John Q. Public http://www.jta.org/user/profile/65890 The name is a nom de plume for various personal reasons. I was a US expatriate living and working in Bangkok, Thailand in the field of market research. An academically trained Japan specialist fluent in Japanese, I have traveled and resided extensively in the Asia-Pacific region. My interests include politics, journalism, research, reading psychological thrillers & murder mysteries, travel, geneology, digital photography and gourmet cooking. I dabble in a little of everything and still feel like a master of nothing in particular except for my Master's Degree. After three years in Bangkok, my expat position unceremoniously came to an abrupt end as the economic crisis hit Thailand. I am one of many expats who have been laid off. Well, now I am back in the USA, in Fayetteville, Arkansas. Why Arkansas? My cousins invited us here, and I like what I see. No more big city hustle & bustle and air pollution. Fayetteville is in a rural setting, but it is a great university town, and that suits me just fine. Originally I grew up in Hawaii, I'm married, we have one son who is a dual US and Japanese citizen, and a cat who behaves like he is human. en-us zsilberman@washingtonjewishweek.com Copyright 2012 2012-02-09T;22:54:00-05:00 The same could be said about the majority of European and American Jews who emigrated to Israel during the period when Jews were fighting the British for their own homeland. 2012-02-09T;22:54:00-05:00 I watched the video I am Jewish and I found it long, loud, and disturbing. My cousin sent it to me and this is my take on it. I feel exactly the same way about Andrew Lustig as I do about those Fundamentalist Bible thumping, right-wing social-conservative Evangelist Christians. They're equally as obnoxious exposing their weaknesses and the over-reliance on "labeling" themselves and imposing their labels on others. I detest that. It seems to me to be a psychological condition of people who generally are insecure about their own existence and life in general to have to vocalize the chips on their shoulders in a most self-centered manner. I know who I am, I know that had my father and his family not escaped Paris back to England and to the USA, I might not be here today to share my thoughts on this subject. It is also what spurs me to challenge bigots and their labels as well. Tolerance and acceptance of others means just that. It means going about our lives being respectful of others and their beliefs without having to fall back on crutches when feelings of insecurity or even inferiority or superiority arise. I feel that is about as clear, rational, concise and cogent I can be in my perception of the Lustig video. Life is too short to waste on rehashing tired themes of the past. At some point in time we have to join the human race and trade in the our tribal mentality to be advocates for the greater good of all humanity. 2012-02-09T;22:54:00-05:00 The problem with the entirely racist concept of the advertisement is the notion that one's identity as a Jew is somehow diluted if the person is raised in the Diaspora versus being an "Israeli-Jew". What kind of nonsense is this. Being a Jew means following some traditions of our past and a belief that Israel is a homeland for Jews (irrespective of their ancestral background.) If the Government of Israel seeks to create more barriers to citizenship and to acceptance into their society, that is their problem, not ours. We don't need to financially provide support to Israeli causes if the national policy veers too much away from democracy towards right wing religious fanaticism, like their neighbors. American Jews should respond by working with other Diaspora organizations to prepare for the onslaught of anti-Jewish prejudice that is going to continue to spread as a result of or as long as Israeli and Palestinian refuse to resolve their conflict. We should be protecting ourselves from the abuse and hatred that comes as a result of irresponsible policies of both Israel and the Palestinian Authority. 2012-02-09T;22:54:00-05:00 Some will criticize Amy Winehouse for her drug and alcohol addiction and say she was not Jewish because of that. I say stuff and nonsense. As with many Jews who are secular, she contributed to society with her music in 27 short years more than most of us will contribute to society in our entire lifetimes. I am proud of her music and sad for her family during this painful period they must be experiencing. Life goes on, but the message is still there. We should try to help those who need assistance in overcoming their addictions and troubles. 2012-02-09T;22:54:00-05:00 I clearly understand the distinction between militant and terrorist. It is rational and logical. The question I have is this definition accepted as mainstream in the general Mass Media, or is this how we as Jews or JTA seek to distinguish the meaning between the two words? 2012-02-09T;22:54:00-05:00 Retired to greener pastures and good riddance to her racist rubbish. Well, it is good she was finally caught on video making her remarks and she has removed herself from further controversy. 2012-02-09T;22:54:00-05:00 Peaceful flotilla on a humanitarian mission. That's the biggest crock of BS I've heard to date. It is hoped that the IDF in it's rational response to the United Nations Security Council will point out just which side initiated the violence. It is clear from the videos that the IDF troops were outnumbered on the cruise ship and they were met by thugs who immediately attacked them, thus providing the IDF with little recourse other than to defend themselves with unfortunately lethal force. I would have done the same thing had I been attacked by a mob of knife, club wielding and stun grenade throwing thugs. Lest we also forget that this flotilla was supported directly by both Islamists and terrorists groups in the Gaza Strip, and by the reaction of the Turkish Government both indirectly and directly by the Islamist Government in Turkey. i hope the Europeans realize that Turkey is not a reliable European State and it should never be a part of the EU, nor should it be part of NATO. It's time to cut ties with Turkey. 2012-02-09T;22:54:00-05:00 Peaceful flotilla on a humanitarian mission. That's the biggest crock of BS I've heard to date. It is hoped that the IDF in it's rational response to the United Nations Security Council will point out just which side initiated the violence. It is clear from the videos that the IDF troops were outnumbered on the cruise ship and they were met by thugs who immediately attacked them, thus providing the IDF with little recourse other than to defend themselves with unfortunately lethal force. I would have done the same thing had I been attacked by a mob of knife, club wielding and stun grenade throwing thugs. 2012-02-09T;22:54:00-05:00 The problem with the IDF in this case, as is plainly visible in the videos, is that they used their equivalent of Navy Seals improperly (they were outnumbered) and they underestimated the activists' willingness to use violence. It is important that Israel now use its PR machine to reiterate that the flotilla and particularly the Turkish contingent are backed by Islamists who are willing to play games to force Israelis into a position where they end up using lethal force. If the IDF had invaded the ship with an overwhelming force, the activists would have stood down and would not have been able to initiate violence against the soldiers leading to a lethal response by the IDF. 2012-02-09T;22:54:00-05:00 It is time that various on campus Moslem Student Union members be given a warning that the purpose of a university education is to learn from policy makers from all sides of the fence. If they want to protest, then do it after the speech is made, or to be genuinely intelligent, why not ask a legitimate question rather than spewing off the typical Arab anti-Semitic propaganda that prevents rapprochement.. These students have to take responsibility for their actions instead of playing the race card or the blame game at inappropriate times. If these hecklers were foreign students from Arab nations, frankly I believe they ought to be expelled from the University and sent home. It is the same shameful behavior shown by the Arab League towards Israelis at the United Nations. My concern is that so many of the condemnations against Israel are bogus and incited by the same racists and their sympathizers who seriously don't want a just peace in the Middle East, because it means they must do something to lift their own people (not just the dictator's family and cronies and monarchs) out of poverty. Bottom line is that Israel is a developed nation, whereas so many of the surrounding neighbors are corrupt hereditary dictatorships. The same is true with a two State settlement. It cannot happen when the Fatah faction makes new pre-conditions and provocations for negotiations and every excuse under the sun not to solve problems civilly without resorting to childish shenanigans similar to this embarrassing episode on a US campus. 