Travel and Food

New Zealand stays restrictions on kosher slaughtering

WELLINGTON, New Zealand (WJC)–Jews in New Zealand have won a temporary exemption from a new legal requirement  that animals must first be stunned before being slaughtered. Representatives of the Jewish community last week filed legal proceedings against Agriculture Minister David Carter and on Monday said said a Wellington court had ordered a temporary exemption until […]

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ADL 'saddened, stunned' by Zakaria returning first amendment freedom prize in Ground Zero mosque dispute

NEW YORK (Press Release)– In response to Fareed Zakaria returning an award that was presented to him in 2005, the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) said it was “saddened, stunned and somewhat speechless” by his decision. Zakaria, the host of Fareed Zakaria GPS on CNN and a Newsweek columnist, was presented the League’s Hubert H. Humphrey First Amendment

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How to forgive, how to pray subjects of pre-High Holiday classes

SAN DIEGO (Press Release)–The Center For Lifelong Jewish Learning (CLJL) at Congregation Beth Am is presenting two one-night classes to make your High Holiday experience more meaningful. High Holidays 101: How do I Forgive? will take place Thursday August 19 at 6:15pm.  This class will focus on stories and teachings meant to open your heart

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Jewish political roundup: Emerald votes for sales tax ballot measure; Block to open reelection headquarters

SAN DIEGO  (SDJW)– Marti Emerald has voted with the San Diego City Council’s majority to place a ½ cent sales tax increase on the city ballot—an increase, which boost the levy from 8.75 percent to 9.25 percent. After doing so, the 7th District Councilwoman issued a statement, explaining her siding with the majority in the

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ADL says Internet providers should define prohibited 'hate speech' in terms of service

NEW YORK (Press Release) — The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) on Wednesday  submitted recommendations to a trio of federal agencies on how the U.S. government can more effectively address the issue of bullying and cyberbullying.   The recommendations come in advance of an upcoming Federal Bullying Prevention Summit, scheduled to convene August 11-12 in Washington, D.C. “The

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Travel and Food

How should we distinguish between anti-Semites and vehement opponents of Israel?

By Ira Sharkansky JERUSALEM–Does it do more harm than good to describe Israel’s intense antagonists as anti-Semites? No doubt it assures that any discussion will be heated. However, if it was appropriate to use the term, it was, most likely, already at a fever pitch.  Is it a distortion of reality to accuse opponents of

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Travel and Food

Plan for mosque two blocks from Ground Zero advances

NEW YORK (WJC)–The city’s Landmarks Commission has cleared the way for the construction of a controversial US$ 100 million mosque and Islamic center near Ground Zero in Manhattan. The commission voted unanimously to deny landmark status to the building located on the site, clearing the way for the construction project. However, court challenges could still stall

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Geneal who raised flag over Umm Rashrash flies on El Al's inaugural Tel Aviv-Eilat run

EILAT, Israel (Press Release)– EL AL Israel Airlines launched its newest route between Tel Aviv and the popular beach resort of Eilat this week with a historical and heartwarming father/son connection. General Avraham Adan, who was immortalized in the famous 1949 photograph when the Israeli flag was first raised in Umm Rashrash (now known as Eilat, located

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Hand grenade explodes 100 meters from Ahmadinejad car in Hamedan

HAMADAN (WJC)–Iran’s President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad has reportedly escaped an assassination attempt in the western Iranian city of Hamadan. Several people were wounded in the blast, said media reports. The Arab news channel ‘al-Arabiya’ said the Iranian presidency had confirmed that Ahmadinejad “escaped an assassination attempt as his procession was targeted by a bomb.” The conservative

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NJDC retracts statement critical of McMahon in 'Jewish money' flap

WASHINGTON, DC (Press Release)- National Jewish Democratic Council (NJDC) President and CEO David A. Harris issued the following statement retracting his earlier comments about Representative Michael McMahon’s (D-NY) campaign: “At the time of this morning’s statement, we had initial press reports in hand but not all the facts. Now that we have the facts, including

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Travel and Food

Commentary: Ramon and Abbas comments dampen peace talk prospects

By Ira Sharkansky JERUSALEM–Depending on one’s perspective, Haim Ramon is either a naughty boy or wise man of Israeli politics. Currently 60 years old, he has been prominent since he took one of the conventional routes to national affairs via leadership of student politics. He was secretary of the Labor Party youth wing when he

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Congressman fires communications director over 'Jewish money' comment, says such comments have 'no place in our community'

STATEN ISLAND, NY (Press Release) – Congressman Mike McMahon (Democrat-New York) issued the following statement after his campaign announced that it has fired Campaign Communications Director Jennifer Nelson: “These comments were entirely inappropriate and there is no place for this kind of behavior. I was outraged by these unfortunate remarks which were unauthorized and are in

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Travel and Food

Wildfire evacuees may be entitled to additional living expenses from insurance companies

SACRAMENTO (Press Release)–California Insurance Commissioner Steve Poizner reminded residents who have been evacuated due to the recent wildfires (including the Crown Fire, West Fire and Bull Fire,) that they may be eligible for reimbursement for additional living expenses due to mandatory evacuations. Commissioner Poizner also encouraged all Californians to make sure their insurance policies are

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Filner, Emerald endorse Lutz for Congress

SAN DIEGO (SDJW)–Two Jewish public officeholders—Congressman Bob Filner and San Diego City Councilwoman Marti Emerald – have endorsed fellow Democrat Ray Lutz, 52, in his effort to unseat incumbent Republican Congressman Duncan D. Hunter. The endorsements of these and other prominent Democrats were announced in connection with a fundraiser for Lutz in the Gaslamp Quarter.

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