By Ira Sharkansky JERUSALEM — One definition of a hypocrite is an individual who is guilty of faults more serious than those done by others that the hypocrite condemns as intolerable. Evolving events in northwestern Africa invite another look at Barack Obama’s comment that Israelis–and especially Benyamin Netanyahu–do not know what is good for […]
Hypocrisy in U.S. policy on fighting Muslim terrorists Read More »
Ira Sharkansky, USABy Shoshana Bryen WASHINGTON, D.C. — As President Obama stood with Afghan President Karzai to announce the “Afghanization” of the war, it seems appropriate to weigh the president’s words on the way out against his words on the way in. We were in Afghanistan, of course, long before he got there, but the president’s 2009
Obama withdraws from Afghanistan; objectives unmet Read More »
Shoshana Bryen, USABy Isaac Yetiv, PhD LA JOLLA, California — They have done it again. Five hundred thirty seven elected officials in Washington and their thousands of aides, staff, lawyers, and lobbyists using tons of expensive modern equipment, could not produce, after months of bickering, mutual blaming and accusing, a just and lasting solution to the financial mess
A power grab by President Obama amid fiscal crisis Read More »
USABy Rabbi Dow Marmur JERUSALEM–We were told that Israel’s prime minister tried to interfere in the US presidential elections last year by siding with Mitt Romney against the victorious Barack Obama. The latter has now returned the compliment by seemingly interfering in the Israeli elections. That’s the received and probably correct interpretation of the comments
Obama’s criticism may prove to Netanyahu’s benefit Read More »
USABy Ira Sharkansky JERUSALEM — U.S. President Barack Obama has been quoted as saying that “Israel doesn’t know what its own best interests are.” This report about the President’s sentiments did not come directly from the President, but has been filtered through a journalist reporting what the President said to him, or what he heard
Obama-Netanyahu gulf widens Read More »
Ira Sharkansky, USABy Rabbi Ben Kamin ENCINITAS, California — Martin Luther King Jr. was born 84 years ago today, January 15, 1929. He was 39 years old when shot down at the Lorraine Motel, Memphis, 6:01 PM, Thursday, April 4, 1968. In his short lifetime, King collected a cadre of loyal and fervent friends and colleagues.
King’s Jewish advisor Levison all but forgotten Read More »
USABy Rabbi Dow Marmur JERUSALEM — I first met Israeli-born Rabbi Aryeh Azriel in 1983, shortly before he was ordained by the Hebrew Union College. Over the years we’ve encountered each other many times at conferences and on his frequent visits to Israel. For the last quarter-of-a-century he has been the spiritual leader of Temple
Here are some pro-Hagel Jewish voices Read More »
USAFARMINGTON HILLS, Michigan –As Humanistic Jews, our hearts are broken as we grapple with the loss of 26 lives at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Connecticut. For more than a decade, we have been witness to mass shootings with no relief. Across the United States, in schools, theaters, and malls, from Virginia Tech, to
Humanistic Jews to boycott retailers selling assault weapons Read More »
USAEditor’s Note: The following article is reprinted with permission from Ha’aretz. By Abraham H. Foxman It is looking more and more certain that former Nebraska Senator Chuck Hagel is going to be the next American Secretary of Defense. President Obama has officially announced his intention to nominate Mr. Hagel. Considering precedent, whereby very few nominated
ADL chief has mixed feelings about Hagel Read More »
USABy JNS.org On the day when President Barack Obama nominated former Nebraska senator Chuck Hagel for defense secretary, the National Jewish Democratic Council (NJDC) said that despite expressing concerns about Hagel in the past, it believes Hagel will “follow the President’s lead of providing unrivaled support for Israel—on strategic cooperation, missile defense programs, and leading
Hagel on Israel—in letters Read More »
USABy Ira Sharkansky JERUSALEM– We’re hearing different things about Chuck Hagel, and the reasons for his appointment as Obama’s Secretary of Defense.. Clips of his comments about the power of the Jewish lobby, the Palestinians being chained down, and the damage to the standing of the US due to excessive support of Israel Comments expressing
Hagel’s apparent Israel animus only one reason for opposition Read More »
Ira Sharkansky, USABy Ira Sharkansky JERUSALEM –Several of my columns commenting about the United States have produced angry responses, claiming that I do not understand, that my “opinions” are tainted, and that if I do not value the United States I should give up my citizenship. What I think these responses reveal is yet another side of the United
The intellectual right, yea obligation, of independent thought Read More »
Ira Sharkansky, USAWASHINGTON, D.C. (Press Release) — The Republican Jewish Coalition (RJC) on Thursday, Jan. 3, noted a recent poll by the Pew Research Center for the People & the Press that shows the continuing large gap in support for Israel between Republicans and Democrats. The poll, taken in mid-December, asked, “In the dispute between Israel and the Palestinians,
Poll finds conservatives favor Israel, liberals less so Read More »
USABy Rabbi Ben Kamin NEW YORK –My eyes watered and my throat tightened as I disembarked at Newark Liberty Airport and gazed upon the renewed New York skyline and the curative, colossal sight of the One World Trade Center tower. It was certainly a joyous journey: a daughter marrying in my native Israel, a connection
Gratitude on returning to the Land of the Free Read More »
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