By Dorothea Shefer-Vanson MEVASSERET ZION, Israel — For a number of technical reasons we decided to hold our family celebration marking a milestone birthday in the neighbouring island of Cyprus. Family members came from various parts of Israel and the world, a hotel in the seaside resort of Ayia Napa was chosen and the dates […]
Our Friendly Neighbor Read More »
Dorothea Shefer-Vanson, Israel, Middle East, Travel and Food
By David Isaac (JNS) 1. Benjamin Netanyahu – Likud Benjamin Netanyahu, Israel’s longest-serving prime minister and now head of the opposition, will attempt to win his sixth term as premier. Even his enemies acknowledge his political gifts and strong grasp of economics. He is credited with transforming Israel’s heavily regulated economy into a capitalist, high-tech
Israeli Elections 2022: A Rundown of Parties and Leaders Read More »
Israel, Middle East
By Bruce S. Ticker PHILADELPHIA — Perhaps these students had not advanced far enough in law school to recognize that the murder of women and gays is, well, murder. Otherwise, the Women of Berkeley Law would most certainly have rallied against the “honor killings” of women that ravage the Arab world, and the Queer Caucus
What’s Israel Got to Do, Got to Do with Sexism and Homophobia? Read More »
Bruce Ticker, California, Israel, Middle East, Opinion, USA
(JNS) On Oct. 24 at 1 p.m. at the beautiful, lakeside Shamir Park located in Ma’ale Adumim, a growing city outside of nearby Jerusalem, the district’s newest tourist and interpretive cultural attraction, the “Tree of Life,” will be dedicated by Mayor Benny Kashriel. The public is invited to attend the ceremony and share in the
Largest-of-its-Kind ‘Tree of Life’ to be Dedicated in Ma’ale Adumim Read More »
Israel, Jewish History, Middle East, Music, Dance, and Visual Arts
Published by Reuters By Lamine Chikhi and Nidal al-Mughrabi ALGIERS/GAZA (Reuters) – Rival Palestinian factions meeting in Algiers for talks mediated by the Algerian government agreed on Thursday to resolve 15 years of discord through elections that will be held within a year, a Palestinian and an Algerian official said. However, there was scepticism back
Palestinian Rivals Agree on Elections to End Dispute, But Doubts Persist Read More »
Middle EastBy Bruce S. Ticker PHILADELPHIA — It is astounding how Israel’s foes have assembled an immense if bulky movement in America and Canada to advocate for the Palestinian cause. A great many people support this cause, and their strength is in the numbers. They have developed an extensive network of Americans and Canadians who genuinely
The Anti-Israel Wall Can Crumble Read More »
Bruce Ticker, Israel, Middle East, Opinion, USA
Yoni Avi Battat’s debut album, Fragments, explores his Arab-Jewish identity through nine selections. He composed the music for seven of them, delving into the Arabic melodies of his grandparent’s native Iraq for inspiration and including native instruments such as the oud (Arabic lute), qanun (chordaphone with many strings), nay (reed flute), riq (tambourine), frame drum, karakeb (large iron castenets), darbuka (goblet shaped drum) and joza (coconut shell fiddle held on knee). [Eileen Wingard]
Arab-Jewish Musician Releases CD Exploring His Heritages Read More »
Eileen Wingard, Israel, Middle East, Music, Dance, and Visual Arts
Envoy Hochstein, in the tradition of American negotiators in Israel’s sphere, has proposed that it accept 100% of Lebanon’s demands in the Eastern Mediterranean, with some minor concessions to Israel. In any event, Hezbollah rejects the entire agreement, adding additional requirements. Acting Prime Minister Lapid had immediately commented favorably on the proposed deal, although the opposition vehemently disagrees. (Steve Kramer]
US Fumbles Israel’s Marine Border Negotiations with Lebanon Read More »
Israel, Middle East, Steve Kramer, USA
The Americans were given the task of producing a draft agreement, and the man they chose for doing the deal is a Jew, a former Israeli, and veteran of the IDF, who subsequently moved to Washington and joined the State Department. Amos Hochstein expresses the mix of Israeli and American identities. He’s produced something that seems reasonable, especially given Israel’s economic strength and Lebanon’s economic desperation. [Ira Sharkansky]
Offshore Gas Deal Seems Fair, Though Ill-Timed Read More »
Ira Sharkansky, Israel, Middle East, USABy Ira Sharkansky, Ph.D JERUSALEM — The selection of Giorgia Meloni as the Italian prime minister has produced a slew of commentary, pointing to the ascendance of the right across a number of polities. And where is Israel’s Labor Party? Once the selector of the country’s prime ministers, but the last was Ehud Barak,
By Steve Kramer KFAR SABA, Israel — I received a pre-publication copy for review of A Banker’s Journey: How Edmond J. Safra Built a Global Financial Empire, by Daniel Gross, from the publisher’s representative. It’s a fascinating look at both Sephardic Jews and the banking industry. “Rather than a biography of a single man this
The Syrian-Born Jew Who Built a Banking Empire Read More »
Books, Poetry & Short Stories, Business & Finance, Middle East, Steve Kramer, USA
By David Isaac (JNS) South Korea ratified its free trade agreement with Israel on Tuesday. It’s the first FTA that Israel has signed with an Asian country. The agreement goes into force on Dec. 1. Israel exports about $1.5 billion annually to South Korea and imports $2 billion in goods. “South Korea is the 11th-largest
Israel-South Korea Free Trade Agreement Passes Final Hurdle Read More »
International, Israel, Middle East
Published by DPA Iran’s military has issued a stern warning to protesters, the Iranian news agency ISNA reported on Friday, as state media reported thousands of people taking to the streets in solidarity with the government. “We will not allow enemies to use the situation,” a military statement said, according to ISNA. The secret service
Iran’s Army and Secret Service Warn Against Participation in Protests Read More »
Middle East
Published by Reuters By Alexander Cornwell and John Irish DUBAI/NEW YORK (Reuters) – Israel has agreed to sell an advanced air defence system to the United Arab Emirates, two sources familiar with the matter said, in the first such known deal between them since they forged ties in 2020. The deal reinforces how, for some
Israel to Sell Air Defense System to United Arab Emirates, Sources Say Read More »
Middle East