SAN DIEGO–A musical ensemble of the Israel Defense Forces will perform at 7 p.m. Sunday, December 13, at Congregation Beth Am, 5050 Del Mar Heights Road, San Diego. Theme of the performance is “Celebrate Our Soldiers and the music of Israel and Chanukah.” The concert also will honor Israel activists Dan and Nina Brodsky, with […]
IDF Ensemble to perform December 13 concert at Beth Am Read More »
Middle East, San Diego Calendar, USAKUWAIT CITY (Press release) –A Kuwaiti newspaper reports that the captive Israel soldier Gilad Shalit is already in Egypt accompanied by the head of the Hamas-led Al Qassam Brigades, in preparation for a prisoner exchange with Israel. The paper claims that Shalit was moved to Egypt several days ago and is being kept in a
Report that Gilad Shalit has been transferred to Egypt Read More »
Middle EastNEW YORK (Press Release)—The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) on Wednesday called on the government of Sweden to abandon its “misguided” initiative to adopt the Palestinian position on the status of Jerusalem as an explicit aspect of European Union policy. “Sweden’s initiative is out of step with the recent serious concessions made by Israel to help create
By Ira Sharkansky JERUSALEM–The New York Times followed President Obama’s speech on Afghanistan with an article that is devastatingly skeptical. It seems to have been prepared largely before the speech, on the basis of details discussed for days. The article details the corruption high and low in Afghanistan that depends on narcotics, and the dismal
Obama could learn from Israel's mistakes with Palestinians, Lebanese Read More »
Ira Sharkansky, Middle East, USABEIT ARIEH, Israel (WJC)–Israeli police reportedly arrested the mayor of a Jewish community in the West Bank after settlers blocked security from enforcing a construction freeze. Settler spokesman Yishai Hollender say police apprehended Avi Naim for disrupting a police officer in the line of duty. He said Naim and a group of settlers had blocked
West Bank settlers scuffle with Israeli police Read More »
Middle EastTEHRAN (WJC)–Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad has said there was no need to hold further talks with the West over Iran’s nuclear program. In a live television interview, Ahmadinejad threatened to downgrade relations with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA): “Friendly relations with the agency are over. We will cooperate as much as they offer us
Iran becoming more intransigent in nuclear controversy Read More »
Middle East, USABEVERLY HILLS, California (Press Release)–Explore the intriguing mysteries surrounding three of Lee Waisler’s portraits on the closing day of his About Faces exhibition at Sundaram Tagore Gallery in Beverly Hills on Sunday, December 12 from 3 to 5 pm: Literary genius Franz Kafka, his last love Dora Diamant, and Kafka’s friend and literary executor Max
Lecture on Kafka's last love Dec. 12 at Beverly Hills art gallery Read More »
Middle EastNEW YORK (Press Release)–The Zionist Organization of America (ZOA) announced that it will present to world-renowned businessman and pro-Israel philanthropist Sheldon G. Adelson its most distinguished and historic award, the Theodor Herzl Gold Medallion for outstanding achievement in Zionism. The ZOA Dinner will be held at the Grand Hyatt Hotel in New York City, 42nd
ZOA to confer Theodor Herzl Medallion on Sheldon G. Adelson Read More »
Middle East, USAUNITED NATIONS, N.Y. (WJC) — The United Nations General Assembly is marking the 23rd edition of the annual International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People. The debate is expected to generate six resolutions which are critical of Israel. Until recently, Israel boycotted the debate, but for the past two years has sought a platform
UN observing 'Palestinian Solidarity Day' Read More »
Middle EastJERUSALEM (WJC)–The foreign ministers of the European Union are expected to endorse a document prepared by the Swedish EU presidency which calls for East Jerusalem to become the capital of a future Palestinian state, the newspaper ‘Haaretz’ reports. A draft document implies that the EU would recognize a unilateral Palestinian declaration of statehood, the paper
European Union to consider recognizing East Jerusalem as Palestinian capital Read More »
Middle East, USANEW YORK (Press Release)–The Zionist Organization of America (ZOA) has criticized the Jewish National Fund (JNF) following reports that the organization, established by Jews and for Jews to rebuild Jewish national life in the biblical home of the Jewish people, has donated 3,000 trees to the Fatah-controlled Palestinian Authority (PA) of Mahmoud Abbas for a
ZOA criticizes JNF for donating trees to P.A. Read More »
Middle EastBy Shoshana Bryen WASHINGTON, D.C. — For those who have asked why JINSA has kept Honduras in the spotlight since June, this is why: small democratic countries trying mightily to exercise legitimate governance and self-determination deserve our vocal support even – or especially – when they do things the U.S. would prefer they didn’t. Honduras
The Canary in Israel's Coal Mine Read More »
Middle East, USA
By Dorothea Shefer-Vanson MEVASSERET ZION, Israel –As readers of this column will have surmised by now, my husband and I are keen concert-goers. Israel abounds in opportunities to attend inspiring orchestral concerts, uplifting chamber performances, and impressive solo recitals. We try to attend as many of these as our energy and pocket allow, and these
Music and history abound throughout Israel Read More »
Dorothea Shefer-Vanson, Middle EastBy Ira Sharkansky JERUSALEM—What has Israel contributed to the impasse in the peace process, and to the suffering of Palestinians? That is a question several have asked me, often with a follow up charging that I have not responded. I have responded, more than once. Those convinced of Israeli culpability either have not understood my
Inertia, rather than conscious policy, often influences the Israeli-Palestinian conflict Read More »
Ira Sharkansky, Middle East, USA