By Ira Sharkansky JERUSALEM — Prime Minister Benyamin Netanyahu has large followings of those who love him, and those who hate him. The love side of Bibi’s audience appears in this recent note from an Internet friend, which resembles what I have seen from others. Regarding Bibi, I think he walks on water . . […]
The staying power of Bibi Netanyahu Read More »
Ira Sharkansky, Middle EastUS President Barack Obama’s visit to the UK last week in which he gave unsolicited advice pressuring Britain to stay in the European Union (EU) has raised fury among Britons, but also disbelief among American Jewish leaders given Obama’s apparent double standards. Several top British politicians last Friday suggested Obama is pressuring the UK to
Obama accused of hypocrisy following speech in Britain Read More »
International, Middle East, USA
Public institutions in Umm Al-Fahm are closed Sunday, after residents decided to strike over two violent murders over the weekend. 25 year-old Mohammed Agbarieh and 27 year-old Hussein Mahajina were found shot dead in two different parts of the city Friday both left behind young brides and both were due to be married within the
Umm Al-Fahm: Residents ‘on the brink of war’ Read More »
Middle East
The Israeli Air Force scrambled jets Saturday morning to intercept a civilian jetliner from Egypt, after the pilot failed to identify before entering Israeli airspace, as is standard procedure. When normal communications with the Air Sinai plane were established, the two warplanes stood down, but continued to escort the aircraft until it landed safely at
IAF jets scramble after Egyptian plane fails to identify Read More »
Middle EastBy Rabbi Dow Marmur JERUSALEM — “It’s the economy stupid” is one of the catchphrases that has come into general use in different forms in the wake of Bill Clinton’s successful 1992 presidential campaign. I’m thinking of it as I read yet another respected credit rating agency (Fitch) expressing confidence in Israel’s economy. An important reason
Economy one reason Netanyahu stays in power Read More »
Middle EastAn international meeting meant to kickstart the Israel-Palestinian Authority (PA) peace process must result in guarantees and not just declarations, French Foreign Minister Jean-Marc Ayrault told Haaretz Thursday night, shortly after his country announced the May 30 summit. The goal of the summit, he said, is to “build a collective commitment of the international community
French FM: Only the ‘two-state solution’ will work Read More »
International, Middle East
Many bar- and bat-mitzvah kids mark their special day by doing something to “give back” to the community – volunteering in a soup kitchen, or raising money for a new TV at a senior citizen’s center. Raising $76,000 to establish Israel’s first mobile printing lab, replete with brand new 3D printers and other equipment, would
Bar Mitzvah boy donates 3D tech bus to Israel Read More »
Jewish Religion, Middle East, USA
As part of Israel”s UN Ambassador Danny Danon”s ongoing battle to improve Israel”s image at the United Nations, he hosted on Friday the first ever Passover Seder at the UN. By doing so, Danon sought to expose the ambassadors in attendance to this beloved Jewish tradition. About 40 ambassadors, senior UN officials, and even one
Danon hosts first ever UN Passover Seder Read More »
International, Jewish Religion, Middle East
Former Labor leader MK Shally Yachimovich harshly criticized her party chairman over the weekend for his controversial statement earlier in the week that in order to shore up public support, the party must stop giving the impression that “we are always Arab-lovers.” Yachimovich, who is seen as Herzog’s chief rival in the party, said Thursday
Herzog’s rhetoric under fire Read More »
Middle EastBy Ira Sharkansky JERUSALEM — Barack Obama and Vladimir Putin are at opposite poles. One comes from a long tradition of idealism, speaking about great values, and usually ending up a long way from what was promised. The other represents the essence of realpolitik, or if I can take it, it’s mine. Woodrow Wilson was
Obama and Putin are opposite types of leaders Read More »
Ira Sharkansky, Middle East
Israel’s former president Shimon Peres has wished Great Britain’s Queen Elizabeth II a happy birthday in a special video message on the occasion of her 90th birthday. “From my own experience I can tell you that in my judgment – life begin at the age of 90, and they go up better and better,” said
Peres to Queen Elizabeth: ‘Life begins at 90’ Read More »
Middle East
A Lufthansa aircraft, which was on its way from Munich to Israel, had to return to Germany after an engine shut down on Thursday. Many Israelis were aboard the plane, including leftist MK Ksenia Svetlova (Zionist Union), according to NRG News. Testimonies revealed that during the takeoff, one of the aircraft’s engines shut down with
Engine failure causes Israel- bound flight to turn back Read More »
International, Middle East, Travel and Food
Police forces have flooded the streets of Jerusalem Friday, amid expectations from the security establishment that Palestinian Arabs will be breaking the quiet of the Temple Mount, and perpetuate terror attacks during the Passover holiday. The reinforcements will remain throughout the Chol HaMoed (Intermediate Days) period, Channel 10 reports. The Police are on the highest
Police presence boosted in Jerusalem for Passover Read More »
Middle East
Story and photos by Donald H. Harrison SAN DIEGO – A veterinarian who is the immediate past president of Israel’s Lateva Nolad (Born Free) organization, which treats injured birds, mammals and reptiles and sends them back to nature, gave Sea World high marks for its education, rescue, and conservation programs following a behind-the-scenes tour. “Their goals
Israeli wildlife advocate impressed by Sea World Read More »
Donald H. Harrison, Middle East, San Diego County, Science, Medicine, & Education