By Bruce S. Ticker PHILADELPHIA — It is astounding how Israel’s foes have assembled an immense if bulky movement in America and Canada to advocate for the Palestinian cause. A great many people support this cause, and their strength is in the numbers. They have developed an extensive network of Americans and Canadians who genuinely […]
The Anti-Israel Wall Can Crumble Read More »
Bruce Ticker, Israel, Middle East, Opinion, USA
Yoni Avi Battat’s debut album, Fragments, explores his Arab-Jewish identity through nine selections. He composed the music for seven of them, delving into the Arabic melodies of his grandparent’s native Iraq for inspiration and including native instruments such as the oud (Arabic lute), qanun (chordaphone with many strings), nay (reed flute), riq (tambourine), frame drum, karakeb (large iron castenets), darbuka (goblet shaped drum) and joza (coconut shell fiddle held on knee). [Eileen Wingard]
Arab-Jewish Musician Releases CD Exploring His Heritages Read More »
Eileen Wingard, Israel, Middle East, Music, Dance, and Visual Arts
Envoy Hochstein, in the tradition of American negotiators in Israel’s sphere, has proposed that it accept 100% of Lebanon’s demands in the Eastern Mediterranean, with some minor concessions to Israel. In any event, Hezbollah rejects the entire agreement, adding additional requirements. Acting Prime Minister Lapid had immediately commented favorably on the proposed deal, although the opposition vehemently disagrees. (Steve Kramer]
US Fumbles Israel’s Marine Border Negotiations with Lebanon Read More »
Israel, Middle East, Steve Kramer, USA
The Americans were given the task of producing a draft agreement, and the man they chose for doing the deal is a Jew, a former Israeli, and veteran of the IDF, who subsequently moved to Washington and joined the State Department. Amos Hochstein expresses the mix of Israeli and American identities. He’s produced something that seems reasonable, especially given Israel’s economic strength and Lebanon’s economic desperation. [Ira Sharkansky]
Offshore Gas Deal Seems Fair, Though Ill-Timed Read More »
Ira Sharkansky, Israel, Middle East, USABy Ira Sharkansky, Ph.D JERUSALEM — The selection of Giorgia Meloni as the Italian prime minister has produced a slew of commentary, pointing to the ascendance of the right across a number of polities. And where is Israel’s Labor Party? Once the selector of the country’s prime ministers, but the last was Ehud Barak,
By Gedaliah Borvick JERUSALEM — Over 10 years ago, I wanted to make an offer to buy a house in New Jersey and the agent told me to submit my offer in the form of a signed contract. She explained – and my lawyer subsequently confirmed – that upon the seller’s acceptance of the offer, my
Before Signing on the Dotted Line… Read More »
Business & Finance, Gedaliah Borvick, Israel, Opinion
By David Isaac (JNS) South Korea ratified its free trade agreement with Israel on Tuesday. It’s the first FTA that Israel has signed with an Asian country. The agreement goes into force on Dec. 1. Israel exports about $1.5 billion annually to South Korea and imports $2 billion in goods. “South Korea is the 11th-largest
Israel-South Korea Free Trade Agreement Passes Final Hurdle Read More »
International, Israel, Middle EastBy Bruce S. Ticker PHILADELPHIA — A Detroit congresswoman, an Australian student editor, and a sex-abuse survivor from Vermont escape from a sanatorium and regale us with stories confirming their standing as antisemites. The trio has entangled Judaism and Israel, proving once again that from their perspective anti-Zionism is indeed antisemitism. A congresswoman we know
Anti-Zionism, Antisemitism Read More »
Bruce Ticker, Israel, Opinion, USAWe returned home to heavy campaigning to elect a new government on November 1, the fifth such election in three years. From my viewpoint, it looks like it may be another stalemate, with Bibi Netanyahu, leader of the conservative Likud (the most popular party) failing to form a majority coalition. The current “caretaker” prime minister, Yair Lapid, who heads the leftist Yesh Atid (the second most popular party) has been increasing his clout by performing his interim duties fairly well. {Steve Kramer]
Elizabeth R Led Her State; Who Will Lead Israel’s Government? Read More »
International, Israel, Steve KramerBy Ira Sharkansky, Ph.D JERUSALEM — At the start of a new Jewish year, there are good signs and other signs in our corner of the world. Attacks continue, more or less daily, mostly by individual Palestinians or small groups. Recently an 84 year old Israeli was clubbed to death on the street near her
Positive Signs in Israel for 5783 Read More »
Ira Sharkansky, Israel, Opinion
Published by DPA Israeli Prime Minister Yair Lapid called for the establishment of an independent Palestinian state, as long as the state would be a peaceful one, in his speech to the UN General Assembly. “Peace is not a compromise. It is the most courageous decision we can make,” he said. He said Israel seeks
Israeli Prime Minister Calls for Palestinian State in UN Address Read More »
Israel
Adrienne Gold Davis, without the benefit of a microphone, silenced a roomful of Jewish women (no mean feat!) while delivering an insightful and timely message about forgiveness. Attendees ranged in age from about 4 to 74 and represented the entire spectrum of Jewish observance. [Eva Trieger]
Forgiveness and the Cause of Jewish Momentum Read More »
Eva Trieger, Israel, Jewish Religion, Lifestyles, San Diego CountyOver the years the Education Ministry has winked at partial compliance with its requirement. The schools of some Ashkenazi Haredi movements teach math, English, and Hebrew, less than described in the formal requirements, and others teach almost entirely religious matters, dedicating perhaps two hours per week to secular subjects. And all in Yiddish. [Ira Sharkansky, Ph.D]
Math English, Hebrew Get Short Shrift in Haredi Schools Read More »
Ira Sharkansky, Israel, Science, Medicine, & Education
They were blowing the shofar, but it wasn’t Rosh Hashanah. On Jan. 5, 2021, the sound of the ram’s horn echoed in the streets of Washington, D.C., as participants in the Jericho March circled the capitol in a re-enactment of Joshua’s siege on the ancient city. For Jewish observers, it was a puzzling scene. “Are you going to do the shevarim as well?” one reporter asked a puff-cheeked protester, referring to the rhythmic blowing pattern used in Jewish tradition. He got a blank stare in return. [JNS.org]
The Shofar’s Role Through History Read More »
International, Israel, Jewish Religion, USA