By Ira Sharkansky JERUSALEM–Several overseas friends have urged me to read and write about Ari Shavit’s My Promised Land. Shavit is a well known columnist for Ha’aretz, but the book is not the left of center all out screech that might be expected from the paper’s turn in recent years. According to the unusually long, […]
For Israelis, these books seem like old news Read More »
Ira Sharkansky, Middle EastBy Ira Sharkansky JERUSALEM –Some years ago I began flogging the idea that policymakers and activists must be aware of problems that have no solutions. Israel had something to do with it. This is a country with more than its share of problems, bothering nervous Jews here and elsewhere, as well as others who want
Israelis have perfected the art of coping Read More »
Ira Sharkansky, Middle East
IDF soldier killed by Lebanese sniper fire (JNS.org) Israel Defense Forces Master Sgt. Shlomi Cohen, 31, was killed Sunday night by Lebanese sniper fire while he was on patrol near the Israel-Lebanon border. The Voice of Lebanon radio station reported that the shooter, a member of the Lebanese army identified as Hassan Ibrahim, fled his
JNS news briefs: December 16, 2013 Read More »
International
Compiled by Donald H. Harrison SAN DIEGO — While he was in Vietnam, U.S. Secretary of State met on Sunday with ABC news reporter Martha Raddatz to discuss a wide range of topics, including the talks he has been brokering between the Israelis and the Palestinians. Far from predicting ultimate peace, Kerry seemed to be
Jewish Citizen: Mideast talks, art recovery, and Iran Read More »
Donald H. Harrison, International
By Rabbi Dow Marmur JERUSALEM–The response to the weather crisis – yes it was and in many ways still is a crisis – suggests that Israelis are good at improvisation but Israel is deficient in preparation. Though the snow hasn’t melted as of Sunday, Dec. 15, , power hasn’t yet been restored to all households,
New Israeli winter sport: finger-pointing Read More »
Middle EastBy Donald H. Harrison SAN DIEGO –Some of our readers may have noticed our new masthead and wondered what those two ampersands are doing in the background behind the words “San Diego Jewish World.” It’s our way of announcing that we are still the same Jewish-focused paper, but that we plan to also venture
What’s the story behind those ampersands? Read More »
Donald H. Harrison, International
By Ira Sharkansky JERUSALEM –The forecasts proved correct. A major storm coming out of Russia would bring lots of rain, and snow to the northern mountains,and at least a bit of snow to the Judean Mountains. Read that as Jerusalem. French Hill is the highest point within the city at 810 meters (2,500 feet).
Snow replaces politics as chief news topic Read More »
Ira Sharkansky, Middle EastBy Rabbi Dow Marmur JERUSALEM– Having seen snow in Siberia, Sweden and Canada I was never impressed by what they described as a snowfall in Jerusalem. Though there had been some snow once or twice during the winters we spent here. It’s different this time: they forecast up to half-a-meter of the white stuff. It
Snow lays siege to Jerusalem Read More »
Middle EastAbbas: Palestinians free to take unilateral action if prisoner release delayed (JNS.org) During his meeting with U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry on Thursday night in Ramallah, Palestinian Authority (PA) President Mahmoud Abbas said the recently pitched U.S. security proposal—which allows for an Israel Defense Forces presence in the Jordan Valley for 10 years following
JNS news briefs: December 13, 2013 Read More »
InternationalBy Steve Kramer KIBBUTZ KETURA, Israel — Michal and I, together with our friends, recently spent a long weekend on this kibbutz in the Negev Desert. The trip was sponsored by their beit knesset, the Masorti (Conservative) Congregation of Ra’anana. A quote from its website: “The membership of Ra’anana Masorti is a successful mixture of
Exploring a kibbutz that is still Socialist Read More »
Middle East, Steve Kramer
By Rabbi Michael Leo Samuel CHULA VISTA, California — Human behavior and animal behavior resemble one another in so many interesting ways. When an animal approaches the territory of another, it is commonplace for one creature to growl or make noise whenever it perceives its space is invaded. A dog will characteristically bark whenever it
Obama’s handshake a commendable gesture Read More »
Michael Leo Samuel-Rabbi, USABy Ira Sharkansky JERUSALEM –Balance is essential for political success. The concept has several meanings, each of which sounds more simple than it is. Avoiding extremism Having a balance of adversaries and supporters Avoiding being too balanced, or wishy washy, on a matter of importance. We are hearing once again the prospect of an American
Keeping a balance is goal of Israel’s policymakers Read More »
Ira Sharkansky, Middle EastHamas and Russia discuss ‘common relations’ (JNS.org) Hamas Prime Minister Ismail Haniyeh and Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov had a rare phone conversation on Wednesday, during which they discussed “common relations” and the ongoing final-status negotiations between Israel and the Palestinian Authority, The Associated Press reported. In what was the first high-level conversation between Russia
JNS news briefs: December 12, 2013 Read More »
InternationalReport: Iran may receive $20 billion in sanctions relief, tripling stated figures (JNS.org) Senior Obama Administration officials are admitting that the interim nuclear deal between Iran and world powers may give the Islamic Republic sanctions relief that is three times as large as figures announced in official statements, Haaretz reported Wednesday. While the U.S. has
JNS news briefs: December 11, 2013 Read More »
International