By Ira Sharkansky JERUSALEM — Jews and others who lament that there were not more effective efforts to combat the Holocaust may learn something from the limited concern thus far shown by western governments for the carnage in Syria. It qualifies for the label of a mini-Holocaust, with what may be half a million killed […]
World ignores Syrian refugees as it did the Jews Read More »
Ira Sharkansky, Middle East
By Donald H. Harrison SAN DIEGO — Speaking at a Shabbat luncheon at Tifereth Israel Synagogue, Rabbi Jonathan Stein, secretary of the national Mazon board of trustees, said that hungry people receiving government food stamps obtain the equivalent of $4.50 per day, which based on three meals a day, works out to $1.50 per meal. The
Hungry Americans far exceed total number of Canadians Read More »
Donald H. Harrison, International, The World We Share, USABy Kenneth Bandler NEW YORK — The American Jewish Committee stands in solidarity with the Danish people as they commemorate on Sunday, Feb. 14, the terrorist attacks that left two dead and five injured one year ago. An Islamist terrorist attacked a free speech event at a Copenhagen café, killing Danish filmmaker Finn Norgaard, and several hours later murdered
Terror attacks in Denmark recalled on first anniversary Read More »
International, USABy Sheila Orysiek SAN DIEGO — I would like to reply to the article written by Rabbi Ben Kamin “In Praise of Barack Obama” on Feb. 11, 2016, in San Diego Jewish World. My problem is where to begin? At the beginning…of course….. Rabbi Kamin’s opening sentence in which he describes a political advisor to one
In reply to Kamin’s attack on Obama’s adversaries Read More »
USABy Ira Sharkansky JERUSALEM — It isn’t all about great ideas, inspiring movements, massive rallies, calls for salvation or death. There is also reason to think about some curiosities, that may or may not be significant. Most prominent on my radar is a curious slice of gerontocracy competing for the presidency of the world’s most
Symbolic change versus change with real meaning Read More »
Ira Sharkansky, Middle East, USANEW YORK — The American Jewish Committee (AJC) fully shares the outrage of the Reform movement in response to the disparaging remarks made by Israeli Tourism Minister Yariv Levin. The controversy erupted after Levin declared that “Reform Jews in the U.S. are a dying world.” “His words are both offensive and off-base,” said AJC Chief
Tourism Minister Levin’s remarks on Reform assailed Read More »
Jewish Religion, Middle East, USABy Steve Kramer ALFE MENASHE, Israel — Iran, according to the United Nations Security Council resolution (7/20/15) endorsing the Iran nuclear deal, is “called upon” to refrain, for up to eight years, from working on ballistic missiles which are designed to deliver nuclear weapons. Existing sanctions imposed on Iran’s missile program were NOT ended. But
Israel prepares for rocket war with Iran Read More »
Middle East, Steve KramerSuspended Arab Knesset member vows to keep visiting terrorists’ families (Israel Hayom/Exclusive to JNS.org) Member of Knesset Basel Ghattas, one of three Knesset members from the Joint Arab List party who were recently suspended after visiting late Palestinian terrorists’ families, said he will not stop making such visits and referred to the deceased terrorists
Middle East Roundup: February 12, 2016 Read More »
Middle EastAnti-Semitic cartoon printed, prosecutor offends Holocaust survivors in Europe (JNS.org) Anti-Semitism has come to the forefront in European media this week after an anti-Semitic cartoon was published in Spain and an Austrian prosecutor said that a magazine was justified in describing Holocaust survivors as a “plague.” In Spain, the Jewish community is threatening legal action
Never Again: Holocaust news for February 12, 2016 Read More »
International, Jewish History, USA
By Shalle’ McDonald/JNS.org BINGHAMTON, New York — Jonathan Nizar Elkhoury wants minority populations in Israel to speak up about what life is really like in the Jewish state. He wants the world to know that Israel is a safe haven for persecuted Middle East minorities. For Elkhoury, this isn’t just loose talk. He is gay,
Israeli, Arab, Christian and gay Read More »
Middle East, Science, Medicine, & Education, USABy Kenneth Bandler NEW YORK — The American Jewish Committee (AJC) is supporting a major initiative, led by the Israeli humanitarian relief group IsraAID, to assist Yazidi refugees, as well as other migrants from the Middle East who have been coming in large numbers to Germany. “Our Jewish tradition beckons us to help,” said AJC Berlin
AJC joins efforts to assist Yazidis, others in Germany Read More »
International, USABy Rabbi Ben Kamin OCEANSIDE, California — One of those mannequin-style political advisers to a particular Republican candidate made a televised statement on the morning of the New Hampshire primary: “We have to find a new leader who can salvage these seven wasted years under President Obama.” This vacuous statement—in the midst of the creeping
In praise of Barack Obama Read More »
USABy Ira Sharkansky JERUSALEM — Brit Shalom (Peace Treaty, 1925) is a landmark in the continuing activity of Jews talking among themselves about what kind of accommodation they should, and can reach, then with Arab and now with Palestinian neighbors. What has become characteristic is the prominence in Brit Shalom of Jews from Europe and
The long and futile history of M.E. peace plans Read More »
Ira Sharkansky, Middle EastIsrael Police names first Muslim deputy commissioner (Israel Hayom/Exclusive to JNS.org) Israeli Public Security Minister Gilad Erdan plans to establish new division within the Israel Police to promote law enforcement in Israel’s Arab sector and recruit Arabs to serve in the police force. Jamal Hakroush, currently an assistant police commissioner, will head the new division,
Middle East Roundup: February 11, 2016 Read More »
Middle East