Only yesterday I published a column about the joy of collecting photos of automobile license plates. Today, to my pleasant surprise, I received a notice that the State of Florida has issued a specialty plate with the legend “Florida Stands With Israel.” A sample of the plate may be seen above. [Donald H. Harrison]
Florida Celebrates Israel on a License Plate Read More »
Donald H. Harrison, Middle East, Obituaries & memorials, San Diego County, USA
The big political event of the week was the announcement by Gideon Sa’ar that he was leaving Likud, and forming a new party,
Sa’ar has a long history in Israeli politics. He was in the Knesset from 2003, Minister of Education, then Minister of Interior. He left then returned to the Knesset, challenged Bibi in a Likud primary, and lost. Then Bibi kept him out of the government and any Knesset committee seats. Now he’s resigned again from the Knesset, and Likud, and hopes to be Prime Minister. Instead of Bibi. [Ira Sharkansky, Ph.D]
Gideon Sa’ar leaves the Knesset, begins forming new party Read More »
Ira Sharkansky, Middle East
Iran plans to return to the 2015 international nuclear deal under which it swore off the pursuit of nuclear weapons in exchange for eased sanctions – which it began to ignore after the US pulled out – its president said on Monday. “[US President Donald] Trump and a few people holding grudges in Iran want
Iran should return to 2015 nuclear deal, president says Read More »
Middle East, USA
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will self-isolate on Monday after having come into contact with a coronavirus patient, his office said calling it a precautionary step. Netanyahu tested negative for the virus on Sunday and on Monday, but he will still “enter isolation until Friday following contact with a confirmed coronavirus patient”, the statement said.
Israel’s Netanyahu to enter precautionary virus quarantine Read More »
Middle East
Washington (AFP) – The United States on Monday for the first time accused Iran of direct involvement in the “probable death” of former FBI agent Bob Levinson, who vanished 13 years ago. Releasing the finding a month before President-elect Joe Biden takes office, Donald Trump’s administration urged his successor to prioritize the release of at
US says Iran behind ‘probable death’ of ex-FBI agent Read More »
Middle East, USA
The United States said Monday that it has imposed sanctions on Turkey over the NATO ally’s purchase of the Russian S-400 air defense system, a move that swiftly drew criticism from Ankara. The U.S. sanctions include a ban on granting specific export licenses and authorizations for any goods or technology transferred to Turkey’s military procurement
U.S. sanctions Turkey over purchase of Russian missile defense system Read More »
Middle East, USA
In the early ‘90’s we moved into an old-new home in Efrat, up the street from where we had rented since 1985. The size of the house was unpretentious, and our renovations were modest, but it put a strain on our finances. Among my splurges were wall-to-wall carpeting in the children’s bedrooms (rare in Israel) and – my dream since childhood — a beautiful bay window. Chanukah was drawing near. Both general and religious elementary and high school education in Israel are, theoretically, free, but most schools ask parents to pay additional fees to upgrade what the school can offer, such as smaller classes, additional courses (in addition to the usual books, supplies, bought by parents), and so on, and we were big believers in after-school art, drama, dance and sports classes, so with six kids, and a few already in (non-free) high schools, money was tight, and that was with my husband teaching the equivalent of a job and a half, and me teaching part time, writing a bit, and working at various creative – but not very lucrative — projects. In short, we could not come up with a plan for Chanukah gifts, without plunging us into high-interest overdraft. And then it came to me. A poem. [Toby Klein Greenwald]
The Gift of a Poem for Chanukah Read More »
Books, Poetry & Short Stories, Jewish Religion, Lifestyles, Middle East, Toby Klein Greenwald
It had the serious purpose and poignant moments while raising money for the defense of Jewish and pro-Zionist students who are bullied by anti-Semites and Israel-haters in public schools and on university campuses. But the StandWithUs “Zoomathon,” also offered a refreshing mix of humor and music, perfect for celebrating a night of Chanukah while at home. [Donald H. Harrison]
Humor, poignancy mark StandWithUs Zoomathon Read More »
Donald H. Harrison, Middle East, Theatre, Film & Broadcast, Trivia, Humor & Satire, USA
Moroccan Islamist groups, including factions from Prime Minister Saadedine Othmani’s Justice and Development Party (PJD) have strongly condemned Morocco’s recent decision to normalise ties with Israel. The Unity and Reform Movement, which is the PJD’s educational and charitable arm, called the normalisation agreement “deplorable” and condemned “all attempts at normalisation and Zionist infiltration”. Morocco’s announcement
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Sunday said it would be a mistake “to go back to business as usual with Iran,” signalling Israeli resistance to an expected push by President-elect Joe Biden to revive the international nuclear deal with Iran. Netanyahu spoke at a press conference with Robert O’Brien, President Donald Trump’s national security
Netanyahu warns against ‘business as usual’ with Iran in comments ‘aimed at Biden’ Read More »
Middle East, USA
In the 13th Dec 20 edition of Israel’s good news, the highlights include:
• A new Israeli stem cell treatment can halt and reverse MS.
• Israel has received its first deliveries of coronavirus vaccines.
• An Israeli-Ethiopian immigrant has won a scholarship to Oxford University.
• Over 130 Israeli hi-tech companies have been exhibiting in Dubai.
• New investment in Israeli startups is at record levels.
• An Israeli has won the NASCAR European championship for the 3rd time.
• Morocco and Israel are to establish diplomatic relations. [Very Good News Israel via San Diego Jewish World]
Good News from Israel (Dec. 13, 2020) Read More »
Business & Finance, International, Jewish History, Jewish Religion, Michael Ordman, Middle East, Music, Dance, and Visual Arts, Science, Medicine, & Education, Sports & Competitions, The World We Share, Theatre, Film & Broadcast, Travel and Food
We just received a note from a dear friend and longtime reader. She wrote: I know you once told me Hanukkah is a minor holiday in Israel but, so, just in case you feel like lighting a menorah, enjoy! Wishing you as much joy as is possible at this moment in time. Stay well and safe. My reply: For sure we’re lighting candles and celebrating the holiday. I’ll clarify my previous comment: Minor doesn’t mean Hanukkah isn’t celebrated here. It’s minor only in the sense that the story of the Maccabees isn’t mentioned in the Bible. Here it isn’t among the most holy holidays. Presents are exchanged mostly around Rosh Hashanah or Passover, not so much during this holiday. Fried foods, such as doughnuts and potato pancakes (latkes) are a big thing. Hanukkah “gelt” (money) is often the gift of choice, along with chocolate “coins” and plain or fancy dreidels for games. … [Steve Kramer]
How Hanukkah Is Regarded in Israel Read More »
Jewish History, Jewish Religion, Middle East, Steve Kramer
Jewish history and culture in Morocco will soon be part of the school curriculum – a “first” in the region and in the North African country, where Islam is the state religion. The decision “has the impact of a tsunami,” said Serge Berdugo, secretary-general of the Council of Jewish Communities of Morocco. It “is a
Moroccan schools to teach Jewish history and culture Read More »
Middle East
Washington (AFP) – The United Arab Emirates is getting top-of-the-line fighter jets. Morocco is winning recognition for decades-old territorial claims. And Sudan is coming off the US terrorism blacklist. The Arab nations are suddenly achieving long-sought goals after agreeing to normalize ties with Israel, in a last-minute triumph for the unorthodox diplomacy of outgoing President
Breaking norms, Jared Kushner scores late-term wins for Israel Read More »
Middle East, USA