2012-02-09T;22:54:00-05:00 I think this is an excellent suggestion. The question is whether the racists within the Palestinian hierarchy would be willing to accept the existence of Jews in their territory. Looking at history for a precedent, Arabs and most Moslem States have done everything to rid themselves of their Jewish presence from ethnic cleansing to outright murder (as in Iran). Since they have been raised on a diet of old Nazi propaganda about Jews and Jewish conspiracies, we would need guarantees including indemnities if Palestinians were to turn on their Jewish neighbors as they've done with Christians as well. There is much to be discussed, but I doubt it will happen during Mr. Netanyahu's tenure as PM or even under Mr. Abbas (as long as Islamic Jihad and Hamas are viable opposition factions to Fatah.) 2012-02-09T;22:54:00-05:00 Thomas Roberts, are you not being a bit LITERAL with the meaning of the cliche adage? 2012-02-09T;22:54:00-05:00 Will, as much as I emotionally agree with many of your sentiments expressed about this article, particularly during Yom Kippur, I do feel your tone and word choice leaves much to be desired, and it would do you a lot of good to write a draft response, wait on it for a day prior to pressing the SEND button. What you said, I might even say verbally, but I try not to let my temper get the worst of me, particularly in writing. What goes around does (frequently) come around. Someone could report you to the editor for being a tad bit profane. On another note, I commend Cheryl for her last comments which were as follows: "The answer to a Palestinian rock is a rubber bullet. The answer to a Qassem is a barrage of missiles. War isn’t a game. You play to win. Period." Alas the Arab bloc and many EU nations have forgotten the rules of and personal tragedies in war. I thoroughly despise the fact that many Western and other nations are quick to criticize Israel and impose double-standards of behavior, when, in fact, Israel has done much more than any nation to try to limit civilian casualties. These are the kinds of issues that we collectively -- as religious or non-religious Jews -- should be actively challenging our enemies in these debates. Let's not debase ourselves with the same kind of vulgarity that the anti-Semites express to us. Two wrongs don't make it right. Cleaned of my sins and ready for another challenging year. 2012-02-09T;22:54:00-05:00 Another South American moral midget in our midst. I would hope that the US Government, whilst supporting Zelaya as the legitimate President, will, advise him to tone his biased remarks down or face losing money and support. It is the only way to start educating these third-world leaders that anti-semitism will not be tolerated anymore. 2012-02-09T;22:54:00-05:00 Amazing what kind of sadists lived out there forcing religion down his grandchildren's throats with this kind of Will. The things people will do to cause pain to their own family members. Personally, as good as this dentist might have been in his professional practice, his mind belonged in another era of tribalism and barbarianism. I feel sorry for the children and grandchildren. Hopefully, they choose to appeal this ruling to a higher court. 2012-02-09T;22:54:00-05:00 Netanyahu's speech was indeed good, but he did not address anything about what he is going to do to jump start peace talks, which, honestly, is the real issue for all the Arab and Iranian propaganda. Noone, neither Israeli nor Palestinian wants to take the first step towards making concessions because of the high probability of political backlash, if not assassination. Unfortunately, no matter how well Netanyahu speaks, he is still a moral coward in terms of his leadership skills, on par, if not worse than Mr. Abbas and any of the other Palestinian faction leaders. How much more suffering do Jews and Palestinians have to experience before political leaders get off the big behinds and make the hard decisions. When are the Arabs going to accept the political reality of Israel as the Jewish State and that Jews are a legitimate stakeholder in the middle-east? It is pretty demoralizing that the two parties involved are incapable of getting past the finger pointing and blame stage. They act like spoiled kindergarten children. Such is the reality of international relations, I suppose. 2012-02-09T;22:54:00-05:00 Human Rights Watch has lost so much credibility since the news about one of its leadership's collection of NAZI memorabilia. We need to place Human Rights Watch on a list of biased and anti-semitic organizations. 2012-02-09T;22:54:00-05:00 It is good that these demonstrations against Iran's President and the racist regime in Tehran are occurring, and with due respect to Cheryl, I personally think Obama is doing a good job in his efforts of diplomacy. It sure beats the 8 years of harsh rhetoric and lousy strategy we had under the Bush Administration on Iraq and Afghanistan. At least, we are engaged in the real issues going on in the middle-east. It is now up to the less-than-admirable leadership in Palestine and in Israel to step up and be held accountable for not making genuine efforts towards peace. The US cannot do it all, or alone. The two main antagonists have to get off their posteriors and make concessions. It takes two to tango, and neither side (or sides if you consider the factions within Palestine) are willing to dance without pressure from the outside. I'm proud that Mr. Netanyahu denounced Mr. Ahmadinejad, but there is more that he and his right-wing coalition can and should be doing, which they are not. 2012-02-09T;22:54:00-05:00 Mr. Ahmadinejad's hateful ruse of a speech at the UN General Assembly does nothing to improve the stature of the Islamic Republic of Iran or of the quality of its leadership. Earlier in the day, I watched as the President of Argentina called for Iran to hand over the current Government Minister who is accused of causing the bombing in Buenos Aires some years back. The Palestinian Authority must also recognize that their cause of self-determination is not helped at all by the vile and vulgar racism ex-pouted by Iran and its moral midget leader who calls himself President. Frankly, I had to laugh when Ahmadinejad proudly boasted that Iran is the most democratic nation on Earth. How long is the world body going to allow this alleged leader of a rogue nation trample on its institutions? Iran and its leadership must be shunned and prevented from attending further international conferences, and greater economic sanctions need to be imposed on this regime. 2012-02-09T;22:54:00-05:00 I was wondering what Khaddafi's long, comatose rant & rave was all about. Geez, it was hard to hear the UN translator over his voice. I wonder if anyone has taught Mr. Khaddafi how to structure a proper speech? So, now the Kennedy assassination was an Israeli plot, and the UN Security Council should not be making decisions or vetoing decisions of the larger UN General Assembly. Of course, if Khaddafi is running the entire UN, then it would be okay. This guy is a megalomaniac or what? I think it is pretty insulting that he should speak right after President Obama. They should put his sorry arse in line to speak right after lunch, so everyone can sleep. I can't wait to hear what Mr. Ahmadenijad has to say..... 2012-02-09T;22:54:00-05:00 I think it was great for Mr. Obama to politely but firmly tell both Israelis and Palestinians enough is enough, and get cracking instead of wasting everyone's time and effort and our tax dollars. It is really up to these political leaders to determine whether they want a genuine settlement and two state solution. No one side will get 100% of what it wants, and that's the political risk that Netanyahu and Abbas must face as political leaders. The figurative kick in the arse was needed and I'm glad it turned out to be more than a photograph opportunity. It is easy to get pessimistic about what Mr. Obama can do, but he is sticking to his guns and for that we as Americans and American-Jews should be pleased. 2012-02-09T;22:54:00-05:00 I'm pleased the Bulgarian won out over Farouk Hosny. Hosny lost credibility as head of the culture agency with his disparaging remarks about burning Israeli books in Egyptian Libraries. People who wish to assume important UN positions must not be biased and particularly anti-Semitic about Jews and Israelis. This case should serve as a warning to those countries that continue policies that prejudge all Jews and all Israelis.. 