CHICAGO (Press Release)-At the opening ceremony of the 125th annual Convention of the Central Conference of American Rabbis (CCAR) Sunday evening, Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky (D-Illinois) highlighted what she called the pervasive “meanness” in Washington and faulty morality used by members of Congress to support cuts to programs like food stamps and unemployment benefits. The CCAR is […]
Schakowsky hits ‘mean’ Congress Read More »
Jewish Religion, USABy Ira Sharkansky JERUSALEM –Ehud Olmert has been part of Israeli government since his first election to the Knesset in 1973. He served on key committees dealing with foreign affairs, defense and finance; had a term as a minister without portfolio, climbed to the position of Health Mister, went higher as Mayor of Jerusalem, returned
Olmert case had many twists and turns Read More »
Ira Sharkansky, Middle EastBy Rabbi Dow Marmur JERUSALEM– A cartoon in Ha’aretz a couple of days ago showed how Abu Mazen, the chairman of the Palestinian Authority, wanted Tzipi Livni, Israel’s chief negotiator with the Palestinians, to add one more name to the list of prisoners who were supposed to be released by Israel last Saturday night as
Olmert’s bribery conviction ends his comeback hopes Read More »
Middle East
By Judy Lash Balint/JNS.org JERUSALEM—When most Israeli Jews sit down for the Passover seder, they’ll wait for the kids to recite Mah Nishtana, the four questions; pucker up to inhale the bitter herbs; relish the sweet Charoset; dip herbs in salt water; sing rousing renditions of Dayenu and Chad Gadya; and knock back four cups
Taking Passover back to its roots Read More »
Jewish Religion, Middle EastBy Aryeh Savir JERUSALEM – a poll conducted for the Knesset TV channel reveals that the majority of Israelis oppose territorial concessions as part of a peace agreement with the Palestinian Authority. 61% of the Israeli public believes that Israel should not relinquish land in Judea and Samaria in exchange for a peace agreement; 39%
Most Israelis oppose conceding territory Read More »
Middle EastBy Ira Sharkansky JERUSALEM–It’s hard to know whether to smirk, guffaw, dismiss as not surprising and more of the same, or bemoan the dimming of American civilization due to a recent article in the New York Times about legislation in Georgia and other states in behalf of guns. The article describes a wave of pro-gun
Pro-gun legislation indicates U.S. decline Read More »
Ira Sharkansky, Middle East
By Deborah Fineblum/JNS.org Rather than feeling a sense of loss, leaving the second Passover seder behind in the U.S., or France, or Turkey, or any other country of origin is touted as a perk of living in Israel that new immigrants to the Jewish state (olim) mention in the same breath as the universal availability
See new moon over Israel, skip second seder Read More »
Jewish Religion, Middle East, Science, Medicine, & EducationBy Jeremy Ben-Ami The majority of world Jewry agrees today: the future, security and character of the state of Israel all depend on reaching a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. That’s why Secretary of State John Kerry’s push to achieve it is perhaps the most vital pro-Israel initiative since Bill Clinton was President. Right
Attack on J Street waste of resources Read More »
Middle East, USADETROIT (Press Release) — A survey of Detroit area Jews and Muslims reveals high levels of interest to learn more about the other, find ways to experience each community’s practices and customs, and engage in joint activities. “Both groups express willingness to engage with each other,” concludes the survey, Building a Shared Future: Understanding the
Detroit Muslims and Jews desire friendship Read More »
Jewish Religion, USANEW YORK (Press Release)–The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) expressed shock and outrage regarding statements made by the founder of a new art school scheduled opening in the Chilean Patagonia publicly promoting the Nazi swastika and announcing plans to teach Adolf Hitler’s ideology in the school. ADL has called on the government of Chile to clearly condemn
ADL condemns Nazi art school in Chile Read More »
International
NEW YORK (WJC) — The World Jewish Congress (WJC) mourns the passing of the former chairman of the Lithuanian Jewish community, Simon Alperovitch (Simonas Alperavičius), a Holocaust survivor who led the Jewish revival in his native country culturally and politically. “An old-fashioned gentleman who spoke a beautiful Lithuanian Yiddish, Simon spearheaded his community’s restitution
Lithuanian Jewish leader Alperovitch mourned Read More »
InternationalGENEVA (WJC) – A call made by the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) encouraging businesses to boycott Israeli settlements was strongly condemned by the World Jewish Congress (WJC) on Friday. “It is shameful that an important UN body should join the hypocritical international campaign against Israel, and it is even more lamentable that so many
Jewish groups condemn UNHRC vote on BDS Read More »
Middle East
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Secretary of Homeland Security Jeh Johnson on Thursday, March 27, hosted the Official Portrait Unveiling Ceremony in honor of former Secretary Michael Chertoff a member of the Jewish community, who served as the nation’s second Secretary of Homeland Security from February 15, 2005 – January 21, 2009. “As the second Secretary of Homeland Security, Michael
Michael Chertoff portrait unveiled at DHS Read More »
USANEW YORK (Press Release) – AJC applauds the UN Human Rights Council (HRC) for expressing serious concern about human rights violations in Iran. The Council resolution also renews the mandate of the UN Special Rapporteur on human rights in Iran, Dr. Ahmed Shaheed. The resolution was adopted by a vote of 21 in favor, 9 against
AJC applauds UNHRC resolution on Iran Read More »
Middle East