Natalie Portman is a fine actress, but …

First of two articles By Rabbi Michael Leo Samuel CHULA VISTA, California — Lately, it seems as though Natalie Portman has transformed herself into a human lightning rod. She created a storm of controversy and gave the Palestinians in Gaza far more respectability than they deserved by canceling plans to receive a prestigious Genesis Award

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Michael Leo Samuel-Rabbi, Middle East, Theatre, Film & Broadcast, USA

Diaspora criticism better than no engagement with Israel

By Kenneth Bob NEW YORK — As a student at the University of California at Berkeley in the post-Six Day War period, our Radical Jewish Union supported much of the left’s US domestic and foreign policy agenda. On the Israeli-Palestinian situation we diverged from both the New Left and the organized Jewish community, stating in our

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International, Middle East, USA

Teacher in Parkland, Florida, shooting to be feted

NEW YORK (Press Release) — Ivy Schamis, from Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School, Parkland, Florida, has been named this year’s AFC “Teacher of the Year” in recognition of her guiding presence and the strengths of patience, justice, and empowerment that she has successfully shared with younger generations. The 22nd annual gala and awards program, to be held

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Science, Medicine, & Education, USA

U.S. State Dept.: Iran lied about its N-program

WASHINGTON, D.C. (Press Release) — The United States State Department issued the following comment by Secretary of State Mike Pompeo in response to Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s speech outlining ways in which he said Iran has lied about its nuclear program.  A transcript follows: SECRETARY POMPEO — For many years, the Iranian regime has

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Middle East, USA

Reactions to speech by Netanyahu on Iran

SAN DIEGO (SDJW) — Reactions to Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s speech on what he described as Iran’s nuclear deception were mixed within the Jewish community.  Following are statements from organizations within the community: AIPAC — Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu revealed startling new evidence today that Iran has been lying to the international community about

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Middle East, USA

Text of Netanyahu speech on Iran’s nuclear deception

JERUSALEM (Press Release) – In a televised address, Israel’s Prime Minister said his country had obtained dramatic proof that Iran has been lying to the world about both its nuclear program and its intentions.  Following is a transcript of Netanyahu’s speech, provided by his office. PRIME MINISTER NETANYAHU:  Good evening. Tonight, we’re going to show

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International, Middle East, USA

Jewish trivia quiz: Verne Troyer

By Mark D. Zimmerman MELVILLE, New York — Actor Verne Troyer, best known for playing Mini-Me in the Austin Powers movies, died last week. In 2011, he visited Israel. Besides visiting the Western Wall, what else did Troyer do in Israel? A. Troyer, a Catholic, was in Israel to speak at the Youth Summit for Peace, sponsored by

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Mark D. Zimmerman, Middle East, Theatre, Film & Broadcast, Trivia, Humor & Satire