The threat by left-wing Jewish groups to boycott the Jewish National Fund in Israel strikes a blow at the Jewish unity to which we all aspire. But it also serves a clarifying purpose—it shines a light on the hypocrisy of many on the Jewish left, especially concerning the future of Jerusalem. [Moshe Phillips]
Boycott Threat Against JNF/KKL Is Hypocritical Read More »
Middle East
It may be uncomfortable for me to bring this up, but anyone who doesn’t have his or her head in the clouds knows that in the Middle East, the first one to concede in negotiations has already lost. Middle Easterners have a “bazaar” mentality, always asking their opponents to “make an offer,” knowing that doing so rigs the game in favor of those who have patience and wait. [Steve Kramer]
Once Again, Iran is Beating U.S. in Nuclear Negotiations Read More »
International, Middle East, Steve Kramer, USA
Israel on Thursday said it had formally decided not to cooperate with an International Criminal Court war crimes investigation into the situation in the Occupied Palestinian Territories. The ICC’s chief prosecutor announced on 3 March that she had opened a full investigation into the situation in the Israeli-occupied territories, infuriating Israel, which is not a
Netanyahu’s office declares Israel will not cooperate with ICC war crimes probe Read More »
Middle East
HOLOCAUST APPROPRIATION: When Holocaust terminology is used in a way which minimizes the gravity and uniqueness of the tragedy. eg, Calling political opponents ‘Nazis’ or accusing Israel of Nazi/ Holocaust policies. [Elliot Friedland]
Standing Against ‘Holocaust Appropriation’ Read More »
International, Jewish History, Middle East, USA
Participants from across the world joined leaders, dignitaries and Holocaust survivors April 8 in March of the Living’s virtual events marking Holocaust Remembrance Day across the Jewish world. This year’s March of the Living paid special tribute to the medical professionals who risked their lives during the Holocaust. [From News Releases]
Global Holocaust Remembrance Goes Virtual Read More »
International, Jewish History, Middle East, USA
The Passover 2019 attack on Chabad of Poway in which congregant Lori Gilbert-Kaye was murdered and three other persons were wounded has prompted a pair of criminal cases and a civil case in its wake, while a fourth criminal case involving tax fraud proceeds in federal court. [Donald H. Harrison]
Another Shoe May Drop in Chabad of Poway Case Read More »
Donald H. Harrison, International, Jewish History, Jewish Religion, Middle East, San Diego County, USA
The result of the fourth election in two years clearly points to the dysfunction of Israel’s political system and the many fault lines of Israel’s democracy. Sadly, personal rivalries rather than political platforms that address foreign and domestic policies rule the day. [Alon Ben-Meir, Ph.D]
Israel’s Plight: An Absence Of Leadership Read More »
Alon Ben-Meir, Middle East
By Jeffrey Heller JERUSALEM (Reuters) -A sceptical president invited Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Tuesday to form a new government, after another inconclusive election deepened political stalemate in Israel. The country’s longest-serving leader, in power without interruption since 2009, now faces the tough challenge of enlisting enough allies for a governing coalition. Under law, Netanyahu
Sceptical president invites Netanyahu to form next Israeli government Read More »
Middle East
In her 89 years, Dr Nawal El Saadawi was relentless in her fight against the persecution of women. She passed away on March 21, but her legacy as an advocate and writer lives on. Her multifaceted approach to feminism, pulling from her experience as a writer, physician and psychiatrist ensured her advocacy reverberated transnationally, overwhelming
With antisemitism on the rise, it is tempting to stay laser focused on stories that impact our community, but we must resist the temptation. Those who complain how few people helped Jews during the Holocaust (although the Righteous Among the Nations surely did), need to follow the same moral high road that we wish others would have followed during our time of peril. [Donald H. Harrison]
The Sage Hillel Guides Our Choice of Stories Read More »
Donald H. Harrison, International, Jewish History, Middle East, USA
The Biden administration has made clear its intention to talk with Iran. Since every negotiation has to have an endgame, consider both parties to the proposed conversation and what they intend to get. [Shoshana Bryen]
JCPOA: U.S., Iran have conflicting end games Read More »
Middle East, Shoshana Bryen, USA
An egregious lie has been making the rounds lately. It is a timeworn smear against the Jewish people in a modern guise. The ancient blood libel—“Jews are poisoners,” stoked antisemitic violence through the ages, from the Black Death to tainted wells, has reappeared. This time, it is the claim that Israel is denying COVID-19 vaccinations to its non-Jewish citizens and to the residents of the not-yet-sovereign Palestinian Authority. This lie is the same as all the predecessor lies. [Edwin Black]
Vaccine Denial, Medical Apartheid Are Blood Libels Read More »
Edwin Black, International, Jewish History, Middle East, Science, Medicine, & Education
A recent article (by Elaine Samuels, on Facebook and in the Israel Telegraph online) recounted the trials and tribulations she experienced in her efforts to learn and speak Hebrew. This triggered long-dormant memories of my attempt to learn Hebrew. [Dorothea Shefer-Vanson]
An Immigrant’s Struggle to Learn Hebrew Read More »
Dorothea Shefer-Vanson, Middle East, Science, Medicine, & Education, Theatre, Film & Broadcast
By Alex Joffe, Ph.D NEW YORK — BDS (Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions) activities in March reflected both its use as an individual instrument and as a political wedge issue. Cornell West’s allegation that he was denied tenure at Harvard over his support for BDS appears to be an individual effort to profit from BDS support.
The fights for and against BDS Read More »
International, Middle East, Science, Medicine, & Education, USA