USA

Conference of Presidents urges quick passage of Iran Refined Petroleum Sanctions Act

NEW YORK (Press Release)—The Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations urged the U.S. House of Representatives to pass the Iran Refined Petroleum Sanctions Act (H.R. 2194) before the December break. “The timing for this vote is especially significant. After serious attempts by the United States and other world powers to engage Iran and […]

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USA

A comparison of the U.S. and Israel — and their democracies

By Ira Sharkansky JERUSALEM–Israel attracts attention like a magnet. Some years ago, at the height of the Cold War, there were said to be more foreign correspondents in Jerusalem than in any other capital except Washington and Moscow. The weight of Muslims in international forums assures a chronic rate of condemnations. Being the Holy Land

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Ira Sharkansky, Middle East, USA

Test-takers do worse in larger groups, Israeli and U.S. researchers find

HAIFA (Press Release)–The larger the number of examinees, the lower the average grade. This is one of the findings of a series of new studies carried out by scientists at the University of Haifa and the University of Michigan. “It is a well-established fact that subjective factors influence our motivation to compete. Our new studies

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Middle East, USA

State Department posts $5 million reward each for Pan Am 73 terrorists

The following is the text of a joint Rewards for Justice – Federal Bureau of Investigation statement on a reward offer for information about the hijackers of Pan Am Flight 73: WASHINGTON, D.C. (Press Release)–The U.S. Department of State has authorized a reward of up to $5 million each for information leading to the arrest

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USA

Napolitano: U.S. and Israel are partners in fight against terrorism

NEW YORK (Press Release)—Department of Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano delivered remarks last night at the America-Israel Friendship League’s “Partners for Democracy Award Dinner” in New York City underscoring the Department’s strong partnerships with Israel and firm commitment to countering terrorism and violent extremism both abroad and within the United States. In her remarks, Secretary

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Middle East, USA

President Obama again delays recognition of Jerusalem as Israel's capital

WASHINGTON, D.C. (WJC)—US President Barack Obama has again delayed moving the US Embassy in Israel from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem. On Thursday he notified Secretary of State Hillary Clinton of his decision, following a similar one in June. A law passed by Congress in 1995 recognizes Jerusalem as Israel’s capital and orders that the US

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Middle East, USA

World Jewish Congress criticizes Lithuanian official's revisionist view of the Holocaust

VILNIUS (WJC)–Lithuanian Justice Minister Remigijus Šimašius  has said his country should answer questions regarding its behavior during World War II with its head held high. Writing in his internet blog, Šimašius dismissed accusations that Lithuania had been an anti-Semitic country and collaborated with the Nazis. “First of all, the fact that many Jews were killed

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Middle East, USA

IDF Ensemble to perform December 13 concert at Beth Am

SAN DIEGO–A musical ensemble of the Israel Defense Forces will perform at 7 p.m. Sunday, December 13, at Congregation Beth Am, 5050 Del Mar Heights Road, San Diego. Theme of the performance is “Celebrate Our Soldiers and the music of Israel and  Chanukah.” The concert also will honor Israel activists Dan and Nina Brodsky, with

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Middle East, San Diego Calendar, USA

Anti-Semitism injected into Puerto Rican environmental battle

NEW YORK (Press Release)– Anti-Semitism has been injected into a public debate over a proposed monkey-breeding facility in Puerto Rico, with some opponents accusing “Jewish economic interests” of attempting to destroy the island’s environment. The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) on Thursday expressed solidarity with the Jewish community of Puerto Rico, which has faced boycott and protest

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USA

Obama could learn from Israel's mistakes with Palestinians, Lebanese

By Ira Sharkansky JERUSALEM–The New York Times followed President Obama’s speech on Afghanistan with an article that is devastatingly skeptical. It seems to have been prepared largely before the speech, on the basis of details discussed for days. The article  details the corruption high and low in Afghanistan that depends on narcotics, and the dismal

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Ira Sharkansky, Middle East, USA

Iran becoming more intransigent in nuclear controversy

TEHRAN (WJC)–Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad has said there was no need to hold further talks with the West over Iran’s nuclear program. In a live television interview, Ahmadinejad threatened to downgrade relations with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA): “Friendly relations with the agency are over. We will cooperate as much as they offer us

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Middle East, USA