‘We have a lot of work to do,’ says Eitan Na’eh, two days after Erdogan accused Israel of increasing ‘oppression, deportation, and discrimination’ By Raphael Ahren Israel’s ambassador to Turkey Eitan Na’eh, whose appointment was announced on November 15, 2016. (courtesy, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs) Israel’s new ambassador to Turkey — the first in […]
Israel’s new ambassador to Turkey arrives in Ankara Read More »
Middle EastParty chief Naftali Bennett speaks with lawmaker, appeals for any victims to come forward as claims surface on social media and rabbis launch probe By Stuart Winer Jewish Home chairman Naftali Bennett speaks during a party faction meeting at the Knesset, on June 20, 2016. (Miriam Alster/Flash90) The Jewish Home party was rocked Thursday by
Jewish Home MK denies online rumors of sexual harassment Read More »
Middle EastTo its credit, France is one of the first countries in Europe to ban economic boycotts of Israel. To its shame, France is the first European country to implement a 2015 European Union decision to label Israeli products from Judea and Samaria—the West Bank—and the Golan Heights. Who, besides France’s Jewish community—already diminished by the
France’s Shame in Labeling Goods Made by Jews Read More »
International, Middle EastTurkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan urged Muslims to help protect Jerusalem and support the Palestinian cause. The 62-year-old leader took a tough stance against Israel at a time when Turkey is looking to improve ties between the two nations, ending nearly six years of hostilities. “It is the common duty of all Muslims to embrace
Turkey’s Erdoğan Asks Muslims To Support Palestinian Cause Read More »
Middle EastThe annual meeting between the Chief Rabbinate of Israel and the Vatican ended Wednesday. This year’s meeting was focused on efforts to achieve peace in light of the rising amount of violence committed in the name of religion. The statement of the ‘Joint Commission of the Chief Rabbinate of Israel’s Delegation for Relations with the
Chief Rabbinate and Vatican: reverse UNESCO decision Read More »
International, Jewish History, Jewish Religion, Middle EastAn Israeli bus company has decided to remove its Arabic announcements in the southern city of Beersheba after complaints from Jewish residents. The Dan Bus Company launched a new fleet of buses this year in Beersheba, with bus stops read aloud in Hebrew for the city’s Jewish population and Arabic for its Arab and Bedouin
Israeli Bus Company Drops Arabic Announcements Read More »
Middle EastMore than 27,000 Jewish students met with Arab youth over the past year in “coexistence meetings” organized by the Ministry of Education, the State Control Committee revealed last week. The meetings, which bring together Jewish and Arab students from across Israel, are intended to reduce cultural barriers between the two groups, foster a sense of
‘Jewish-Arab meetings a sure recipe for intermarriage’ Read More »
Middle EastWASHINGTON — In an unusual public warning, the head of the CIA said Wednesday it would be the “height of folly” and “disastrous” for President-elect Donald Trump to scrap the Iran nuclear deal. CIA Director John Brennan said in a TV interview that ripping up the historic accord could allow Iran to resume its nuclear
CIA director warns Trump it would be the ‘height of folly’ to scrap the Iran deal Read More »
Middle East, USAPalestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas was re-elected to lead the Fatah party Tuesday as the movement opened its first congress since 2009 with talk mounting of who will eventually succeed the 81-year-old. Abbas was re-elected by consensus, Fatah party spokesman Mahmud Abu al-Hija said, and was due to address the congress at 6:00pm (1600 GMT).
Palestinian Authority leader Abbas re-elected head of Fatah party Read More »
Middle EastPalestinians fume as envoys from seven countries meet Israeli officials near Jerusalem’s Western Wall, visit controversial City of David archeological park By Raphael Ahren After trekking through a narrow 600 meter-long, 2,000-year-old tunnel believed to have transported water from Jerusalem’s Temple Mount out of the city, the African diplomats were ushered into a small area
African diplomats go on rare, ‘enlightening’ tour of Old City’s Jewish sites Read More »
Middle EastThe two men were dragged from the building blindfolded, their heads bowed, and covered in dust. A few neighborhoods away, the battle for Mosul was raging. But their fight was over. The captured fighters belong to the Islamic State. They swept into the city two years ago in a blitzkrieg that shocked the world. Now
What happens to ISIS fighters when they are captured Read More »
Middle EastFormer U.S. president Jimmy Carter, who brokered peace between Egypt and Israel at Camp David, has called on Barack Obama to recognize the State of Palestine (as the United Nations refers to the non-member observer state) before he leaves office in January. Of the U.N.’s 193 members, 136—more than 70 percent—recognize the State of Palestine
Jimmy Carter to Obama: Recognize the State of Palestine Read More »
Middle East, USA6 teens suspected of arson remanded as Israel’s wildfire probe continues (Israel Hayom/Exclusive to JNS.org) Six 17-year-old residents of the Galilee village of Jadeidi-Makr, who were arrested last week over their alleged involvement in setting fire to the nearby Ahihud Forest, were denied bail Monday and remanded to Israeli police custody for an
Middle East Roundup: November 29, 2016 Read More »
Middle EastJERUSALEM (Press Release) — A new report by the Jewish People Policy Institute “Exploring the Jewish Spectrum in a Time of Fluid Identity” analyzes the changing Jewish community and sets forth concerted recommendations which can serve as points of departure for leadership deliberation. Recommendations include that Jewish communal groups work to strengthen the sense of “Jewish Peoplehood” among individuals from mixed Jewish/non-Jewish
JPPI urges fluid definition for Jewish identity Read More »
International, Jewish Religion, Middle East, USA