2012-02-09T;22:54:00-05:00 Yes, there are bad apples out there like this Afghani dude, his father and their Imam. But there are bad apples amongst Jews as well like in the Jewish Defense League who would resort to violence if they could get away with it. The point is, you cannot stereotype an entire religion and its adherents simply because there are individuals and groups that are radical Islamists who utilize religion for political purposes, just as many Fundamentalist Christian Goys do the same in the USA trying ever so hard to blur the lines that separate secular politics and religion. As an educated person it is shameful that you resort to this kind of low-level debate. Clearly, you need to go back and take a university level comparative religion class. Your emotional sentiments bring shame on our people. 2012-02-09T;22:54:00-05:00 I'm sorry Will, but you are inciting hatred and prejudice with your remarks about "every single moslem" engaging in jihad. That is plain BS, and you know it. I also find it offensive since I have relatives who are Malay Moslems. My family and cousins are comprised of Jews, Moslems, Christians, Buddhists, and Atheists. I don't know where you get off bad mouthing "all" Moslems the way you do, but it has got to stop. 2012-02-09T;22:54:00-05:00 I respectfully disagree with you Will. While I don't think much of Jimmy Carter and his "close" association with Arab causes, generally speaking Zbigniew Brzezinski has taken a pro-Israel stance. On this occasion, I agree with him that it is not in the best interests of the United States for Israel to unilaterally attack Iran, and telling the Israelis that they will be opposed over Iraqi airspace is an appropriate response, unless all possible diplomatic efforts with Iran fail. A war should be a last resort, not a first response or preemptive attack. Bush policy of preemptive wars has been an embarrassment to our nation, and we should not condone such behavior on the part of an ally. At risk, is another major oil boycott by the Arabs against all Western powers. Clearly, the Europeans and the Japanese will not accept this. We have not even started engaging the Iranians formally yet. Obviously, of course, we should be working behind the scenes with moderate Arab nations (if there is such a thing) and the Europeans on a collective multi-lateral (coalition) type of response if force has to be utilized against Iran. It means, like the missile defense strategy, placing allied nations in our debt (as we did with the Russians). We do ourselves a great disservice screaming anti-Semite all the time, without thinking clearly about what is in our (American) best interests first. Of course, I understand the concerns the Israelis have about Iran. Unfortunately, as history has shown, you can delay the inevitable, but Iran will eventually have to become a member of the nuclear club. Israel has at a strategic advantage the fact it doesn't confirm or deny that it is a nuclear power, with nuclear weapon capability. The game of nuclear deterrence has more to do with perception than the reality of the weapons. No power is foolish enough to risk complete obliteration by attacking another nation that may respond with nuclear firepower. Even the Iranians are not that stupid to take that kind of risk. The way to take down Iran is through sanctions and squeezing its economy to the brink of collapse. They cannot afford an expensive military build up since it becomes a threat not only to Israel, but to the Saudis and other States in the region. Does that mean we should support the nuclear ambitions of Saudi Arabia, or Jordon, Egypt, Iraq or Syria? Absolutely not! We have to draw a line somewhere vis-a-vis the Russians, Chinese, and the EU as far as the purchase of "peaceful" nuclear energy development in that volatile region. Economic sanctions on North Korea have forced the North to withdraw that ship, and to come back to negotiating directly with the South Koreans. Soon you will see that there will be posturing to get the six party talks moving again to. 2012-02-09T;22:54:00-05:00 Unfortunately, realistically speaking nothing serious is going to come out of this planned meeting. There is no leadership either in Israel or among the Palestinians that can make serious concessions. Abbas is increasingly a marginalized President, and Netanyahu's power is circumscribed by the right-wing coalition he nominally leads. Both sides have not reached a point of saturation in terms of people dead. It is a sorry fact, but Northern Ireland provides a case in point. Only once people realize that political dialog is the only way out will there be progress. It needs strong determination and will from leaders who are Statesmen and not political hacks. No one is willing to compromise positions. You cannot expect results from piss poor leadership, and no matter what bargaining chips Obama might bring to the table, it is unlikely the two parties will budge from their respective intransigent positions. As for the other diatribe, sorry to burst your bubble, Bitin Dawg, Jews don't control this country. That's Arab and Nazi propaganda. We have our own internal squabbles that we cannot resolve, so how in G_d's name do you expect us to influence power in Washington DC, when we cannot even accept that Jews are not one-size fits all. Time to get a real education Bitin Dawg.... 2012-02-09T;22:54:00-05:00 too much in the way of verbal defecation on this site instead of serious discussion. Kind of depressing especially on this New Year. Come on, boys & girls, let's get serious about some of these topics, will ya? 2012-02-09T;22:54:00-05:00 Lots of tangents here, but what about addressing the issue of this nonsense of Jews harvesting organs? How to counter this garbage in light of the stupid Swedish newspaper report, and the fact the Swedish Government has basically taken a posture of appeasement again, like the moral midgets they are.... I''m telling you that if we put our collective efforts together to boycott products and services that help to promote this kind of bigotry and tell everyone else to boycott too, it is one effective measure. Support for some of FOX News' worst talking heads has had an effect and sponsors are dropping sponsorship. If we weren't debating ourselves all the time and spoke in a single voice on such matters we might have some impact. Am I being too idealistic to think that fellow Jews can work together to fight the common enemy???? 2012-02-09T;22:54:00-05:00 More important than all the fables and myths of yesteryear, is what to do with this SOB Ahmedinejad? Clearly if he attends an international function somewhere in Europe other than in Geneva, why can't he be picked up and arrested for promoting anti-Semitism, which is a punishable offense in the UK, Germany and elsewhere? Oh, yes, there's the business about diplomatic immunity for standing leaders and some retired ones. Well, his country disregarded international law and held American diplomats hostage in violation of all the Geneva Conventions, so maybe it is time to arrest his sorry arse. Better still would be an assassination by local opposition folks in Iran perhaps backed up by American, EU, and Israeli funds? It's way past the time to terminate him. 2012-02-09T;22:54:00-05:00 It seems that the Ukraine is reverting to its golden past of anti-Semitism, and no-one is raising this matter in the world press other than JTA and the Israeli Press. 2012-02-09T;22:54:00-05:00 Mussa, you reap what you sow..... 2012-02-09T;22:54:00-05:00 I too agree that the NY Times is neither overly Republican nor anti-Semitic. If you watch Fox News or listen to any of the GOP talking heads, the NY Times is perceived as liberal and untrustworthy. 2012-02-09T;22:54:00-05:00 I completely disagree with the two previous opinions. I hope JStreet will look into this article in JPOST about a Holocaust denial advertisement that "inadvertently" was placed in a journal published by Harvard University. I haven't seen heads or tails of this reported in the mainstream US news. JStreet isn't a sell out when it comes to issues such as Holocaust denial and other critical issues. That they recommend a two-state solution is good. Netanyahu is not doing much good as PM of Israel in moving closer towards genuine negotiations with the Palestinians. He is not a strong leader since he spends his time looking at opinion polls instead of doing what is needed for the State of Israel. 