By Dorothea Shefer-Vanson MEVASSERET ZION, Israel — Presumably I’m not the only person who finds it difficult to dispose of theatre programmes (or ‘theater programs’ as it’s spelled in the US). In recent years, as my attendance at performances has increased I’ve become more ruthless in my attitude to these mementos. Thus, I have been able
Memory: She can smile at the old days Read More »
International, Middle EastJERUSALEM (Press Release)–The President of Israel, Reuven Rivlin, will begin on Sunday (22 March, 2015) at the President’s Residence, a series of consultations with the parties elected to serve in the 20th Knesset. A letter was sent this evening to the parties, by the Director General of the Office of the President, Harel Tubi, inviting
Rivlin to begin coalition government talks March 22 Read More »
Middle EastBy Donald H. Harrison The death of the mother of Iran’s President Hassan Rouhani, the onset of the Iranian New Year, and the approaching deadline for the conclusion of the P5+1 negotiations over Iran’s nucelar aspirations, have prompted President Barack Obama, Secretary of State John Kerry, and the State Department to issue several expressions of
U.S. rhetoric warms toward Iran, chills toward Israel Read More »
Donald H. Harrison, Middle East, USAEuropean diplomat denies Iran’s assertion that framework nuclear deal is close (JNS.org) A framework agreement on Iran’s nuclear program is unlikely to be reached in the next few days of the talks between the Islamic Republic and the P5+1 powers, a senior European diplomat said, blaming Tehran for its refusal to compromise. “Contrary to what
Jewish news briefs: March 20, 2015 Read More »
International, Middle East, USABy Ira Sharkansky JERUSALEM — The New York Times is as far away from a realistic view of things Middle East as the Obama White House. It’s post election analysis was some element of bitter grapes, and dreaming about possibilities that do not exist. Its emphasis on deep wounds resulting from a bitter Israeli election campaign
Post- election opinions? Everyone seems to have one Read More »
Ira Sharkansky, Middle East, USAWASHINGTON, D.C. (Press Release) — Jewish groups on Thursday, March 19, welcomed Israel’s Prime Mininster Benjamin Netanyahu’s clarification that he still desires a two-state solution with the Palestinians, although he considers circumstances very difficult for achieving this outcome. Here are the comments from the Jewish groups: American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC): “Today, Israeli Prime
Jewish groups welcome Netanyahu support for 2 states Read More »
Middle East, USAWASHINGTON, DC (Press Release)—Representative Eliot L. Engel, the leading Democrat on the House Committee on Foreign Affairs, on Thursday, March 19, delivered the following statement at a Committee hearing on the Iran nuclear negotiations: “Thank you, very much, Mr. Chairman. Thank you for calling this very important and timely hearing. “Mr. Deputy Secretary, Mr. Under Secretary:
Engel to Obama: Do not ignore Congress on Iran Read More »
Middle East, USABy Rabbi Dow Marmur JERUSALEM — The president hasn’t yet consulted with the leaders of the political parties, but the country is already speculating about who will get what tik (Hebrew for “portfolio”). Because Netanyahu needs the smaller parties on the political right (Bennett’s pro-settler Habayit Hayehudi; Lieberman’s “Russian” Yisrael Beiteinu; Kahlon’s right-of-centre newcomer Kulanu; the
Coalition building: the scramble for ‘tiks’ Read More »
Middle EastWASHINGTON, D.C. (Press Release) — The United States is deeply disturbed by reports that the Assad regime used chlorine as a weapon again, this time on March 16 in an attack on the town of Sarmin. We are looking very closely into this matter and considering next steps. While we cannot yet confirm details, if
U.S. denounces chlorine gas use in Syria Read More »
Middle East, USANEW YORK (Press Release)– The World Jewish Congress (WJC) on Thursday, March 19, welcomed an announcement by British Prime Minister David Cameron to increase spending to better protect Jewish institutions in the UK against potential terror attacks. “The measures Mr. Cameron proposed are exemplary, and will no doubt make a difference,” said WJC President Ronald S.
UK increases spending to protect Jewish sites Read More »
International, Middle EastNEW YORK (WJC)–The United Nations believes that Islamic State fighters may have committed genocide against the minority Yazidi community in Iraq as well as crimes against humanity and war crimes against civilians including children. In a report based on interviews with more than 100 alleged victims and witnesses, it called on the UN Security Council
UN accuses ISIS of Yazidi genocide Read More »
International, Middle EastSAN FRANCISCO (Press Release) – Following a rash of antisemitic incidents at the University of California (UC), 23 education and Jewish advocacy groups on Thursday, March 19, urged the UC President and Regents to adopt the U.S. State Department definition of antisemitism, which states that antisemitism may manifest itself with regard to the state of Israel. The
UC urged to strengthen anti- Semitism definition Read More »
Middle East, Science, Medicine, & Education, USAJERUSALEM (Press Release) — Despite recent anti-Israel incidents on several university campuses, a delegation of Rhodes Scholars from South Africa and the United States is currently in Israel with Project Interchange, an educational institute of AJC (American Jewish Committee). The Rhodes Scholars, the 12th delegation of its kind by Project Interchange, will participate in a week-long
Rhodes scholars to tour Israel Read More »
International, Middle East, Science, Medicine, & Education, USANumber of Israeli ministers expected to rise in next government (Israel Hayom/Exclusive to JNS.org) Despite the decisive victory by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s Likud party in the March 17 Israeli election, the negotiations to build the Jewish state’s next coalition government could take up the entire 42-day time period allotted by Israeli law. In his
Jewish news briefs: March 19, 2015 Read More »
International, Jewish Religion, Middle East, USA