By Alon Ben-Meir NEW YORK — The recent violation of Israel’s air space by an Iranian drone and Israel’s retaliation against Syrian and Iranian targets prompted many observers to suggest that the growing regional tension resulting from such incidents may precipitate a war between Israel and Iran/Hezbollah, and perhaps inadvertently with Syria as well. I
Iran, Israel have good reasons to avoid war Read More »
Alon Ben-Meir, Middle EastBy Rabbi Dow Marmur JERUSALEM — I learnt today (Tuesday, March 13) that, to make sure that I don’t misinform you, I should only comment on events in Israel long after they happen. What seemed quite plausible, perhaps even certain, this afternoon turned out to be false and irrelevant only hours later. After Prime Minister Netanyahu’s
No Israel elections afterall! Read More »
Middle EastBy Rabbi Dow Marmur JERUSALEM — When, not if, the current government of Israel breaks up, the formal cause of it will the stance of Avigdor Lieberman, the defense minister and leader of the Yisrael Beitinu party. As the protector, in his ministerial capacity, of universal conscription, which the ultra-Orthodox seek to challenge by introducing legislation
Netanyahu may want new election Read More »
Middle EastBy Ira Sharkansky JERUSALEM — Bibi is as fascinating as he is worrying. His skills as politician and public speaker qualify for the label of wunderkind, even as he approaches his 70th birthday. Yet his personal appetites, those of his wife and at least one of his sons, and associates who may be even more
Bibi’ political instincts keep him afloat Read More »
Ira Sharkansky, Middle East
JERUSALEM (Press Release)– As Passover cleaning has already begun in many houses across Israel, United Hatzalah is taking the opportunity to send out a public service announcement with health and safety tips regarding the holiday covering everything from cleaning to hiking. As in previous years, due to the high volume of emergency calls received by
United Hatzalah issues safety tips for Pesach Read More »
Jewish Religion, Middle East
HAIFA, Israel (Press Release) –After two weeks hospitalization in Rambam’s maternity ward, a young woman returned home March 7, somewhere in embattled Syria, determined and happy. Two weeks ago, doctors had offered a grim choice – to die at her son’s imminent birth, or to let her son die. After examining the ultrasound results of
Israeli doctors save lives of Syrian mother, child Read More »
Middle East, Science, Medicine, & EducationBy Ira Sharkansky JERUSALEM — We’re reading snippets, unconfirmed, of what is said to be the Trump Administration’s proposal for an Israel-Palestinian peace accord. Israelis can’t bet less than 10 agorot on the deal, the equivalent of 3 US cents. One and five agorot coins are no longer in circulation. Americans, living with sillier traditions, and
Why does Trump even bother about a Mideast peace? Read More »
International, Ira Sharkansky, Middle East, USA
NEW YORK (Press Release) — The Nefesh B’Nefesh aliyah organization is hosting a fair for prospective Southern California immigrants to Israel from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday, March 18, at Shalhevet High School, 910 S. Fairfax Ave., Los Angeles. The annual North American aliyah fairs (www.nbn.org.il/mega) were created by Nefesh B’Nefesh to enable
Info fair March 18 for potential new Israel immigrants Read More »
Middle East, USABy Rabbi Dow Marmur JERUSALEM — If Israelis want to be proud of their current prime minister, they should avoid reading local media and stick to American television. Binyamin Netanyahu’s current visit to the United States is obviously a great success. He’s the president’s guest at Blair House next to the White House where only
Netanyahu a hero abroad and criminal suspect in Israel Read More »
Middle East, USABy Shoshana Bryen WASHINGTON, D.C. — The primary goals of American foreign policy is to make our citizens, friends and allies secure and to make our adversaries think twice. There are moments in history when well-timed, well-placed military action will have the effect of causing fear — and moments that, if allowed to pass by,
The case for punishing Syria’s chemical weapon use Read More »
International, Middle East, Shoshana BryenBy Dorothea Shefer-Vanson MEVASSERET ZION, Israel — Watching the daily newscasts it’s impossible to escape seeing and hearing the horrific events that are taking place not too far away from where I’m sitting now. The impact of telecommunications is inescapable. From here in Jerusalem to Damascus, just to the north of Israel, it’s only 135 miles.
Israelis horrified, terrified by carnage next door in Syria Read More »
Dorothea Shefer-Vanson, Middle EastBy Ira Sharkansky JERUSALEM — Is the left to blame? The argument is not without its problems. However, in both Israel and the United States, the failure of politics on the left, must take at least a bit of the blame for what’s happening at the peaks of government. The pathos of Donald Trump owes
Is the political left responsible for today’s messes? Read More »
Ira Sharkansky, Middle East, USABy Dorothea Shefer-Vanson MEVASSERET ZION, Israel — As well as forging and facilitating connections between individuals, Facebook also provides the opportunity to form groups, bringing together people all over the world who share mutual interests. These are many and varied, and seem to have succeeded in their objective. Thus, some time ago a bright spark somewhere
‘Brits Living in Israel’ FB group locates favored biscuits Read More »
Dorothea Shefer-Vanson, Middle East, Travel and FoodBy Donald H. Harrison SAN DIEGO — Author and columnist Edwin Black, whose work appears regularly on San Diego Jewish World, is embarking on a multi-city lecture tour outlining Israel’s history from ancient times to the present. The tour begins March 19 and March 20th respectively at Rambam Mesivta High School in Lawrence, N.Y., and the Manhattan
Edwin Black to tell Israel’s story in many cities Read More »
Donald H. Harrison, Edwin Black, Middle East, USA