2012-02-09T;22:54:00-05:00 It appears quite a few people have reported Mussa's latest outburst as unacceptable. Let's see if the JTA folks will do anything about it. 2012-02-09T;22:54:00-05:00 Every society seems to have its loud mouth. Do you remember Martha Mitchell during the Nixon Administration, or Earl Butts? The best thing the Australians can do is to take Sandilands off the air permanently. If the station that hosts him will not, a boycott of sponsors of his show might be worth considering. Economics and pocket book issues matter to corporations who are afraid of their reputations being damaged or being labeled as socially "irresponsible" by supporting this jerk. 2012-02-09T;22:54:00-05:00 A positive step forward by a nation state that has ignored its Jewish citizens for such a long time. Of course, this is a first token step, but it is better than nothing. Hopefully, more Jews will make it into the House of Lords. 2012-02-09T;22:54:00-05:00 Maybe Chavez needs to be placed on international hit list as an instigator of anti-Semitism. His arrest and trial at the Hague would send a clear message about those leaders who spread lies and hatred. They belong in the dustbin of history, or, at the very least in a prison in Belgium for life. Surely, with growing discontent at home in Venezuela for his failing policies during the 10 year old socialist dictatorial regime, there would be support for his ouster? 2012-02-09T;22:54:00-05:00 I politely disagree with Cheryl's opinion about Jews leaving France before it is too late. France has its credibility to maintain, and while its immigrant and home grown Muslim population is growing, Jews need to stand up and say enough is enough, and demand action from their Government. It is their right as a minority to insist on it, and if the French Government fails to control these acts, then it is a matter to be taken to the International Court at the Hague to show that the French are complicit in these human rights abuses by their inaction. The coward's way out is to run away from conflict. That never solves anything for those who remain left behind either by choice or hard economics. The entire reputation of the EU is no in question with the rise of anti-Semitism in its member countries. The EU is becoming the laughing stock of the world because of its hypocrisy and capitulation to extremist Arab/Muslim and leftist propaganda. Those of us living in the US and other countries can make a difference by boycotting travel to Europe and European products and sponsors in those countries that fail to protect their Jewish citizens. Let our pocketbooks and spending power show our distain for these acts in France, in Sweden, Norway, and Spain. 2012-02-09T;22:54:00-05:00 I agree with John Shook's comments that Carter needs to shut up and let the current US Government deal with Israel and the Palestinians. Carter's credibility since he took funding from the Arabs is compromised. His language, calling Gaza a "ghetto" ignores that it is the Hamas Government itself that is making things difficult for Palestinians through their own intransigence in not renouncing violence. 2012-02-09T;22:54:00-05:00 As long as Pollard remains in prison in the USA until the end of his natural life, I am satisfied that due process has been served. Pollard is a traitor to the USA. I do not care that he spied for Israel or any other ally. He betrayed the country of his birth, and no matter how much I may consider myself a Jew, I am still an American citizen by birth, first and foremost. The thought of betraying my own country is unconscionable. 2012-02-09T;22:54:00-05:00 The FM of Sweden, along with the PM of that country are completely moral midgets, and it is disgusting that Sweden chairs the head of the EU. What do you expect from a nation of Nazi collaborators? Freedom of the Press; Right, give me a break. I'm boycotting IKEA and I have no intention of making any purchase of Swedish, Norwegian, or Spanish goods -- nations of Anti-Semites. 2012-02-09T;22:54:00-05:00 I don't know of any Jew -- American or Israeli who supports the idea of a single state entity. Frankly I don't know what Jimmy Carter is planting on his peanut plantation besides peanuts. Maybe some of the tobacco he receives from his Arab backers for his water pipe is more recreational in nature and it is fogging up his already demented brains. I'm sorry to call an old dog a dog, but his erratic behavior demonstrates the sorry state of our elder statesmen and the positions they support. His fanatic Christian beliefs are not in the best interests of the United States or of the Jewish State, and he should be warned to back off of interfering in issues he has no business being involved in. Retire, Carter! 2012-02-09T;22:54:00-05:00 The trouble with EU negotiations with Iran is that they vacillate when it comes to their economic, and particularly oil interests in that country, Libya, etc. They are shameless in pursuing a janus-faced policy of giving lip-service to issues of rising anti-Semitism within Europe from the waves of Arab immigrants and locally grown skin heads, while brown nosing to keep favorable ties to secure their energy needs. So much for the moral high ground of Europe, their UN World Court and other so-called democratic institutions. Moral midgets all of them.... 2012-02-09T;22:54:00-05:00 This is one of those rare occasions where I totally agree with Will Edwards comments about Chavez, GW Bush and King Abdullah. Dictators and dictator-wanna-be's all. It is good to know that opposition to Chavez is growing in South America. A country that cannot feed itself and/or has to ration its food is bound to lose power inevitably. 2012-02-09T;22:54:00-05:00 Ain't that the truth. Now, watch how the PA creates a "new genocide" of propaganda out of this nonsense about harvesting organs. If this isn't a blood libel being condoned by the Swedish Government, then what is? Moral midgets in Sweden, Norway, etc and within the PA is doing a great job of defaming Jews and Israel. This nonsense has got to be stopped. 2012-02-09T;22:54:00-05:00 Seems like another abuse of the judicial system filing a trivial lawsuit like this. Don't these people have anything better to do than clogging up the courts with BS like this rather than communicating directly with their daughter-in-law??? This is stupid to the max, and I agree with Mussa that it is not genuinely news worthy to report the trivial pursuits of entertainers. 2012-02-09T;22:54:00-05:00 The profit motive was also used in establishing standardized multiple-guess tests. It is unfortunate that standardized testing often overlooks different learning styles and capabilities, and provides a disproportionate advantage to those people who are good at route memorization, not necessarily genuine learning. Only in the last five years have essay tests been introduced in the standardized tests, though I question the quality of standardized essays as well. Kaplan schools are big business, not education. 2012-02-09T;22:54:00-05:00 Come on, now, boys & girls. Can we not have a civilized debate on the issue instead of turning this into a juvenile and vulgar mud fight? Sheesh.... Let's get back on track. The article is ugly and suggests a conspiracy that rightly should be challenged. The Israeli Government response has failed to put the onus back onto the newspaper to prove its allegations. In diplomacy, an international incident of this sort does become a matter of tit-for-tat retaliation against the nation. Always has and always will. The fine art of diplomacy is like children in kindergarten and one upmanship. The Swedish Foreign Ministry failed in supporting its ambassador to Israel. This creates the impression that the ambassador is only a mouthpiece to soothe ruffled feathers in Israel, but not the position of the Swedish Government on the whole. That's pretty disgusting. But this was a Government that played neutral during World War II, so we can expect there to be moral midgets in our midst. 2012-02-09T;22:54:00-05:00 I think the Israeli Government's action to hold up the visas for journalists from Sweden is a justified action. At least it doesn't place the Swedish Government responsibility for the reckless writings of the journalists. Of course, this may lead to a tit-for-tat retaliation for Israeli journalists in Sweden. It is clear that the matter of freedom of speech and the role that respective Governments must play in this case is a limited one. However, spreading of blood-libel type hatred, as this article did is a crime in other European nations and the journalists might be charged with inciting hatred. Defining a "grey zone" area as black & white is something that the Swedes will have to do on their own without outside interference from Israel or other nations. It does look like the Swedes are playing politically correct not to offend their burgeoning population of Muslims, which may be a reason for taking a "hands off" approach and claiming freedom of speech. 