MUNICH, Germany–On the opening day of the trial of suspected Nazi war criminal Ivan Demjanjuk in Munich, his attorney said it was unfair for his client to be charged for following orders when his superiors were never charged. Demjanjuk, 89, a former autoworker who lived in near Cleveland, Ohio, and was extradited in May to […]
Ivan Demjanjuk's attorney fails in efforts to change judges and prosecutors Read More »
USAUNITED NATIONS, N.Y. (WJC) — The United Nations General Assembly is marking the 23rd edition of the annual International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People. The debate is expected to generate six resolutions which are critical of Israel. Until recently, Israel boycotted the debate, but for the past two years has sought a platform
UN observing 'Palestinian Solidarity Day' Read More »
Middle EastJERUSALEM (WJC)–The foreign ministers of the European Union are expected to endorse a document prepared by the Swedish EU presidency which calls for East Jerusalem to become the capital of a future Palestinian state, the newspaper ‘Haaretz’ reports. A draft document implies that the EU would recognize a unilateral Palestinian declaration of statehood, the paper
European Union to consider recognizing East Jerusalem as Palestinian capital Read More »
Middle East, USANEW YORK (Press Release)–The Zionist Organization of America (ZOA) has criticized the Jewish National Fund (JNF) following reports that the organization, established by Jews and for Jews to rebuild Jewish national life in the biblical home of the Jewish people, has donated 3,000 trees to the Fatah-controlled Palestinian Authority (PA) of Mahmoud Abbas for a
ZOA criticizes JNF for donating trees to P.A. Read More »
Middle EastBy Shoshana Bryen WASHINGTON, D.C. — For those who have asked why JINSA has kept Honduras in the spotlight since June, this is why: small democratic countries trying mightily to exercise legitimate governance and self-determination deserve our vocal support even – or especially – when they do things the U.S. would prefer they didn’t. Honduras
The Canary in Israel's Coal Mine Read More »
Middle East, USA
By Dorothea Shefer-Vanson MEVASSERET ZION, Israel –As readers of this column will have surmised by now, my husband and I are keen concert-goers. Israel abounds in opportunities to attend inspiring orchestral concerts, uplifting chamber performances, and impressive solo recitals. We try to attend as many of these as our energy and pocket allow, and these
Music and history abound throughout Israel Read More »
Dorothea Shefer-Vanson, Middle EastBy Ira Sharkansky JERUSALEM—What has Israel contributed to the impasse in the peace process, and to the suffering of Palestinians? That is a question several have asked me, often with a follow up charging that I have not responded. I have responded, more than once. Those convinced of Israeli culpability either have not understood my
Inertia, rather than conscious policy, often influences the Israeli-Palestinian conflict Read More »
Ira Sharkansky, Middle East, USAHAIFA (Press Release)–University of Haifa students have joined the public fight for the release of Gilad Shalit and decided to make their final project for a course in the School of Political Sciences a campaign for Shalit’s release. A survey that the students carried out among 200 respondents as a preparatory step for the project
University of Haifa students devise You Tube campaign for Gilad Shalit's release Read More »
Middle EastJERUSALEM (Press Release)– In response to the overwhelming reaction among Israelis to the arrival of hundreds of single Olim from the USA, Canada and the UK this past summer, the Aliyah organization has teamed up with popular Jewish dating site JDate Israel to create a portal for its Olim to meet Israeli singles. As part
TEHRAN (WJC)–In defiance of the international community, the Iranian Cabinet headed by President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad ordered the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran to begin construction of five uranium enrichment sites and propose five other sites for future construction within two months. The head of the nuclear body, Iranian Vice-President Ali Akbar Salehi, told state media
Iran announces plans for 10 new nuclear sites Read More »
USAMUNICH, Germany (WJC)–The trial of Ukrainian-born Ivan Demjanjuk, 89, who is accused of helping to murder 27,900 Jews in the Sobibor Nazi death camp during World War II, began here Monday, marking the final chapter of 30 years of efforts to prosecute the retired autoworker. Demjanjuk was deported from Ohio in May after his US
Demjanjuk war crimes trial underway in Munich Read More »
Middle East, USATEL AVIV (Press Release) – Terminal 4 – Pet Relocation, the pioneer of pet travel in Israel, on Mondayt announced the launch of its “Aliyah for Pets” project. The company, already assisting “Olim” families with their pet travel needs, will be broadening its support for Jewish families in the process of relocating to Israel. Statistics
Now there is aliyah service for family pets Read More »
Middle EastBy Ira Sharkansky JERUSALEM–In response to a recent column, an American friend wrote the following: “In other words, you are saying that the Israeli gesture is not a good faith effort to restart peace talks. Isn’t that what the Israelis have done before when they offered “concessions” they knew were inadequate and not acceptable
Some hard realities of negotiations and politics Read More »
Ira Sharkansky, Middle East, USABy Ira Sharkansky JERUSALEM—Reading the announcements of government officials is more of an art than a science. It is appropriate to weigh the use of certain words rather than others, and take note of what a statement does not say. No one, including those involved in its preparation, can claim certainty as to how it
Middle East peace process reduced to a charade Read More »
Ira Sharkansky, Middle East, USA