NEW YORK (Press Release) — A new national survey has shown that the American public supports Israel over the Palestinians by a five-to-one ratio. According to the Pew Research Center for the People & the Press national survey, conducted during December 5-9, 2012, Americans sympathize more with Israel (50%) than with the Palestinians (10%). Support for […]
Pew finds most Americans support Israel over Palestinians Read More »
USAIsrael: British minister adopts ‘Palestinian position verbatim’ on Ariel University (JNS.org) The recently heavy European criticism of Israel continued on Dec. 27 when British minister expressed “deep disappointment” over the official upgrading of Ariel University Center of Samaria’s status to that of a full-fledged university. “This decision will deepen the presence of the settlements in
JNS news briefs: December 28, 2012 Read More »
InternationalBy Shoshana Bryen WASHINGTON, D.C — Colonial powers – France, Britain, Belgium and Russia, in particular – believed there was no substitute for their own armies and officials to ensure that their colonies stayed in line. Instead of colonial occupation forces, the U.S. takes its money, arms, training and agenda abroad. It is a specifically
U.S. money, arms do not prompt ‘moderation’ in Mideast Read More »
Middle East, Shoshana BryenBy Ira Sharkansky JERUSALEM — For those who enjoy the cut and thrust of electoral politics, this is the season to unlimber your Hebrew dictionaries and connect with the web page of Israeli media (www.iba.org.il) There are no less than three simultaneous performances of the cardinal principle, “Do unto others,” along with the lucious taste
Wrestling Israeli politicians find themselves on bottom Read More »
Ira Sharkansky, Middle EastBy Rabbi Dow Marmur JERUSALEM — Here’re more indications that the greatest danger to the future of the Jewish people, and thus to Judaism, may come from within. What follows are hints of the ominous evidence I gleaned on the first of a two-day conference in Jerusalem under the title, “New Understandings of Gender, Love
Demographics point to a Haredi majority among Israeli Jews Read More »
Middle EastHawaii’s Jewish lieutenant governor to replace senator known for pro-Israel record (JNS.org) Brian Schatz, the Jewish lieutenant governor of Hawaii, will rise to the rank of U.S. senator to replace the late Daniel Inouye, who was known for a strong pro-Israel record. Hawaii Gov. Neil Abercrombie on Wednesday announced the appointment of Schatz,
JNS briefs: December 27, 2012 Read More »
InternationalBy Evelyn Gordon If there were a prize for the Arab country that has done most to promote Arab-Israeli peace recently, I’d seriously consider nominating Saudi Arabia. Admittedly, that’s a counterintuitive choice: Riyadh doesn’t even recognize Israel and shows no signs of doing so anytime soon; moreover, it finances the spread of extremist
Glimmer of recognition of Israel’s problems in Saudi papers Read More »
Middle EastTerror infrastructure dismantled in Ramallah (JNS.org) The Israel Security Agency, in cooperation with the Israel Defense Forces, uncovered infrastructure of the Popular Front for Liberation of Palestine (PFLP) terrorist organization in the Ramallah area, Israel Hayom reported. The cell allegedly planned on abducting Israelis, according to documents recently released for publication. Detained members from the
JNS news briefs: December 26, 2012 Read More »
InternationalObama considers others for defense secretary after Hagel controversy (JNS.org) U.S. President Barack Obama is considering several other candidates for the post of defense secretary after his administration received heavy criticism from Republicans and Democrats alike for considering former Nebraska Senator Chuck Hagel for the role, National Journal reported. Hagel currently chairs the Atlantic Council think
JNS news briefs: December 25, 2012 Read More »
InternationalBy Ira Sharkansky JERUSALEM — Twice in recent days I’ve run afoul of American parochialism. You’ve already read more than enough about my encounter with gun control enthusiasts. The second is with Reform and Conservative Jews, brought about by an article in the New York Times that bemoans the inability of Reform and Conservative women
Non-Orthodox Jews should not expect U.S. customs in Israel Read More »
Ira Sharkansky, Middle EastKnesset speaker slams foreign lawmakers over visit to Hamas-ruled Gaza (JNS.org) Reuven Rivlin, speaker of the Israeli Knesset, said he would boycott an Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) delegation set to arrive in Israel next month after IPU announced that it would include the Hamas-ruled Gaza Strip on its itinerary, Israel Hayom reported. According to its
JNS news briefs: December 24, 2012 Read More »
InternationalBy Ira Sharkansky JERUSALEM — I’ve tried to convince my American friends how out of step they are on firearms. Being number one in gun ownership and number one in murder does not seem to impress them. Perhaps it stimulates their pride in being different. Everyone else must be off kilter, insofar as individual freedom
An immodest proposal: A gun ghetto, perhaps Texas Read More »
Ira Sharkansky, USABy Rabbi Dow Marmur JERUSALEM –What many feared and others hoped for may be about to happen: the Obama administration in its second term will be much tougher on the Netanyahu government than it was in the first four years. The appointment of John Kerry as the next US Secretary of State and the anticipated
Will Kerry put more pressure on Israel to negotiate? Read More »
Middle EastBy Ira Sharkansky JERUSALEM — Thirty-four parties are running in Israel’s election, but there are fewer real contenders. Prominent are Likud a bit to the right of center, and Labor a bit to the left of center. There are parties further to the right and the left, each for their true believers, plus two ultra-Orthodox
See the candidates stumble in Israeli elections Read More »
Ira Sharkansky, Middle East