Interesting article relating to this weeks assignment

I came across an interesting article posted on the Jerusalem Post's website. "Past Perfect: Jews and the Land of IsraelBy BEREL WEIN " His article talks about Israel, the Land for the Jewish people and how the connection to it is not as "strong" as those in the early Zionist movement thought it should be. I find it interesting because maybe it gives more of an understanding as to why in America, Jews are connected to Israel, but are not solely for Israel. That living in America gives them more freedoms and other opportunities. One of the paragraphs in his article states "The ultimate test for the State of Israel is not so much what our enemies or even our erstwhile friends think about our wonderful little country but what the Jews of the world think about it. How deep is their real affection for Zion and Jerusalem? Does it enter into their future plans to settle here and help build the Jewish state physically, financially and spiritually? How do we explain to the world that our affection and longing for Zion and Jewish independence is not solely a Holocaust related cause and effect situation? " I just find that so interesting. Questioning Jews around the world and wondering why Jews are not all out for Israel in support and living there. Just wanted to share . http://www.jpost.com/servlet/Satellite?cid=1244371070670&pagename=JPost%2FJPArticle%2FShowFull

Jews and Arabs looking alike

I just read an interesting op-ed in the Jerusalem post titlted "Do Arabs and Jews realize how much they look alike? Apparently it was based on a study done comparing the looks of Arabs and Israelis and making the point that by looking similar why are "we fighting with ourselves." Never thought of the conflict between Palestinans and Israelis like that. See the article at http://www.jpost.com/servlet/Satellite?cid=1244371065231&pagename=JPost%2FJPArticle%2FShowFull
and read it. Quite interesting. The article is not just about Israelis and Palestinians, but this was the first study done. Other cultures and countries seem to fit this as well. Made me think that the issues between Israelis and Palestinians could be resolved if we all take a step back and realize we are all wanting the same things and maybe fighting about it won't work. Not sure, I am just an American Jew whose ties to Israel itself are small, but still connected.

Shooting at Holocaust Musuem in DC

I know this is not Israel related directly, but I just heard there was a shooting today at the US Holocaust Memorial Musuem in DC and a security guard was killed. This is so shocking. To think that one man who is an Anti-Semite at 88 years old could do this. Could this have repurcussions on the peace issues in the Middle East and how Israel will be viewed? Is this a new era in the US and what may or may not end of being support for Israel and Jews all over the world? Just thought I had to share.

Reading up on Israel

So I have spent the last few days reading headlines and information on various Israeli sites and not sure what is "new" that interests me to blog about. Sure there are tons and tons of articles about Obama, the peace process ( or lack there of maybe) and about the separation of two states for Israelis and Palestinians. But I guess I was looking for something more interesting to share. One thing I did come across was an article about protests from Haredi Jews relating to opening a parking lot in Jerusalem on Shabbat. I guess was intrigued me was here is Ultra religious Jews asking that the parking lot not be open on Shabbat, yet they are protesting on Shabbat. I don't understand how that is allowed under the strictest of being Jewish. I understand their point, don't agree with it, but to me it seems hypocritical. What does it show the outside world, or do they not care. Just interesting to me as a Conservative Jew.

Article on the Haaretz website about how American Jews are split on what Obama said yesterday

I find it very interesting via this article how it explains American Jews are split on Obama's comments and speech that he made in Cairo yesterday relating to the Palestinians and Israelis. The article shared the Democratic and Republican views to his speech. It amazes me how our partisan politics touch every part of what is heard around the world. Interestingly enough, or not surprisingly, the National Jewish Democratic Council praised Obama and the Republican Jewish Coalition was not. This was a short article, but said alot. http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/1090457.html.