Middle East

Western critics of Israeli democracy should look to their own houses

By Lloyd Levy LONDON –Much heat has been generated  in some circles in the Jewish Diaspora in recent weeks, by the Israeli Knesset passing  laws to fight back against attempts to undermine the State.  For example, Israeli citizens who allegedly incite boycotts of their own country’s products , or who work hand in glove with […]

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Lloyd Levy, Middle East

Comparisons and contrasts between Palestinian and African-American politics

By Ira Sharkansky JERUSALEM — It is instructive to compare the experiences of African-Americans and Palestinians. We can find differences, similarities, and lessons for one and the other in their histories, social statistics, cultures, and politics. While some may see Israeli paternalism in what follows, my intentions are the admirable ones of seeking insights that

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Ira Sharkansky, Middle East

Housing, cottage cheese, medical certification top Israelis’ current complaint list

By Ira Sharkansky JERUSALEM — Israelis have good reasons to complain. In that trait, they resemble the residents of 192 other member states of the United Nations, plus Palestinians and others who want into the club. Currently the problems have gone beyond the price of cottage cheese and housing, and have spread to the plight

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Ira Sharkansky, Middle East

Anatomy of the Knesset

By Ira Sharkansky Ira Sharkansky JERUSALEM —  The current screeching about high profile issues invites an effort to create some understanding of Israel’s political map. At issue is the law enacted to curb boycotts, and proposals to give politicians influence over selections of Supreme Court justices and limit overseas donations to leftist organizations. All are

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Middle East

Civic Forum Institute in uphill effort to promote Palestinian democracy

By Ira Sharkansky JERUSALEM –Muhammed is one of my pool friends. For some years we have bantered between ourselves and with others about this and that, occasionally about politics. Recently he told me about his work with the Civic Forum Institute. This is an organization of Palestinians, with international financial assistance, involved in the promotion

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Middle East

ZOA clarifies position on Israel’s anti-boycott law

NEW YORK (Press Release)–The Zionist Organization of America (ZOA)  has been widely  quoted onits position on Israel’s internal anti-boycott law, which strongly  implied ZOA is completely against it. ZOA’s position is much more nuanced than that, especially after fully examining this new Law today (Wednesday)  as we promised to do. Israel is under existential threat from

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Middle East

Poll finds Israelis support joining EU

BEERSHEVA, Israel (Press Release)– A new study conducted by Ben-Gurion University of the Negev reveals that a vast majority (81 percent) of Israelis support joining the European Union (EU) and more involvement with European organizations. “The results also show that there is widespread misperception about the Israeli public’s real attitudes toward the EU,” explains BGU’s

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Middle East

ADL, APN, AI criticize Israel’s new anti-boycott law

SAN DIEGO – The Anti-Defamation League (ADL), Americans for Peace Now (APN) and Amnesty International (AI) all have issued statements criticizing Israel’s Knesset for passing a law that assesses penalties against those backing boycotts of Israel.   The statements of the three organizations follow: * Anti Defamation League The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) has expressed concern about

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Middle East