2012-02-09T;22:54:00-05:00 Part of YOUR problem, Will, is that you would impose/determine for others what your version or conception Ha Shem is, not necessarily everyone else's. That is where you, just like Fundamentalists cross over the line. Not everyone accepts Judaism the same way you do, and you do more to distance yourself from fellow Jews with your narrow perspective on Judaism, rather than working together to defeat shared enemies of our People. I consider that very sad, particularly in this new century. I believe there were very good reasons for our biblical and even ancestors to institute Kosher rules, particularly when it came to eating of pork and Trichinosis, certain seafoods, especially shellfish bottom feeders that can be impacted by toxins in red tide and other parasites, and separating meat from dairy products was wise at a time when there was no refrigeration. If you have rich sauces made from cream or milk sitting out for very long its a great way to contract a staphylococcus poisoning. Projectile vomiting isn't a fun experience. However, another aspect of modern day Kosher, like the Organic movement is the fact it is Big Business. Not all food ingredients that are deemed Kosher are necessarily good for you. But the spread of Kosher restaurants is a good idea as there is a market for such food, even if some of the traditional prohibitions on foods are senseless today due to better sanitation standards that didn't exist thousands of years ago. 2012-02-09T;22:54:00-05:00 Way too much publicity given to the likes of these celebrity types. Israel is no different than the US in its adulation of fluff and non-newsworthy individuals. There's more going on in the Jewish world worth reporting than this man's weakness, alleged crimes and suicide. We went overboard with Michael Jackson, do we have to bend to the lowest common denominator of the population all the time??? 2012-02-09T;22:54:00-05:00 On the other hand Will Edwards insolent remarks do nothing to provide insight into these moves. He may think he is being funny, but he is giving Jews a bad name. The sign of a real pecker brain. 2012-02-09T;22:54:00-05:00 I agree with Ari H that when there is compromise between Hamas and Fatah, that will work against Israel. Unfortunately, the policies of Netanyahu are pushing Fatah further radical, hence the 'harder line' from the the recent Fatah Convention. Fatah is weak with systemic corruption issues, whereas Hamas and Hizbollah both have strong political and military wings and can provide services to the Pals that Fatah seems inept at accomplishing. 2012-02-09T;22:54:00-05:00 Aside from the health issues that may have been relevant 4,000 years ago, one of the key reasons for keeping Kosher that people tend to forget has been to prevent Jews from mixing with Goyim. If you can't eat together, you can't date together when you cannot mix. Heaven forbid that! Great way to keep the tribal mentality running, just like many other 3rd World and Middle Eastern nations. I won't knock the reasons pigs were declared un-kosher due to Trichinosis or restricting shellfish due to toxins, red-tide, or even not mixing dairy products with meat -- lack of refrigeration is a great way to get a staphylococcus infection. Today, however, the problem is that food is big business, and as pointed out, there are products out there that may be labeled Kosher, but are certainly not good for us to ingest. Doing Kosher is like doing Organic. People should learn to use a little of their own common sense instead of blindly following two schools of Rabbinical thought -- not MD's or dietitians -- determine what constitutes being or not being Kosher or even good for you. 2012-02-09T;22:54:00-05:00 Which is why it is time for Orthodox Jews to join in on the 21st Century, and reject that which belongs in the 15th Century. The world has changed, but the 3 monotheistic religions still putz along at a snail's pace to catch up. Is it a wonder that; more and more people are turning away from orthodoxy that is not relevant to today's society? 2012-02-09T;22:54:00-05:00 I'm afraid, Will your knowledge of Islam is very limited. What you say is true about political Islamists, but not of the religion of Islam. Islamists denigrate Islam by placing a very narrow vision of politics above what is really written in the religion. Yes, many of the more conservative regimes (theocracies and monarchies) all dictatorships manipulate the religion to keep the status quo as is. The vast majority of Muslims are peaceful people and very devout in their beliefs. Most that I know abhor violence. It doesn't serve the cause of peace to bad mouth an entire religion because there are those who bastardize it for their own nefarious doings. Furthermore, the same could be said of a number of radical Ultra-orthodox and conservative Jews who manipulate Judaism in ways that are equally unbecoming, violent and down right ugly. 2012-02-09T;22:54:00-05:00 I share Phili alawal's sentiments entirely. Anything that can bring us closer should be encouraged rather than being criticized the way Will seems to do -- jumping to conclusions without all the facts. I also disagree with the comment that the religion and culture cannot be separated. That is complete and utter hogwash. Religion is a facet of one's culture, but it is not the totality of the culture. One can follow the traditions of Judaism without believing all the wonderful stories. Stop being so dogmatic. You come across as bad as if not worse than a Catholic Bishop or a Fundamentalist Christian. If you want to believe the world is 6,000 years old, I'm not going to stop you. You can believe in the tooth fairy as well, it doesn't bother me one darn bit. I draw the line, however, when you and other conservative or orthodox people impose your "brand" of religious perspective and slam the door shut, denying that those who are secular or humanists or atheists cannot be Jews. You sir, do not have a monopoly on what is or what isn't a Jew. Get over the bigotry. It has no place in the 21st Century. 2012-02-09T;22:54:00-05:00 Will, you should read a 2 page short story by Arthur C. Clarke entitled, "God and Einstein." It is in his book "Report on Planet Three and other Speculations 1973, Corgi Books, Great Britain, pages 122-123. Alas Ha-Shem is governed by the same laws of Relativity and He can travel no faster than 186,000 miles per second (the speed of light.) The last words in the short story are, and I quote, "It's anybody's guess whether He'll be here in time." 2012-02-09T;22:54:00-05:00 Both of you write absurdities. First of all, Huckabee is a schmuck Fundamentalist Christian who has no business interfering in the dispute over Jerusalem. That is something Israelis and Palestinians must negotiate. Secondly, Frank's comments about Israel being the oppressor in Palestine is equally hogwash. There is no Palestine. That ended in 1948 with the establishment of the State of Israel. Today's Palestinians only became identified as "Palestinians" when Arafat coined the term to gain world recognition for a homeland to those who ended up in refugee camps, since their Arab brothers in surrounding Nations refused to accept them. Arab States are as much to blame for the mess Palestinians are in as the Palestinians themselves (and their incompetence at working towards statehood) and the Israelis who have pursued a policy of paranoid security without due regard to the territorial integrity of a future Palestinian State. The blame goes all away around. 2012-02-09T;22:54:00-05:00 The cat is out of the bag. These cartoons were already published, and that Yale has decided to censor the one of Mohammad is an unprecedented bad move. Can we now suggest to Islamists to ban their derogatory cartoons of Jews with distorted features from their publications? Would they comply? If not, then Yale should be printing the cartoon uncensored. We are becoming way too politically correct. However, dissemination of racial hatred such as Holocaust denial and these "offensive" cartoons are two completely different kettles of fish. To suggest that the offense is the same is ludicrous to say the least. People died in the Holocaust. No one died when these stupid cartoons were published, although Western business interests were damaged in some of these 3rd World Islamic nations. 