By Ira Sharkansky JERUSALEM — The confluence of Barack Obama ‘s problem with contraception and Mitt Romney’s candidacy reminds me of that often expressed sentiment that the United States is a “religion soaked” country. It leads western democracies–including Israel–for people who express a belief in God and pray on a regular basis. The existence of […]
Romney and Obama both struggle with religious issues Read More »
Ira Sharkansky, USA
By Rabbi Michael Leo Samuel CHULA VISTA, California — Most rabbinical students attribute omnipresence and omniscience as qualities befitting a Creator. Only God is called, “The Knower of Thoughts,” and “The Searcher of the human heart.” Rabbinical wisdom has long taught, “Always keep in mind these three things, and you will never come to the
Protecting the right to privacy has biblical precedents Read More »
Michael Leo Samuel-Rabbi, USAWASHINGTON, D.C. (Press Release) — The Republican Jewish Coalition (RJC) expressed deep concern Tuesday over indications that the Obama administration is asking Israel to risk its security and survival to advance U.S. policy toward Iran, without providing assurances that the U.S. will protect Israel if the Iranian nuclear threat materializes. RJC Executive Director Matthew Brooks said:
RJC accuses President Obama of jeopardizing Israel’s security Read More »
Middle EastWASHINGTON, D.C. (SDJW)–U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton on Monday condemned the terrorist attacks on Israeli diplomats. During a news conference with Turkish Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu, Clinton said: “I want to say a word about the bombing of an Israeli diplomatic vehicle in India, the attempted attack on Israeli Embassy personnel in Georgia. Terrorism
Hillary Clinton condemns attacks on Israeli diplomats Read More »
Middle EastNEW YORK (Press Release)– Richard Stone, Chairman, and Malcolm Hoenlein, Executive Vice Chairman, of the Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations, released the following statement about Monday’s terrorist attacks: The attacks today on the Israeli diplomatic missions in Georgia and India as well as the recent planned attacks in Thailand, Turkey and
WASHINGTON, DC (Press Release) – In response to the Administration’s Budget release on Monday that once again limits the value of tax deductions for charitable contributions, leaders from The Jewish Federations of North America — one of America’s largest philanthropies — released the following statements: William Daroff, vice president for public policy and director of the Washington
Jewish Federations say new tax policy could jeopardize charitable giving Read More »
USADear President Welty, President Armstrong, President Hellenbrand, and Chancellor Reed: We are co-founders of the AMCHA Initiative, a grassroots organization representing thousands of members and supporters of the California Jewish community, who are united in their concern for the safety and well-being of Jewish students on college and university campuses across the state. We would
An open letter to Cal State University about anti-Semitism Read More »
USA
By Noam Bedein SDEROT, Israel –On my recent visit to Canada, I was confronted by the growing strength and public acceptance of the Israel Apartheid Week (IAW) and came back to Israel with new friends who take a courageous stance for Israel – The First Nations communities. Background: From January 25th to 31st I traveled
Campaigning against the ‘Israel apartheid’ slur in Canada Read More »
Middle East
By Rabbi Dow Marmur JERUSALEM — Israel’s Finance Minister Yuval Steinitz may be right when he claims that the agreement signed on Sunday between his ministry and the labour federation resulting in somewhat improved conditions for contract workers, particularly in the unskilled sector, is due toIsrael’s robust economy. But there’s more to it. The four-day
Strikers and demonstrators win some economic relief in Israel Read More »
Middle East
By Rabbi Ben Kamin SAN DIEGO — It would be presumptuous for me to say, “Oh my God, I am so personally aggrieved for the loss of Whitney Houston.” I did not know her in any way but for a voice that, when it was still healthy and young and pure, was like a bell
Whitney, Michael, Heath … What do we do to our super stars? Read More »
USABy Rabbi Dow Marmur JERUSALEM –In 2002 Meir Dagan succeeded Efraim Halevy as the Head of the Mossad. He retired eight years later and – like virtually all Israeli public figures once they leave civil or military public service – he has taken to expressing strong opinions for all to hear and read on a
Ex-Mossad Chief Dagan a thorn in Netanyahu’s side Read More »
Middle East
By Shoshana Bryen WASHINGTON, D.C. — Obama administration officials were absolutely venomous after the Russian (and Chinese) veto of the UN Security Council resolution draft on Syria. “Disgusting,” said U.N. Ambassador Susan Rice. Secretary of State Clinton called it a “travesty.” Their revulsion was misplaced — the Russians did what they said they would do;
U.N. resolutions will not prevent mass murders in Syria Read More »
International, Shoshana BryenBy Rabbi Ben Kamin SAN DIEGO — It is hardly worth the energy to mention how monumentally uninteresting is the “shocking” new book by Mimi Alford, Once Upon A Secret, which will now briefly draw attention from the sordid, disagreeable primary presidential primary campaign and its flailing bitterness. I’m not planning to read or
JFK’s extramarital sex not so important as his record — or lack of one Read More »
USABy Rabbi Dow Marmur JERUSALEM — Recently, Ruth Lapidot, retired professor of international law who had participated in formulating the 1979 peace agreement with Egypt, gave this year’s David Elazar Memorial Lecture under the auspices of the Jerusalem Center for Public Affairs that the late professor Elazar founded. Her lucid and comprehensive presentation was reassuring.
Sinai now a focus for terrorist buildup Read More »
Middle East