By Ira Sharkansky JERUSALEM–On a visit to lecture at the US Military Academy at West Point, I heard from the Professor and Colonel who was my host that one of the important lessons being taught was given the acronym of KISS. Keep it simple, stupid. As I’ve reflect on that since then, it tells me that the US military […]
Two ideas of Israeli policy, kept simple Read More »
Ira Sharkansky, Middle East
By Anav Silverman PETACH TIKVAH, Israel (TNA) — A year since the passing of peace activist and settler Rabbi Menachem Froman, his wife, Hadassah and close family friend, Sheikh Ibrahim Abu El-Hawa, a Palestinian Muslim, recently paid public tribute to the man who was well-known for his unique peace activities in the region. Rabbi
Muslim sheikh mourns settler rabbi Read More »
Middle EastBy Anav Silverman JERUSALEM (TNA)–Thanks to Lebanese-Qatari mediation, a group of 13 nuns captured in December 2013 by Syrian rebels were released Monday, March 10, according to a variety of news service reports reaching the Tazpit News Agency. The nuns, along with three maids, were abducted from their convent, which also serves as an orphanage,
Kidnapped nuns released at Syria-Lebanon border Read More »
Middle EastBy Aryeh Savir JERUSALEM (TNA)–Brother Rachid, a Christian cleric and a well known voice in the Arab speaking world, publicized a meticulously structured televised oration against boycotting Jews – in Arabic. Speaking on the Al-Hia (the Life) Christian channel, Brother Rachid displayed strong rhetorical talents and an intimate knowledge of history, in a clip which
Arab broadcast ridicules boycott of Jewish products Read More »
Middle EastBy Lloyd Levy EILAT, Israel — I was privileged to witness for myself the arrival of the Klos-C, the Iranian arms ship, into Eilat port on Saturday, March 8. My wife and I happened to be staying in a hotel that had a panoramic view of the port and town, and although we were some distance
Iranian arms ship docked as Shabbat ended Read More »
Lloyd Levy, Middle EastBy David Ogul SAN DIEGO — From conversations among a San Diego contingent of delegates to speeches by Secretary of State John Kerry, Treasury Secretary Jack Lew, Arizona Sen. John McCain and others, Iran was front and center at last week’s annual AIPAC conference in Washington, D.C. And for good reason. AIPAC, America’s largest pro-Israel
AIPAC delegates question U.S. policy on Iran Read More »
David Ogul, Middle East, USABy Rabbi Dow Marmur JERUSALEM–The members of the Israeli government, whether secular or Orthodox, don’t seem to pay much attention to the Reform and Conservative (Progressive) movements in Israel. If these seek evidence of recognition, they normally only get it through the courts, and even then it takes the government a long time to obey
Progressive Jews face Israeli apathy, hostility Read More »
Jewish Religion, Middle EastBy Ira Sharkansky JERUSALEM–Those who comment in international relations ought to begin with an admission that they know only part of what transpires. Much is secret. Issues are argued, decided, and implemented in heavy secrecy by one or more agencies of one or more governments. What gets into the public sector is likely to be,
Spin and lies complicate int’l relations Read More »
Ira Sharkansky, Middle East
Editor’s Note: Jeffrey Goldberg’s interview with President Barack Obama, coming on the eve of last weekend’s AIPAC conference in Washington D.C., continues to stir a lot of commentary, both favoring and criticizing the President’s approach to the Middle East. Zara Kessler of Bloomberg View kindly extended to San Diego Jewish World the opportunity to reprint the
Obama to Israel: ‘Time is running out’ Read More »
Middle East, USA
Editor’s Note: The following communication was received from the Consulate-General of Israel in New York: NEW YORK (Press Release)–As of Tuesday, March 4, 2014, due to the Finance Ministry’s refusal to resolve the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ labor dispute, consular services are unavailable and diplomats worldwide have taken a series of measures in response. During
Israeli consulates suspend services in labor dispute Read More »
Middle East, USA
By Merav Michaeli, MK JERUSALEM–Tomorrow, March 8, is International Women’s Day. As a feminist member of Knesset, who began my activist career 18 years ago working for the Association of Rape Crisis Centers in Israel, a New Israel Fund grantee, I want to celebrate this day with you, my friends and partners outside Israel. As
On Int’l Women’s Day, much work remains for Israel Read More »
Middle EastBy Shoshana Bryen WASHINGTON, D.C. — Early Wednesday, March 5, the IDF intercepted a shipment of Syrian-made M-302 rockets with a range of up to 200 kilometers (125 miles). The missiles, which apparently went through Iraqi airspace to Iran and then by ship to the Red Sea, were likely headed to Sudan. From there, they
Iran again proves Israel’s need for missile defense Read More »
Middle East, Shoshana Bryen, USABy Rabbi Leonard Rosenthal SAN DIEGO–Judy and I just returned from AIPAC’s National Policy Conference in Washington, D.C. This was my third Policy Conference and Judy’s first. The number of attendees grows each year. This time 14,000 supporters of Israel were present, including 2,300 students. The participants are surprisingly diverse. In addition to Jews, Christians,
Iran, Palestinian issues dominate AIPAC conference Read More »
David Ogul, Middle East, USANEW YORK (Press Release) — The Zionist Organization of America (ZOA) has praised Senator Chuck Schumer (D-NY) for his recent criticism of “friends” who pressure Israel to accept peace deals by warning them that, if they didn’t, the movement against Israel will only strengthen. Senator Schumer said at the 2014 AIPAC Policy Conference that such actions
ZOA commends Schumer’s critique of Obama, Kerry Read More »
Middle East, USA