The attempted coup in Turkey caught Istanbul’s Jews by surprise as they were finishing their Friday night meals. Despite the sanctity of the day of rest, it was impossible not to feel the drama unfolding on the city streets. Though Air Force planes only flew low over populated areas in Ankara, residents of Istanbul quickly […]
Attempted coup in Turkey leaves synagogues half empty Read More »
Middle EastA series of controversial proposals being weighed by the United Nation”s Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) have been shelved yet again, following the terror attack in southern France and attempted coup in Turkey over the weekend. The current UNESCO session, which was meeting in Istanbul, Turkey, was ended early following disruptions caused by the
UNESCO hearing on ‘offensive’ Temple Mount resolution delayed Read More »
Jewish History, Jewish Religion, Middle EastTurkish cleric Fethullah Gulen, a rival of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan who was blamed for the failed coup in Turkey, hinted on Saturday the uprising by members of the country”s military could have been “staged” by the government. In a rare and brief interview on Saturday with a small group of journalists at his residence
Erdogan’s rival: Coup attempt may have been staged Read More »
Middle EastPrime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu spoke about the attempted coup in Turkey at the opening of the cabinet meeting this morning (Sunday), and expressed hope that it will not affect Israel’s relations with the Turks. Israel and Turkey recently signed a rapprochement deal after years of strained relations. “We assume the reconciliation process will continue along
‘Terror is terror, whether in France or Israel’ Read More »
Middle EastBEIRUT, Lebanon — The morning after a deadly failed coup in Turkey, President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan’s reaction was swift and wide-reaching. Thousands of military personnel suspected of involvement in the takeover bid were arrested. Fearing that the conspiracy had spread to the courts, almost 3,000 judges were fired, including 31 senior justices. They’re unlikely to
Turkey’s coup failed, but its effects may weaken the fight against the Islamic State Read More »
Middle East, USASecretary of State John F. Kerry said Sunday that Obama administration officials are doing “everything in our power” to fight terrorism, and blamed Congress for failing to support more troops on the ground. “[W]e are doing everything in our power to put additional pressure on them [the Islamic State], and I believe their days are
John Kerry, secretary of state, blames Congress for not doing more to help fight ISIS Read More »
Middle East, USAFollowing the capture Sunday morning of a Palestinian Authority resident carrying a pack of explosive devices, Jerusalem District Police Commander Yoram HaLevy confirmed to reporters that the would-be bomber had targeted the Jerusalem light rail. The terrorist was intercepted be train security guards after arousing their suspicion. During questioning by the guards, the terrorist admitted
Police: Bomber targeted Jerusalem light rail Read More »
Middle EastTurkey said Sunday that some 6,000 people have been detained in a crackdown on alleged coup plotters, in the wake of the failed overthrow in which 265 lost their lives. Justice Minister Bekir Bozdag said in a television interview that, “the cleansing (operation) is continuing. Some 6,000 detentions have taken place. The number could surpass
Turkey detains over 6,000 in wake of failed coup bid Read More »
Middle East, USAThe astonishing events that gripped Turkey and fascinated the world Friday night had not been expected. Turkey had been in turmoil and President Recep Tayyip Erdogan was at the centre of every drama. But the main international focus lately has been on how the country was reeling from a string of terrorist bombings by the
Matthew Fisher: The coup failed in Turkey because mutineers didn’t capture the king Read More »
Middle EastThe male guardianship system in Saudi Arabia is “the most significant impediment to realizing women’s rights in the country” and effectively renders adult women legal minors, according to a new report from Human Rights Watch. Despite some small steps that have been made by the Saudi government, restriction of movement outside the home affects women
Saudi Guardian System Restricts Women’s Lives: Report Read More »
Middle EastBy Jeremy Ben-Ami WASHINGTON, D.C. — Tomorrow (July 18), the Republican National Convention will kick off in Cleveland. The Democrats will start pouring into Philadelphia the week after. After almost a year of heated political maneuvering, we’re about to enter into the homestretch of 2016. In the lead-up to the conventions, the Democratic and Republican parties
J Street’s view of the two political platforms Read More »
Middle East, USAISTANBUL — Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has apparently put down a clumsy military coup, but the fallout, as he punishes those who challenged his government, will plunge Turkey’s domestic politics and its relations with the U.S. into new turmoil. A vital strategic ally to Washington, NATO member Turkey was generally calm Saturday, after a
Failed coup in Turkey could allow Erdogan to tighten his grip on the troubled country Read More »
Middle East, USAPresident Reuven Rivlin this morning (Friday) sent a letter of condolence to President Francois Hollande of France following the mass casualty terrorist attack in Nice. President Rivlin wrote, “It is with pain and sorrow that I must once again write and express my deepest condolences, and those of all the Israeli people, following the horrific
President Rivlin sends condolence letter to French president Read More »
International, Middle EastRabbi Haskel Lookstein, the rabbi who oversaw Ivanka Trump”s conversion to Judaism, has withdrawn from speaking at the Republican National Convention next week, JTA reported Friday. In a letter to members of his community, Lookstein wrote that he had accepted Ivanka Trump”s invitation to deliver an invocation at the convention “out of respect for her
‘Ivanka’s rabbi’ withdraws from Republican convention Read More »
Jewish Religion, Middle East, USA