By Rabbi Dow Marmur JERUSALEM– Sarah Netanyahu’s reputed objections to Naftali Bennett joining her husband’s government – after the near-spectacular success of Bennett’s Habayit Hayehudi party in last year’s elections – may have been vindicated, even though her opposition was personal and the present rift between the prime minister and Bennett is ideological and political. […]
Israel’s Cabinet tussles over Palestinians Read More »
Middle East
NEW YORK (Press Release)–The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) On Tuesday, Jan. 28, welcomed the statement issued by Scarlett Johansson on her role as a spokesperson for the Israeli company SodaStream, and commended her “principled opposition” to the anti-Israel BDS movement. As a reaction to the recent SodaStream announcement that Johansson will appear in their new Super
ADL a fan of Scarlett Johansson Read More »
Middle East
Editor’s Note: Following is a summary report by an Iran Task Force co-chaired by Ambassadors Eric Edelman and Dennis Ross that was issued Monday, Jan. 27, by the Gemunder Center of the Jewish Institute for National Security Affairs (JINSA). WASHINGTON, D.C. (Press Release) — Preventing a nuclear-capable Iran remains the most pressing national security challenge
Agreement made nuclear Iran more likely–JINSA Read More »
Middle East
By Sean Savage/JNS.org The U.S.-brokered Israeli-Palestinian conflict negotiations have yet to yield any tangible results. Serious disagreements remain over key issues such as borders, refugees, security, and the status of Jerusalem. Recently, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu paid a surprise visit to Jordan’s King Abdullah to discuss these issues. While Jordan officially supports a two-state
Does Jordan truly want an independent Palestine? Read More »
Middle EastBy Shoshana Bryen WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Obama administration is angry that Senate proponents of additional sanctions against Iran (to be instituted if the interim accord expires without a final agreement) appear to be more skeptical of Iranian promises than the president and Secretary Kerry are. The administration is angry as well that signers, particularly Democratic
Are Obama, Kerry blaming Jews for Iran failures? Read More »
Middle East, Shoshana Bryen
WASHINGTON, D.C. (Press Release) — The Department of State has designated Ziyad al-Nakhalah as a Specially Designated Global Terrorist under Executive Order (E.O.) 13224, which targets terrorists and those providing support to terrorists or acts of terrorism. Ziyad al-Nakhalah is the Deputy Secretary General of the Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ), a group that was designated
U.S. designates Ziyad-al-Nakhalah as terrorist Read More »
Middle EastBy Rabbi Dow Marmur JERUSALEM– As Ari Shavit’s book, My Promised Land, was published in English abroad (a Hebrew translation is said to be on its way), it took some time before I could get hold of a copy here. It was in great demand and stores quickly ran out. I’ve now finally read it:
‘My Promised Land’ changes one mind about Iran Read More »
Middle East
By Anav Silverman DAVOS, Switzerland– Israeli President Shimon Peres sharply addressed the speech made by the Iranian President Hassan Rouhani at the World Economic Forum at Davos, Switzerland on Thursday morning, January 23. “The most significant remarks were the ones he [Rouhani] didn’t make – he didn’t express support for peace in the Middle
Peres points out Rouhani’s peace omissions Read More »
Middle EastBy Ira Sharkansky JERUSALEM — Shimon Shiffer is a conventional Israeli journalist-commentator, insofar as he can be counted on to sound at least a bit left of center in his criticism of the current government. He also works for Yedioth Aharonot. Once it was the daily newspaper with the largest circulation, but has now lost that
When diplomats say what they really mean Read More »
Ira Sharkansky, Middle East
By Jacob Kamaras/JNS.org The Taglit-Birthright Israel program has expanded eligibility for its free 10-day trips to Israel for Jewish young adults ages 18-26, JNS.org has learned. Teenagers who went on an educational trip to Israel during high school were previously not eligible for Birthright trips, but can now participate, confirmed Noa Bauer, Birthright’s vice president
Birthright expands eligibility for free trips to Israel Read More »
Jacob Kamaras, Middle EastBy Rabbi Dow Marmur JERUSALEM — My column in the Toronto Star last Monday suggested that Canada’s Prime Minister Stephen Harper is proof that you don’t have to be Jewish to be a Zionist. His speech at the special session of the Knesset later that day illustrated it. The probably pre-planned heckling and subsequently staged
Behind closed doors, Harper can aid Mideast peace Read More »
Middle EastNEW YORK (Press Release)… Saying the Economist “cannot repair the damage of publishing an anti-Semitic image with only half-measures,” the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) today called on the editors to issue a full-throated apology for an editorial cartoon depicting President Obama as hindered in his efforts to reach an agreement with Iran by the machinations of
Economist should issue ‘full throated apology’ — ADL Read More »
Middle East
By Sean Savage/JNS.org BOSTON — With the Middle East in turmoil, Europe moving backwards, and the United States fatigued from years of war and recession, Canada has emerged as a staunch supporter of Israel. At a time when Israel is routinely singled out for condemnation, Canada has been at the forefront of defending Israel and
Is Stephen Harper-led Canada Israel’s new best friend? Read More »
Middle East
By Anav Silverman JERUSALEM – Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper and his wife Laureen arrived to Israel n Sunday, Jan. 19, on an official four-day visit. Accompanied by an entourage of 208 people, Harper and his wife were greeted by Israeli children with flowers at Ben Gurion Airport on Sunday morning. Harper’s first stop in
Canada’s PM Harper: ‘Delighted to be in Israel’ Read More »
Middle East