2012-02-09T;22:54:00-05:00 With an insurgency on the rise in Iraq again, close cooperation between Syria and Iran is, indeed, a major threat to be reckoned with. 2012-02-09T;22:54:00-05:00 Why should I believe old history being rehashed by the Vatican as a way to diffuse the growing tension and opposition we Jews feel about canonizing a Pope who was complicit by doing nothing to save the Jews from the Holocaust? The PR from the Vatican is disgusting. Seems like the hierarchy of the Church would rather create an idealized, sanitized revisionist history of this Pope, instead of letting go and respecting the sensitivities we Jews feel on this subject. It is up to this Pope to decide whether improved relations with the world's oldest organized religion and its people is in their best interest, face up to the crimes of the past, apologize in earnest, and build a new relationship with us. Personally, I don't think Catholics have the courage or integrity to face their past crimes against Jews and others. 2012-02-09T;22:54:00-05:00 Tehran must be getting some bad publicity for this show trial stunt to postpone it..... Too bad it impacts real people's lives. Iran needs another revolution to end the tyranny of religious rule. 2012-02-09T;22:54:00-05:00 What in G_d's name is "Lady Gaga"???? If I understand the word correctly, a person is gaga if they show signs of being senile or crazy, am I mistaken? 2012-02-09T;22:54:00-05:00 Birds of a feather flock together. Two scum bags supporting Hizbollah. Too bad we couldn't take out both of them at the same time, and rid the world of two fomenters of violence and political intrigue...... But we should carefully watch the money trails on both of these nations, document it and bring it to the UN Security Council to censure both of these rogue states. 2012-02-09T;22:54:00-05:00 This judge should be fired for his insensitive remarks. This is not the first time he has put his foot in his mouth. Clearly he cannot function properly in his role. 2012-02-09T;22:54:00-05:00 In the case of Japan, which I'm intimately familiar with, citizenship is granted at birth only if one of the two parents is a Japanese citizen. In the case of children born to non-Japanese, they are foreigners, period. Now, it is possible for a person to naturalize as a Japanese, which sometimes is quicker than applying for permanent foreign residency status. In any event, even with Japanese citizenship, a person, in particular, a caucasian who holds a Japanese passport is a bit of a novelty and is still viewed as being a foreigner. 2012-02-09T;22:54:00-05:00 Mussa, you've got to be kidding. What's your point? 2012-02-09T;22:54:00-05:00 Separation of Church and State is necessary for a modern democracy to work. Governments in the rest of Europe need to disassociate themselves with religion and move towards a purely secular society (as France has done) to prevent the kinds of nefarious breaches by obnoxious religious groups who push various political agendas. This is inclusive of all organized religions and the fringe sects. 2012-02-09T;22:54:00-05:00 The USA needs a similar law on its books to put an end to this Holocaust denial nonsense. The Nazi's did us a great favor in documenting to the nth degree their killing records, so to deny the Holocaust is as ludicrous as denying the existence of dinosaurs. Hopefully, by having laws on our books we can prevent the likes of Iran's President or PA President, Mr. Abbas from entering the United States to spin their respective lies to the world. Holocaust denial is a hate crime and needs to be penalized. There have to be common sense rules regarding what is freedom of speech and what is beyond offensive. 2012-02-09T;22:54:00-05:00 Perhaps this is a political ploy to sway Mary Robinson to keep mum as plans for peace discussions get underway? Point being, we only have partial information as to the reasons for her being awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom. As for the comments of Will Edwards, there he goes again spewing his venom at people he doesn't agree with, calling them all sorts of names. Some people just never learn about being civil. Sticks & stones, Will baby. Sticks & stones. 2012-02-09T;22:54:00-05:00 Alas, some of these Nazi scum bags have hidden out in Europe, Brazil, Argentina and the US, escaping through a network of ex-Gestapo, as well as being invited by dictatorial regimes that have found some of these evil individuals useful for eliminating their own political prisoners -- Gamal Nasser of Egypt, Alfredo Stroessner of Paraguay, etc. That it has taken 50 years to track them down doesn't matter. There is NO legal statute of limitations on cases of murder and crimes against humanity. If the guy has to spend the rest of his life in prison now, good! We are not going to forget the crimes they committed. 2012-02-09T;22:54:00-05:00 Mussa, both of your posts today are rather obnoxious and not funny in the least. I also am disappointed you use Nazi German words such as Judenfrei in your posts. It really doesn't say much about tolerance on your part, or your ability to win friends and influence others. This is not a forum for anti-Semitic vulgarity. 2012-02-09T;22:54:00-05:00 Israel is building up forces on its border with Lebanon because Hizbollah is violating its commitments in the so called no-man zone. In turn, Lebanon is mouthing off about Israeli threats. If the Lebanese were to take responsibility and curb the illegal behavior of Hizbollah, then their would be no need for using the terms "threat". However, let's face it, the Lebanese Government is intimidated by this Islamist terrorist group and political party. They are afraid that challenging Hizbollah might lead to another civil war. Like the Palestinians, since there is no compromise among factions, the only answer or response is fighting and violence. When are the Arabs going to join the 21st Century and behave in line with the accepted norms of international politics? Until then, the tit for tat spats and violence will continue, G_d knows how long.... 2012-02-09T;22:54:00-05:00 You are absolutely correct, Ari H. I like the idea of expanding Kosher Subways and that spurred the idea of a combined Kosher/Halal restaurant, which led our dear friend, Will (Mr. Know-it-all) to criticize that idea, and since then, I must totally admit it has been all down hill ever since. The guy is a insular bigot who must impose his conservative views of Judaism on everyone else, as clearly seen by his frequent denunciations of Reform and Secular Jews. It just becomes a vicious cycle arguing with a man who has such a closed mind. Well, as I have said that's his problem, not mine. I don't need to respond to his drivel anymore, and I won't. 2012-02-09T;22:54:00-05:00 Considering that Israel is having its own unemployment problem due to the US economic crisis, I think a lot of people are misguided in thinking US citizens who are Jews are going to do any better employment wise unless they are fairly fluent in Hebrew. However, I suppose some people need to learn the hard way. And just because you may be an MBA in the United States doesn't mean you will be of any value to businesses in Israel unless you are functionally bilingual. Anyway, people should think about it carefully before jumping on the emigration bandwagon..... 2012-02-09T;22:54:00-05:00 Will, yours is another fine example among many of your criticism of others for criticism sake, jumping to conclusions before reading the content. Talk about sophistry.... Ha! 2012-02-09T;22:54:00-05:00 Frankly, Will, Mussa made an extremely valid point, and I'm speaking here as the son of an escapee from Europe who lost his German Jewish cousins to the Nazi's in Auschwitz. The Pope did not genuinely mention the people who strategized, made the camps, and executed orders, he is just condemning the evil of the camps. The camps are a symbol of pure evil, but if you are going to condemn anything it should be the Nazi regime, its leaders and its supporters/followers -- the German people and those who conspired with them, the Lithuanians, Poles, etc. In that respect Mussa is correct in calling the Pope a hypocrite. 