European diplomat denies Iran’s assertion that framework nuclear deal is close (JNS.org) A framework agreement on Iran’s nuclear program is unlikely to be reached in the next few days of the talks between the Islamic Republic and the P5+1 powers, a senior European diplomat said, blaming Tehran for its refusal to compromise. “Contrary to what […]
Jewish news briefs: March 20, 2015 Read More »
International, Middle East, USABy Ira Sharkansky JERUSALEM — The New York Times is as far away from a realistic view of things Middle East as the Obama White House. It’s post election analysis was some element of bitter grapes, and dreaming about possibilities that do not exist. Its emphasis on deep wounds resulting from a bitter Israeli election campaign
Post- election opinions? Everyone seems to have one Read More »
Ira Sharkansky, Middle East, USAWASHINGTON, D.C. (Press Release) — Jewish groups on Thursday, March 19, welcomed Israel’s Prime Mininster Benjamin Netanyahu’s clarification that he still desires a two-state solution with the Palestinians, although he considers circumstances very difficult for achieving this outcome. Here are the comments from the Jewish groups: American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC): “Today, Israeli Prime
Jewish groups welcome Netanyahu support for 2 states Read More »
Middle East, USAWASHINGTON, DC (Press Release)—Representative Eliot L. Engel, the leading Democrat on the House Committee on Foreign Affairs, on Thursday, March 19, delivered the following statement at a Committee hearing on the Iran nuclear negotiations: “Thank you, very much, Mr. Chairman. Thank you for calling this very important and timely hearing. “Mr. Deputy Secretary, Mr. Under Secretary:
Engel to Obama: Do not ignore Congress on Iran Read More »
Middle East, USAWASHINGTON, D.C. (Press Release) — The United States is deeply disturbed by reports that the Assad regime used chlorine as a weapon again, this time on March 16 in an attack on the town of Sarmin. We are looking very closely into this matter and considering next steps. While we cannot yet confirm details, if
U.S. denounces chlorine gas use in Syria Read More »
Middle East, USASAN FRANCISCO (Press Release) – Following a rash of antisemitic incidents at the University of California (UC), 23 education and Jewish advocacy groups on Thursday, March 19, urged the UC President and Regents to adopt the U.S. State Department definition of antisemitism, which states that antisemitism may manifest itself with regard to the state of Israel. The
UC urged to strengthen anti- Semitism definition Read More »
Middle East, Science, Medicine, & Education, USAJERUSALEM (Press Release) — Despite recent anti-Israel incidents on several university campuses, a delegation of Rhodes Scholars from South Africa and the United States is currently in Israel with Project Interchange, an educational institute of AJC (American Jewish Committee). The Rhodes Scholars, the 12th delegation of its kind by Project Interchange, will participate in a week-long
Rhodes scholars to tour Israel Read More »
International, Middle East, Science, Medicine, & Education, USANumber of Israeli ministers expected to rise in next government (Israel Hayom/Exclusive to JNS.org) Despite the decisive victory by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s Likud party in the March 17 Israeli election, the negotiations to build the Jewish state’s next coalition government could take up the entire 42-day time period allotted by Israeli law. In his
Jewish news briefs: March 19, 2015 Read More »
International, Jewish Religion, Middle East, USAWASHINGTON, D.C. (Press Release) –American Jewish World Service has distributed a Passover reading emphasizing the accomplishments of women in the Exodus story. “We are grateful to Justice Ginsburg and Rabbi Holzblatt for offering a powerful feminist reading for Passover, which highlights the leadership of women in the liberation of the ancient Israelites from slavery in Egypt,”
Justice Ginsburg, Rabbi Holzblatt offer seder reading Read More »
Jewish Religion, USABy Donald H. Harrison The White House and the U.S. State Department on Wednesday, March 18, both voiced their displeasure with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s Likud party’s call to Jewish Israelis on Israel’s election day, March 17, to counter that country’s Arab vote, and additionally with Netanyahu’s pre-election announcement that he no longer supported creation of an
U.S. admonishes Israel over rhetoric Read More »
Donald H. Harrison, Middle East, USASAN DIEGO (SDJW)–Reactions to Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s election victory were not long in coming after the results were announced on Tuesday, March 17. Here are some of them collected by San Diego Jewish World: Americans for Peace Now — Israel’s general election results are a disappointment for pro-Israel, pro-peace Americans. They will undoubtedly make
Netanyahu victory spurs diverse reactions Read More »
Middle East, USAWASHINGTON, D.C (Press Release) – Congressman Steve Israel (D-New York) announced that he joined Rep. Steve Womack (R-Arkansas) in support of the Terrorist Denaturalization and Passport Revocation Act, which will prevent U.S. citizens from retaining their citizenship status if they fight for a known foreign terrorist organization (FTO). Since 2001 there has been a substantial increase
Rep. Israel: Revoke U.S. citizenship of terrorists Read More »
USAWASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senator Charles E. Schumer (D-New York) along with 73 other United States Senators, wrote to Secretary of State John Kerry to urge the State Department to immediately address issues stemming from of the intimidation of journalists and censorship of the media by President Tayyip Erdogan’s Administration in Turkey. According to Turkish and
74 senators protest Turkey’s treatment of journalists Read More »
Middle East, USAWASHINGTON, D.C. (Press Release) – Reps. Robert Dold (R-Illinois), Adam Schiff (D-California), David Valadao (R-California), and Frank Pallone (D-New Jersey), along with 40 other Members of the House of Representatives, on Wednesday, March 18, introduced the Armenian Genocide Truth and Justice Resolution. This bipartisan resolution calls upon the Administration to work toward equitable, constructive and durable Armenian-Turkish relations
Armenian genocide recognition introduced in Congress Read More »
Middle East, USA