without bothering to negotiate with Israel about what Palestinians might […]
By Lloyd Levy LONDON — With all the incessant media coverage about Israel , one easily loses sight of the broader picture. Yet I have been reading a respected annual publication called “the Military Balance.” Not necessarily everyone’s chosen reading material, but it throws a fascinating insight into the miracle that is today’s Israel. By
Israel’s military capability expands as Western Europe’s declines Read More »
Lloyd Levy, Middle EastSan Diego Jewish World staff report BEERSHEBA, Israel — Daniel Viflich, 16, whose misfortune it was to be innocently riding a school bus on Thursday, April 7, has died of the severe injuries he sustained after an anti-tank missile was fired at the bus from Gaza. Viflich died in the Soroka University Medical Center here,
Israeli teen victim of school bus rocketing dies Read More »
Middle EastBy Ira Sharkansky JERUSALEM — The analyst’s job is to make sense out of separate events that might be connected. If done well, it is better than a blind person trying to figure out what is that large, rough thing being felt. However it is done, there is a lack of certainty. It is best
Will U.N. endorse a government of terror? Read More »
Ira Sharkansky, Middle East
By Rabbi Dow Marmur JERUSALEM — Avigdor Lieberman says that he has been investigated by the authorities on and off since some 15 years ago WHEN he became the head of the Prime Minister’s Office during Netanyahu’s first tenure. But to date he has only been found guilty of beating up a little boy in
Israeli politics in the wake of Lieberman’s preliminary indictment Read More »
Middle EastBy Ira Sharkansky JERUSALEM — Prior to 1948, Morocco had the largest Jewish population of North African countries. It was not one community, but several that differed in history, tradition, socio-economic traits, and language. One component traced its heritage to Jews expelled from Spain in the 15th century. Another may have been there since migrations
Ethnic politics in Israel: Moroccan and Russian Read More »
Ira Sharkansky, Middle EastWASHINGTON, D.C (Press Release) – Congressman Bob Filner recently announced his support for legislation to honor the memory of Jewish Chaplains who have died while on active duty in the Armed Forces. “Jewish chaplains have provided invaluable service to members of our military from various faiths for over 65 years,” said Congressman Filner. “Our country owes
Campaign to honor Jewish chaplains at Arlington gains Filner’s support Read More »
USA
By Shoshana Bryen WASHINGTON, D.C. — It’s an old Jewish joke about holidays – “They tried to kill us, they failed, let’s eat.” In a more serious vein, we read at the Passover Seder, “Let all who are hungry come and eat.” Observant Jews give charity before holidays to ensure that people have what they
The meal that’s much more than a dinner Read More »
Shoshana Bryen, USA
By Barry Rubin HERZLIYA, Israel — How sadly ironic. A few years ago, the two previous U.S. presidents were trying to get Gulf Arab states to do more to foster an Arab-Israeli peace settlement and to stand up against Iran. They didn’t respond very much. Now they are ready for the battle and the current
Saudi Arabia, Gulf States: Iran Is Attacking Us Read More »
International, Middle East, USABy Barry Rubin RIGA, Latvia — I’m in Riga, Latvia today, where my grandfather was born and my great-grandparents lived. It is a charming city and I hope to write more about it later. But I wanted to share with you a little story that you might find relevant. Whether or not you know it,
Some Latvian wisdom on dealing with an economic crisis Read More »
International
By Rabbi Ben Kamin SAN DIEGO — “How can you let your daughter move to Israel?” The question, along with disbelieving little gasps, has been put to me by a number of well-meaning friends and acquaintances in recent weeks. My second daughter, Debra, has been recruited from The New York Times to serve as breaking
“How can you let your daughter move to Israel?” Read More »
Middle EastBy Ira Sharkansky JERUSALEM –“Until next time” is the theme heard from military officers and commentators wrapping up the weekend’s dust-up with Hamas and its allies/competitors in Gaza. That is also a summary history of Israel. There is no clear answer to the question, “How many wars?” insofar as some “operations” are hardly different from
What passes for ‘macho’ in the Middle East Read More »
Ira Sharkansky, Middle EastBy Rabbi Dow Marmur JERUSALEM — “Until the next round” is the headline in today’s Ha’aretz that describes the attempt at ceasefire between Hamas and Israel after these last days of intensive belligerence. As a result, the rockets raining on the Negev have been reduced, though not yet fully eliminated, and Israel has refrained from
No one assumes latest Israel-Gaza flareup will be the last Read More »
Middle EastBy Barry Rubin HERZLIYA, Israel — Ali Gomaa, grand mufti of Egypt, writes in the New York Times: “Egypt’s religious tradition is anchored in a moderate, tolerant view of Islam. We believe that Islamic law guarantees freedom of conscience and expression (within the bounds of common decency) and equal rights for women. And as head
Grand Mufti claims Egypt’s Islam is moderate Read More »
Barry Shaw, Middle East