2012-02-09T;22:54:00-05:00 To continue with what Dr. Dios has expressed, Will, you are offended by anyone who challenges your conservative Jewish beliefs. You want the world to be a simple place that can be explained in terms of black & white, right & wrong, Jew & gentile. It bothers you to accept that the world is not so clear cut, and not everyone is willing to accept your perception of the world. The difference is that as a secular Jew, I respect you as far as you wish to practice your beliefs as long as you don't impose your beliefs on me, even though you continually make derogatory remarks and deny Dr. Dios or anyone who is secular or a Reform Jew of his rightful beliefs in the world of Judaism. You do the same kind of delegitimizing and propagandizing that Palestinian Arabs and the rest of the Arab world does to Jews. Spreading fear as you do is a tactic of the Nazi's and the George Bush Administration. That is offensive to me. 2012-02-09T;22:54:00-05:00 I thought the article clearly stated that the perpetrator was dishonorably discharged, and diversity courses are being instituted (not that such training is always very good.) It is not clear if the discharge was after a formal court martial or disciplinary action. It wouldn't surprise me if the military just swept the problem individual under the carpet and shook him out the doors to be rid of him, without reflecting any further about the depth of religious bullying. We often hear that the Marines are particularly intolerant of soldiers who are not Christians. Maybe someone would care to comment on that? 2012-02-09T;22:54:00-05:00 I've said my piece, Will. Now, go take a hike. 2012-02-09T;22:54:00-05:00 I am willing to bet this is not the only case of religious discrimination impacting the US Military. I have heard that Moslem recruits have faced similar problems regarding lack of availability of Halal food as well. These kinds of accommodations should be standard practice in our military today since we are a nation of diverse cultures and religious beliefs. Reading about this case is dismaying. 2012-02-09T;22:54:00-05:00 Actually, Mussa, this diplomat has been openly critical of Netanyahu policies vis-a-vis the USA. He is perhaps one of a few Israeli diplomats who has a clear vision and an understanding that current Israeli foreign policy is heading the wrong direction. The window of opportunity for negotiating settlements with the Palestinians is rapidly disappearing. Things could get a lot worse for Palestinian civilians the longer Netanyahu's Government is in power. Unfortunately, Tamir may likely lose his job. I personally hope he will be offered a major professorship here in the US as a official snub to the current Israeli Government. The US must be tough on both Israel and the Palestinians. 2012-02-09T;22:54:00-05:00 Knowing the way the EU operates, they will find a way to weasel out of having to do anything to support this French-Israeli man by establishing endless rounds of discussions and negotiations. It's a wonderful way of ignoring issues. No different in how they weaseled out of declaring Rwanda a genuine genocide and I believe the same was true with Dafur until the US said it was a 'genocide'. Nonetheless, maybe this will be a good lesson for the EU to recognize that their unwillingness to pressure Palestinians to stop acts of aggression and senseless violence for fear of upsetting their own growing immigrant populations of Arabs (by being politically correct or expedient) is nothing short of appeasement..... 2012-02-09T;22:54:00-05:00 Come on, boys. Lets raise the bar and be a little more civil, won't you. Neither of what you say is anything more than finger pointing and playing the blame game. 2012-02-09T;22:54:00-05:00 Whose trying to get the last word in, eh, Will? Three verbose notes in response to one note. Make you feel good? Like an Ever Ready Battery you blabber on and on and on.....I'm only responding to you just the way you have responded to me and others. Nothing personal, of course. You don't like it, but you have to come back for more, don't you. You simply don't like to be stood up by someone who maybe, just maybe, does know a little bit more about some of the subjects you frequently pontificate about. I once met a Japanese Yakuza (gangster) on a train. He was all hot air and bluff, trying to intimidate people with his rude Japanese. I stood up to him and he gradually backed up, swearing his head off, and got his arse off the train. Hot air always rises and dissipates. Have a nice day. 2012-02-09T;22:54:00-05:00 Dr. Frederico Dios, I totally concur with you about the tribalist mentality that non-secular Jews place themselves under or don't wish to recognize, but it is anathema to disabuse them of their prejudices. Cross-culturally it is similar to how the Japanese tend view themselves as being "unique". 2012-02-09T;22:54:00-05:00 Ari, thank you for reading exactly what I meant. Melvyn, go back and read the Old Testament and tell me how peaceful were those even in the Exodus as they went into other lands and slew their own (when they veered from the proper Path) or those whose land they had entered and then invaded. Real peaceful bunch. True, the major difference between Judaism and the other two monotheistic religions is that Jews do not obnoxiously or forcibly convert others. Instead we fight among ourselves about which interpretation of Judaism is correct. I don't know which is worse. By the way, Gandhi never advocated armed resistance. He called for non-violence. It was the British Colonialists who attacked the unarmed Indian protesters -- Hindus and Muslims. Someone needs to take a course in South Asian History. And finally, Will, I am as Jewish as you are, and I know our history as well as you do, and I certainly know aspects of world history probably better than you do. That's not my point. Stop acting so pompous. I may not be a conservative Jew, but I find your comments are simply critical to be critical of others and you never offer any alternatives/solution to what is being discussed in this and in other articles. You just have to get your word in, right? I call that lame, like your so-called knowledge about nuclear security and so many other subjects you claim to be expert on. An instant expert on everything aren't you, eh? Likewise since my extended family includes Jews as well as Muslims, and Buddhists, personally, I find your tracks about Islam to be extremely prejudiced and offensive. You resent it because I called you out for what you are -- a 'Jewish bigot.' Personally speaking, I feel Islamists or anyone who deliberately manipulates/utilizes religion for his own political agenda are moral midgets. I have always believed that the strength of our nation has been the foresight of our Founding fathers making a clear separation of church and state. Despite all the pressures from the religious Right, it has enabled for a lot more of an open and tolerant society in goal and in practice than most other countries in the world. My final remark is about this article, which is about the expansion of kosher franchises of Subway. Mussa came up with an idea of a "kosher" Hooters, which got me thinking, wow, I'd sure like to see a combined kosher and halal restaurant. From there, everything has been a tangent and a debate about extraneous issues along with the spoiled sports who have to trivialize, politicize or criticize everything. Enough already. 2012-02-09T;22:54:00-05:00 The current US system that has mandatory registration for men at 18 is frankly discriminatory. When my sister turned 18, she went down to the local recruiters office and told them she wanted to register just as any male does. She was laughed at by the office personnel, and told them to !@#$@# off. While I support the current system of having an all volunteer military, I do believe that the current system that does not make it a requirement for women to register is down right a clear case of discrimination, and that needs to be rectified. 2012-02-09T;22:54:00-05:00 Excuse me Sterling Rand, I know a heck of a lot about American HIstory and our CIA's overthrowing various Governments in the past. If you bothered to read what I wrote, I don't support our dominance of the world system and imposing our mores on other countries. I suggested that we ought to trade the same way other countries trade do. I don't think we do anything penalizing ourselves because we haven't had diplomatic relations with Iran for the past 30 years. Who is shooting himself in the foot? The Germans? Hardly. Maybe you should go back to school and study English. 2012-02-09T;22:54:00-05:00 Will, you are one ill content, angry, post-male-menopause old fart. You complain and you criticize others, but I have yet to read anything but flatulent GOP rhetoric and never any new ideas of your own. There are always ways to work around the more strict Kahsrut rules, and I don't think it says much about you as a person to talk about Islam as a "second rate imitation of Judaism." There are 3 monotheistic religions that unfortunately include narrow minded bigots like you who are intolerant of other's beliefs. You sure could learn something from Nobel Laureate, Mahatma Gandhi who once wrote, "The various religions are like different roads converging on the same point. What difference does it make if we follow different routes, provided we arrive at the same destination." If you don't understand that now, then you are a lost cause to say the least. Good luck on trying to convert your fiance! 