NEW YORK (Press Release)–On December 7, 2009, the Zionist Organization of America (ZOA) joined three other Jewish organizations in filing an amicus (“friend of the court”) brief with the U.S. Supreme Court. The brief urged the Court to reverse a Fourth Circuit decision and “establish as the law of the land” that foreign government officials […]
By Ira Sharkansky JERUSALEM–An American friend, who some time ago showed his disappointment with Israel, has sent another note that includes: “I scan three Israeli newspapers every day (well, actually, their web sites, in English). It’s less like visiting a foreign country than like visiting a foreign planet. The obsession with Iran’s supposed nuclear weapons
Is Israel overly preoccupied with Iran's nuclear goals? Read More »
Ira Sharkansky, Middle East, USABy Rabbi Leonard Rosenthal SAN DIEGO — In Parashat Miketz we learn that when Joseph’s brothers first appeared before him in Egypt: “Joseph recognized his brothers, but they did not recognize Joseph.” {Gen. 42: 8} How was this possible? The Talmud explains that Joseph was sold into slavery he was young and did not have
Judaism’s balance between tradition and modernity Read More »
International, Middle EastSTRASBOURG, France (WJC)–Catherine Ashton, the European Union’s new foreign policy chief, has lashed out against Israel. In her first major speech since taking office on 01 December, Ashton – a former deputy minister in the British government and until recently EU trade commissioner – condemned Israel’s “occupation,” demanded that Israel lift its “blockade” of the
New EU Foreign Minister Catherine Ashton denounces Israel Read More »
Middle East, USANEW YORK (Press Release)–The Zionist Organization of America (ZOA) is supporting a petition signed by 39 Members of the Knesset calling upon the Israeli public to reconsider availing themselves of British goods and services in response to a recent British government initiative to recommend to all U.K. retail chains the placing of prominent labels indicating
ZOA endorses Israel counter-boycott campaign against British goods Read More »
Middle EastBy Shoshana Bryen WASHINGTON, D.C.–While the Europeans were busy recasting Jerusalem in the image of Cold War Berlin complete with a wall and two governments-one free and one not-the Palestinians were busy revealing what their presumed state would look like. Follow the threads. In June, Fatah reaffirmed “the right of armed resistance” (terrorism) in
Fatah and Hamas may be gearing up for Civil War Read More »
Middle EastNEW YORK (Press Release)—Our nation’s first African-American president,the pronounced intensification of global anti-Semitism, continued defiance from Iran, and an unabashedly biased anti-Israel report were among the top issues affecting Jews in 2009, according to the Anti-Defamation League’s (ADL) annual list. “Much of the good news from the past year is, unfortunately, tempered by the bad,”
ADL lists its top 10 Jewish issues for 2009 Read More »
Middle East, USABy Rabbi Dow Marmur JERUSALEM–When Ehud Barak, the elected leader of Israel’s Labour Party, joined the Netanyahu government early this year as Minister of Defense, it was said in many quarters that he’d destroy the party that had already been greatly diminished in the election. The fact that several members of his Knesset faction rebelled
Barak's decision to join Netanyahu government may have been prescient Read More »
Middle EastBy Ira Sharkansky JERUSALEM–According to Israelis and others who talk and write about the country, it is the worst or the best place on earth. Hyperbole is the language of those who love and hate it. It is often in the cross hairs of international organizations flying the flags of justice and humane behavior. Or
Israel is a magnet for hyperbole Read More »
Middle East, USANEW YORK (Press Release)– Many governments’ policies toward migrants worldwide expose them to human rights abuses including labor exploitation, inadequate access to health care, and prolonged detention in poor, overcrowded conditions, Human Rights Watch said Wednesday in advance of International Migrants Day, on December 18, 2009. A 25-page roundup of Human Rights Watch reporting on violations
LONDON (WJC)–Following the row between Israel and Britain over attempts to arrest former Israeli Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni, the British attorney-general will in future be asked to approve any warrants before suspected war criminals can be arrested, ‘The Guardian’ newspaper reports. Discussions had begun on creating “safeguards” in criminal cases against visiting foreign leaders. Lawyers
Gordon Brown to Tzipi Livni: You're welcome in Britain Read More »
Middle EastTEHRAN (WJC)–Iran test-fired a new version of its long-range Sajjil-2 missile on Wednesday and delivered the message that it is prepared to retaliate should Israel, the United States or anyone else attempt a military strike against its nuclear facilities. Images of the launch were shown on Iranian state television. Defense Minister Vahidi said that the
Iran's missile test spurs talk of sanctions, war Read More »
Middle East, USABy Carol Ann Goldstein SAN DIEGO— I recently received an email from the New Israel Fund and was shocked by the subject line: “Don’t allow discrimination against women in Israel to become government policy”. I was remembering hearing about the segregation policies of sections of the US that discriminated against African Americans by requiring them to
Fighting gender discrimination on Israeli buses Read More »
Middle East
Compiled by Gail Umeham ** Naliboff-Berg Southwestern Jewish Press February 6, 1954 Page 2 Mr. & Mrs. Samuel D. Naliboff announce the marriage of their daughter, Clara, to Selwyn S. Berg, son of Mr. and Mrs. Charles Berg, of La Mesa. The ceremony was performed by Rabbi Monroe Levens assisted by Cantor Joseph Cysner in
Adventures in San Diego Jewish History~February 6, 1954, Part II Read More »
Adventures in SD History, Middle East