By Alon Ben-Meir NEW YORK — The Iraqi Kurdish referendum vote for independence, scheduled for September 25, is more than likely to pass by an overwhelming majority of the Kurdish population. Sadly, however, not a single country (with the exception of Israel) expressed its support for the Kurds’ impending historic decision to finally realize their […]
Iraqi Kurds’ Freedom Long Overdue Read More »
Alon Ben-Meir, Middle EastBy Ira Sharkansky JERUSALEM–Among the matters being argued by the Jews of Israel is their Supreme Court. Somewhere in the noise are the classic questions about democracy. What is it? What’s enough? What’s too much? and Who is the best guardian? Commentators are describing a series of instances that have upset, altered or challenged
The Knesset vs. Israel’s Supreme Court Read More »
Ira Sharkansky, Middle EastJapanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe on Wednesday declared the time for dialogue with North Korea is over and rallied behind a US warning that “all options” are on the table Addressing the UN General Assembly, Abe said “there is not much time left” to take action on North Korea which in recent weeks has detonated
Japan PM says time for North Korea dialogue is over Read More »
InternationalSAN JUAN, Puerto Rico — A ferocious Hurricane Maria slammed Puerto Rico just before dawn Wednesday as some 3.5 million people girded for a day of vicious winds and drenching rain expected to devastate the American territory. The eye of the storm made official landfall at 6:15 a.m. near Yabucoa, about 45 miles southeast of
TEHRAN — A man was hanged in front of cheering crowds in Iran on Wednesday after being convicted of the rape and murder of a seven-year-old girl which had outraged the nation. The execution of 42-year-old Esmail Jafarzadeh was shown in an amateur video shared on the state broadcaster’s website. Get The Times of Israel’s
Crowd cheers as Iran hangs man for rape, murder of young girl Read More »
Middle EastMoscow, Russia – On Tuesday, a statue of Mikhail Kalashnikov, the creator of the Kalashnikov rifle, was unveiled in the Russian capital. The monument was commissioned by the Russian Military History Society and was installed in time for the Day of the Armourer, celebrated in Russia on September 19. At the military ceremony organised for
In praise of the AK-47: Russia unveils statue of Mikhail Kalashnikov Read More »
InternationalMEXICO CITY — Rescuers searched massive piles of rubble for any signs of life Wednesday morning after dozens of buildings collapsed across central Mexico in Tuesday’s violent earthquake, which killed at least 225 people, injured at least 1,000 and caused chaos in Mexico’s capital. Firefighters, soldiers and volunteers worked through the night clearing debris and
Earthquake death toll climbs to 225 in Mexico as frantic search continues for survivors Read More »
InternationalNEW YORK — Iran’s President Hassan Rouhani on Wednesday derided US President Donald Trump as a “rogue newcomer” and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as the leader of a “rogue and racist regime,” and vowed that Tehran would respond “decisively and resolutely” if the Iran nuclear deal is remade or canceled. In an address to the
Calling Trump ‘rogue newcomer,’ Rouhani vows tough response if nuke deal ditched Read More »
International, Middle East, USAA Washington, DC, synagogue that hosted US president Barack Obama for a speech and counts Congress members and Cabinet officials as members has hired co-senior rabbis. Adas Israel announced Monday that it hired rabbis Lauren Holtzblatt and Aaron Alexander, both 40, to succeed Rabbi Gil Steinlauf, who left the congregation four months ago to create
High-profile DC synagogue taps 2 rabbis to helm congregation Read More »
USAThe IDF has officially expunged the term “Temple Mount,” choosing instead to refer to Judaism’s holiest site as “behind the Kotel,” NRG reported. In a pamphlet given to soldiers going on a tour of Jerusalem, the guidebook given to soldiers says that the famous Binding of Yitzhak (Isaac) occurred “behind the Kotel,” using that term
IDF guides rename Temple Mount Read More »
Jewish Religion, Middle EastBernie Sanders was among seven Jewish senators who sent a letter to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Monday urging him to implement an agreement to expand an egalitarian prayer plaza at the Western Wall. Netanyahu’s cabinet put a hold in June on the deal passed in 2016, drawing the ire of American Jewish leaders.
Sanders, 6 other Jewish US senators urge PM to implement Western Wall deal Read More »
Jewish Religion, Middle East, USAWASHINGTON — The United States on Tuesday put South African twin brothers accused of plotting attacks on the US embassy and Jewish institutions onto its terror blacklist. Tony-Lee Thulsie and Brandon-Lee Thulsie were arrested in South Africa in July 2016. Get The Times of Israel’s Daily Edition by email and never miss our top stories
S. African twins put on terror list for plot to bomb Jewish targets, US embassy Read More »
International, USAJewish schools in Mexico City are preparing to provide aid to victims of Tuesday’s earthquake, Mexico’s World Bnei Akiva representative said Wednesday. 224 people were killed in the quake, which measured 7.1 on the Richter scale. World Bnei Akiva representative Shmuel Ben-Adiva was in Mexico City’s Jewish school when the earthquake struck. “It was a
Mexico: Earthquake damages synagogue Read More »
InternationalA massive earthquake registering 7.1 hit central Mexico on Tuesday killing 119 and destroying scores of buildings in the deadliest temblor to hit the nation since 1985. The U.S. Geological Survey said the quake was centered near the Puebla state town of Raboso, about 75 miles south of Mexico City, but its destructive power was
Deadliest Quake to Hit Mexico in 30 Years Kills 119 Read More »
International