Israel

Mordechai Kedar: West’s Individualism, Secularism clash with Mideast’s Religiosity, Tribalism

Kedar also shed light on the complex alliances and rivalries shaping the region. He highlighted the strained relationship between Iran and its proxies, such as Hamas and Hezbollah, which has been exacerbated by Israel’s recent military successes. He predicted that the Middle East’s geopolitical landscape could shift further after January 20, aligning with potential changes in U.S. administration policies [Miriam Gershenson]

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Israel, Middle East, Miriam Gershenson, San Diego County, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USA

The Jewish Citizen: Some Trump Cabinet Picks Have Democratic Support

Gov. Jared Polis of Colorado says while he disagrees with Health and Human Services Secretary-designate Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s opposition to vaccines–and hopes he will not try to implement any anti-vaccination regulations—he believes Kennedy will look favorably on lowering prescription costs, reducing the use of pesticides, and improve nutrition in the schools. [Donald H. Harrison]

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Donald H. Harrison, Israel, News Media, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USA

When Do Jews Wish Each Other a ‘Shabat Shalom?’

Recently I read an interesting article on myjewishlearning.com debating when it’s best to wish someone a good Shabbat.  Immediately thought, “Duh? It is sundown Friday night until sundown Saturday night, right?” Not necessarily, this article gave an interesting perspective acknowledging the middle of the week as the focal point of Shabbat. [Cailin Acosta]

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Cailin Acosta, Israel, Jewish Religion, Philanthropy & Volunteerism, San Diego County, Staff and Bylined Contributors

Israeli Scholar Proposes ‘8-Emirates Solution’ for Palestinians

Dr. Mordechai Kedar, a Middle Eastern affairs expert, is no stranger to innovative and bold proposals for resolving long standing regional conflicts. Among his most discussed ideas is the 8-State Solution, or as he quickly clarifies, the “8 Emirates Solution.” During our conversation, he provided an in-depth explanation of the concept, grounded in his extensive experience and understanding of Middle Eastern geopolitics and sociology. [Miriam Gershenson]

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Israel, Middle East, Miriam Gershenson, San Diego County, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USA

An Israeli-American Perspective: Trump’s Cabinet and Netanyahu’s Coalition

Both leaders, though governing vastly different nations, seem to have embraced a strategy of relying on polarizing figures to solidify their political power.  For me, as someone with deep ties to both countries, this parallel is unsettling. [Shahar Masori]

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Israel, Opinion, Shahar Masori, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USA

Israeli Scholar Explains Religious Conflicts Between Jews and Muslims

Kedar emphasized that Islam views Judaism as having been nullified twice—first by Christianity and then by Islam itself. This ideological framework, Kedar argued, underpins much of the hostility toward Israel and the Jewish people in the Middle East today. According to this belief, the existence of Jews with their own land, military, and rights is an incomprehensible anomaly to the Islamic world. [Miriam Gershenson]

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Antisemitism, Israel, Jewish History, Jewish Religion, Middle East, Miriam Gershenson, San Diego County, Staff and Bylined Contributors

The Jewish Citizen: ICC Arrest Warrants for Netanyahu, Gallant Prompt Strong Reactions

Jewish communal reactions came fast and furious on Thursday to the International Criminal Court’s decision to issue arrest warrants for Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant on suspicion of war crimes. [Donald H. Harrison]

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Donald H. Harrison, International, Israel, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USA

OpEd: Standing Together Through It All

Then there are the times when you are trying to get into a parking garage and the pro-Palestinians surrounding your vehicle are bashing their fists on your car doors, banging on your car window, chopping huge protest signs on your hood, and then laying it on your windshield so you cannot see to drive forward. [Barrett Holman Leak]

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Antisemitism, Barrett Holman Leak, Israel, Lifestyles, Middle East, Opinion, San Diego County, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USA

Israeli Tells of Rallying Jews in New York and New Jersey Despite Pro-Palestinian Protests

I received a phone call from the president of the Young Israel of Staten Island, who informed me that Palestinian supporters planned to demonstrate outside the shul during our event. When I offered to cancel, he firmly declined and explained that the shul’s leadership decided to run a gathering to “express our unwavering support for Israel and our gratitude to the United States.” [Gedaliah Borvick]

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Gedaliah Borvick, Israel, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USA

Mitzvot and Kindness Mark Visit to a Recycling Center

As I took my bottles and cans to EDCO Recycle this morning, I reflected that the “haul” used to be filled with Diet Coke cans. However, years ago, I switched to SodaStream, an Israeli product that carbonates your water.  I don’t add any syrups.  I simply drink fizzy water.  The volume of my recycling has decreased, but I feel, nevertheless, that I am dong my part for the environment. [Cailin Acosta]

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Books, Poetry & Short Stories, Cailin Acosta, Israel, Lifestyles, Music, Dance, and Visual Arts, Philanthropy & Volunteerism, San Diego County, Science, Medicine, & Education, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Travel and Food

Classic Debates in Israel’s Parliament

I found myself involved in the translation of five of the six volumes of Major Knesset Debates, 1948–1981, edited by former Clerk of the Knesset, Netanel Lorch. This project, which occupied me for several years, gave me a unique insight into the workings of the Knesset and the nature of the debates held there as well as of the various individuals (i.e., politicians) who participated in those debates. [Dorothea Shefer-Vanson]

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Books, Poetry & Short Stories, Dorothea Shefer-Vanson, Israel, Staff and Bylined Contributors

The Jewish Citizen: 14 Jewish Congressmembers Want House Ethics Committee to Release Gaetz Report

Nearly 100 Democratic members of the House of Representatives have urged the House Ethics Committee, which meets on Wednesday, to publicly release its report on former Rep. Matt Gaetz, whom President-elect Trump has nominated for the job of U.S. Attorney General. Prior to Gaetz’s resignation from Congress last week, the committee had been investigating Gaetz for sex and drug offenses, among other allegations. [Donald H. Harrison]

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Antisemitism, Donald H. Harrison, Israel, Middle East, San Diego County, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USA