By Judy Lash Balint JERUSALEM–Margy Pezdirtz lives in Oklahoma. Margy Pezdirtz loves Israel. Margy Pezdirtz is willing to stand up for Israel. Here’s how Margy describes events in Oklahoma City last Friday afternoon: ” It was a quiet Friday, one in which I wanted to study and prepare for the coming Shabbat, when my phone rang. […]
An Oklahoma friend tells of her efforts in behalf of Israel Read More »
Middle East, USASAN DIEGO–Ilana Mysior was a musical force in our community. The life of this Israeli-born pianist, who died last March 17 from Marfan’s Syndrome, was celebrated in an evening of music and memories at the First Unitarian Universalist Church on May 22. Her last public performance as piano soloist with the New City Sinfonia under
Music world sadly notes passing of Ilana Mysior Read More »
Eileen Wingard, Middle East, USA
By Alex Liff SAN DIEGO–Watching the aftermath of the so called Gaza flotilla unfold can’t help but remind one of the following old joke that goes something like this. A gentleman comes out of a building and sees a crowd gathered below, gesturing angrily toward a roof where one can observe a young man dragging
Turkey, Israel's best friend in Middle East? That reminds me of the story… Read More »
Middle East, USABy Ira Sharkansky JERUSALEM–The idea of being God’s Chosen People has been as much of a burden as a blessing. Thanks to the prominence of the Hebrew Bible, the doctrine has not been something for us to cherish quietly. It has fueled the animosity and ridicule of adversaries as well as inspiring those who would
Are Jews the 'chosen people'? Check the headlines Read More »
Ira Sharkansky, Middle EastBy Rabbi Ben Kamin SAN DIEGO–Years ago, I waited for hours in a line at the Buckeye Book Fair in northeastern Ohio—just for the honor of saying hello in person to the gilded White House reporter Helen Thomas. I purchased her book, which she was promoting, and she signed it for me, a process requiring
You are sending us back to the wrong place, Ms. Thomas Read More »
Middle EastNEW YORK (Press Release)–The Zionist Organization of America (ZOA) has called for Helen Thomas to be fired from the White House press corps and by her employer, Hearst News, following her public and horrific anti-Semitic statements in an interview. Asked on-air to comment on Israel in the wake of the Gaza flotilla clash, Thomas, said:
ZOA joins in demand for firing of White House correspondent Helen Thomas Read More »
Middle East, USA
The House of David in the Land of Jesus by Robert Lewis Berman, 2007, ISBN 9781589807204, 354 pages By Donald H. Harrison SAN DIEGO—When I recently attended 10-year-old Megan Spector’s performance as the title character in the Pickwick Players’ production of Annie, I had no idea that the musical would prove to be a portal
Portrait of a Jewish community in the deep South Read More »
Donald H. Harrison, Middle East
By Bruce Kesler ENCINITAS, California–Better appreciation of the facts about the Gaza flotilla (a flatuated term for that motley group of ships) are emerging, after the jumping to jaundiced judgment to jeer Israel. The key one: Turkey hid behind its radical IHH front to instigate violence and got what it wanted. Why? The obvious answer
Three big truths need to be understood in 'flotilla' affair Read More »
Middle EastBy Ira Sharkansky JERUSALEM–The IDF brought the Rachel Corrie to Ashdod without the violence that marked the capture of the Mavi Marmara. The Irish government urged the blockade breakers to comply with Israeli demands, while Turkish leaders continue their charges of murder against those who dealt with the fighters on their ship. A commentary in the Wall
SAN DIEGO (Staff report)– With worldwide media focused on the Gaza Flotilla, we at San Diego Jewish World have been experiencing an upsurge in email messages containing links to musical commentaries. Fred Reiss, Ed.D, who often reviews books for us, was moved by a YouTube presentation of a song declaring, “I am a Jew”. Ulla
Gaza flotilla prompts musical messages on Internet Read More »
Fred Reiss, EdD, Middle East
Editor’s Note: Our Sha’ar Hanegev bureau chief, Ulla Hadar, recently invited Sha’ar Hanegev Mayor Alon Schuster to reflect on the Gaza Flotilla and on the upsurge in rocket attacks on his community. Here is what he had to say: By Alon Schuster SHA’AR HANEGEV, Israel–I remember at the age of seven driving with my father on
Even in line of fire, Sha'ar Hanegev mayor seeks peace with neighboring Gaza Read More »
Middle East
By Alex Liff Alex Liff SAN DIEGO–In early twentieth century the American journalist John Reed wrote a book called, Ten Days That Shook The World in which he described the events of the Russian revolution. Perhaps one day someone will publish something along the lines of “10 days that characterized the world” to describe the
Editor, San Diego Jewish World More bad stuff centering on Gaza. Of course it was provocation and the desire for “martyrs” from the beginning. But if everyone else saw this coming, how could Israel have been so unprepared? Israel’s position was simple and clear: namely, that baring preinspection for munitions before sailing, then the ships would
Letter to Editor: Israel unprepared for Gaza flotilla terrorists Read More »
Middle EastBy Shoshana Bryen WASHINGTON, D.C. — Israel was victimized twice this week, first by terrorists hiding yet again among the civilian population (one Turkish-sponsored jihadi boat traveling with five more-or-less civilian boats) and second by a world all too ready to blame Israel for the violence engendered by those who sought a bloody death for
Roll call on Gaza flotilla portrays the values of international community Read More »
Middle East, Shoshana Bryen, USA