Middle East

Unlike the United States, Israel clearly discerns identity of its enemies

By Ira Sharkansky JERUSALEM—You want a conundrum? The New York Times describes a great example. In declaring Tuesday that he would “finish the job” in Afghanistan, President Obama used a phrase clearly meant to imply that even as he deploys an additional 30,000 or so troops, he has finally figured out how to bring the […]

Unlike the United States, Israel clearly discerns identity of its enemies Read More »

Middle East

Haifa scientist Sarit Larisch honored for Parkinson's Disease research

HAIFA (Press Release) — Dr. Sarit Larisch, head of the Cell Death Research Laboratory and senior lecturer in the University of Haifa’s Department of Biology, has been awarded the  Johnson & Johnson Focused Funding grant for her research exploring the cause of brain cell damage in Parkinson’s disease. The award, which is granted each year

Haifa scientist Sarit Larisch honored for Parkinson's Disease research Read More »

Middle East, USA

Israel has image problems; anti-Israel professors have scholarship problems

By Ira Sharkansky JERUSALEM—Israel’s image in the world is less than desirable. How bad? is difficult to answer. There have been no serious threats of sanctions by major governments. The efforts of academics to declare boycotts have failed due to more reasonable colleagues. None the less, it is troubling to know about shouting against Israelis

Israel has image problems; anti-Israel professors have scholarship problems Read More »

Ira Sharkansky, Middle East

‘Welcome to Ramallah’ returning to Compass Theatre

SAN DIEGO (Press Release)–Compass Theatre has announced it is bringing back the play Welcome to Ramallah for five performances for five performances December 6, 8, 13, 15 and 20 on its stage at 3704 6th Avenue in the Hillcrest area of San Diego.  Written by Sonja Linden and Adah Kay, the production will again be

‘Welcome to Ramallah’ returning to Compass Theatre Read More »

Carol Davis, Middle East, Theatre, Film & Broadcast

Fury over Goldstone report reflects Jewish community disillusionment with one-sided United Nations

By Gary Rotto SAN DIEGO–The tensions around the Goldstone Report ( Report of the United Nations Fact Finding Mission on the Gaza Conflict) have died down for the moment.  But hard feelings still remain in the community regarding the report and the resulting resolution in Congress.  Congressman Filner clearly communicated his feelings and his thinking around

Fury over Goldstone report reflects Jewish community disillusionment with one-sided United Nations Read More »

Middle East, USA

Zeji Ozeri: Rising celebrity in Jewish and Hispanic communities

COMMERCIAL BREAK—Zeji Ozeri, left, pauses with microphone in hand during filming of a commercial of I-Chamba, owned by Vic and Lea Sefler, seated at right. Telemundo videographer is Nancy Castro ________________________________________________________ By Donald H. Harrison SAN DIEGO – Zeji Ozeri is a man of three cultures—Mexican, Israeli, and now American—and as a singer, song leader,

Zeji Ozeri: Rising celebrity in Jewish and Hispanic communities Read More »

Donald H. Harrison, Middle East, USA

Sha'ar Hanegev students protest power plant plans

  By Ulla Hadar SHA’AR HANEGEV, Israel–Many ecologically-motivated students from the Sha’ar Hanegev High School demonstrated last week against plans to build an additional coal power station in Ashkelon. The demonstration took place at Sapir College where a conference was going on to examine social relationships in the neighboring city of Sderot. Attending the conference

Sha'ar Hanegev students protest power plant plans Read More »

Middle East

Iran stages air defense drills

TEHRAN (WJC)–Iran began a massive air defense drill on Sunday aimed at protecting its nuclear facilities from a possible military attack. An Iranian air force commander boasted his country could deter any military strike by Israel. State media reported that the five-day drill will cover an area a third of the size and would include

Iran stages air defense drills Read More »

Middle East

Cessation of Israeli construction not very probable

By Ira Sharkansky JERUSALEM— One should never say never. However, Probably not is a fair guess. Closest to me is one more round in the endless conversations among officials about peace between Israel and Palestine. The latest we hear is that Israel is willing to stop building settlements, stop taking Palestinian land, and will remove

Cessation of Israeli construction not very probable Read More »

Ira Sharkansky, Middle East

Activist philanthropist Dr. Michael Dan honored by University of Haifa

TORONTO, Canada (Press Release)–Dr. Michael Dan, president of Toronto-based Regulus Investments Inc. and Gemini Power Corp., human rights and peace activist, received the University of Haifa’s highest accolade, the degree of Doctor of Philosophy, Honoris Causa at a “Partners for Peace” Tribute Dinner at the Fairmont Royal York hotel in Toronto last week.  The degree

Activist philanthropist Dr. Michael Dan honored by University of Haifa Read More »

Middle East