2012-02-09T;22:54:00-05:00 More important is to recover pieces or an entire one of these spent rockets for analysis to determine what, if any, improvements have genuinely been made, and track the components to their source of purchase. That is more important from a purely security perspective. There may have been some symbolism of firing the rockets as a protest for the Palestinians who were removed from their place of residence in East Jerusalem, but I doubt it. 2012-02-09T;22:54:00-05:00 Actually, however, eating Japanese food is far more healthy for you than Subway or kosher, but I'll leave that for another debate......^_^ 2012-02-09T;22:54:00-05:00 Clearly the South Africans have their share of prejudiced people who express it with double-standards like calling for the prosecution of David Benjamin. What I find offensive, Mussa, is the labeling under the assumption that anyone who disagrees with your politics is obviously a "lunatic leftist Jew." Horsefeathers on that. We got enough of that labeling during the last Presidential campaign, and frankly I find it odious. You cannot generalize people in this way. It is disrespectful and it assumes that all Jews with a left bent think exactly the same on issues. That's childish and completely off the mark. 2012-02-09T;22:54:00-05:00 Mussa, No, my name is NOT Ari. I will not write under any other name except my nom-de-plum, John Public, or my real name (which I don't reveal ordinarily.) Personally, I feel bickering about what constitutes being a Jew or Jewish is a complete waste of my time. Life is too bloody short. I leave that hassle to the various Rabbi's, clerics, and philosophers for so long as our economy can support such esoteric trivia. I'd rather focus on the "real world" like the idea of a combined kosher-halal restaurant or a kosher "Hooters". That's far more intriguing and potentially rewarding to me as a marketeer. Want to go into business? 2012-02-09T;22:54:00-05:00 What do you expect from a German firm? They trade with everyone. Don't we learn from history that not everyone lives by our "high" standards of what is "fair" "free" or "proper" trade? No different with the French and most of the EU, Japan, China, etc. Sometimes, we only hurt ourselves with our export restrictions, such as with Cuba..... Maybe we should play by the same rules as everyone else and keep our citizens in jobs??? 2012-02-09T;22:54:00-05:00 That would make one heck of bowl of soup, now, eh? 2012-02-09T;22:54:00-05:00 I don't agree with you that conservative, reform or even secular movements are destroying the Jewish people, and their goals are diametrically opposed to the Nazis who wanted to destroy us ALL!!! Let's be honest. As with all organized religions, there are different "brands" or "schools" or "sects" of Judaism, Christianity, Islam, Buddhism, etc. In any structured belief system there are going to be claims that there is only one way to salvation or whatever and everyone else is going to Hell or where ever. In the 21st century, I would think that we could get beyond this uncivilized way of thinking and raise the bar to say, "Hey, we can agree to disagree, but we are still respectively Jews, Christians, Muslims, and Buddhists, and get on with living instead of fighting. Life is just too short. Personally, I think this law suit is frivolous, a waste of taxpayer money, and should be thrown out of court. It is not something that a civil court should be determining under our US Constitution. Read the words of Nobel Laureate, Mahatma Gandhi carefully and reflect on its meaning. "The various religions are like different roads converging on the same point. What difference does it make if we follow different routes, provided we arrive at the same destination." Maybe I'm wrong, but there is far more to life than nitpicking and making value judgments on other's beliefs.... 2012-02-09T;22:54:00-05:00 Melvyn, While I was living in Michigan, I bought fresh lamb and beef from two halal specialty markets. It was much better than most of the grocery stores. Yes, there may be some complications in the kitchen set up, but that is minor in comparison to the great cuisine that could come out of the kitchen, would you not agree? 2012-02-09T;22:54:00-05:00 Man cannot live on politics and war and endless hateful debate. However, filling our stomachs with outstanding kosher & halal food opens doors to settling other and bigger problems. What separates people in these debates is recognition that ultimately we're not so different, and we would all like to be able to live in peace with dignity and respect. More joint businesses is the way to go. 2012-02-09T;22:54:00-05:00 Sandori and Victor, time to tone down your vitriolic rhetoric. It does no one any good hearing the same old finger pointing. We get that in the news anyway, so why not upgrade the level of the debate here, eh? Let's be honest. Palestinians, the surrounding Arab States and Israel could do more to pave the way towards peace if they are genuinely willing to compromise and recognize that no one is going to get everything that has been demanded for 60 years. The clock is not going back in time. Of course, you may argue this is easier said than done, and that's why 60 years has elapsed, the Palestinians are no closer to being able to run an independent State, the Arabs are using old Nazi propaganda to blame Jews for all their economic and social ills, and the current Israeli Government is hardly doing anything positive to bring their counterparts back to the bargaining table. They all act like socially immature kids. More of a real concern here is whether or not can we believe US Intelligence assessments after the fiasco of WMD in Iraq that did NOT exist, and the fact WMD was only a bluff to keep the Iranians from trying to incite protests against Saddam Hussein? I don't have much confidence in assessments based on aerial photography with minimal trained humanintel in the field. 2012-02-09T;22:54:00-05:00 I'd like to see a combined Kosher/Halal restaurant since this is one area of shared interests, and let's get lamb on the menu to replace those horrible tasting meatballs Subway serves in their meatball sandwiches that tastes like 'mystery' meat. I'd pay a little more for better ingredients. As for the first kosher Hooters. What a interesting marketing concept.....^_^ 2012-02-09T;22:54:00-05:00 Seems long after the fact that only now HRW behooves itself in calling Hamas to task, and what does Hamas do? They reject HRW's report of Palestinian war crimes. Too little, too late, but it doesn't go unnoticed that HRW like Amnesty International criticised Israel for its conducting a defensive war. Like the UN, these so called NGO's are corrupt to the core. I urge a boycott of them and their sponsors. 2012-02-09T;22:54:00-05:00 Cheryl Mavrikos' comments are not helpful or very insightful. The fact that the Saudi King urged Abbas about unity is a cause for concern for the following reasons. (1) Saudi Arabia has refused to take the lead to recognize Israel. This demonstrates that the Saudi's are still intent on destroying Israel. (2) If power among the factions within Fatah were to shift from "the Old Guard" Abbas to the younger generation that promote the use of violence, and they were to join sides with Hamas, Islamic Jihad and Hizbollah unified in terms of armed resistance, then that poses a major threat to Israel's security and future, let alone what's left of a peace process. Instead of making prejudicial remarks about Arabs, you might try to learn what the "enemy" is contemplating. The Saudis may fear a civil war among the Palestinian factions spreading to their borders, particularly with Iran supporting Hizbollah (Shi'a) Muslims and those who are predominately Sunni. The Saudi Royals are probably more concerned that the disunity will disrupt their fragile hold on political power. All of the Arab States are run by authoritarian rulers -- monarchs or dictators and one party states. Either way the chess game is played, the Saudi's are not interested in peace or seriously taking responsibility for the welfare of the Palestinian people. Disunity also serves a purpose. 2012-02-09T;22:54:00-05:00 It doesn't surprise me that some FBI Agents express anti-Semitic thoughts. Let's face it, no government agency can entirely rid itself of people with bigoted beliefs. Of course, when there are reports like this, the FBI should be investigating and a zero tolerance policy should be in place to discipline or terminate employees who are confirmed racists. Look at the military today. Skin heads and other fascists are joining to learn military tactics in their fight for a so-called "White" America. I make no excuses for racists. The FBI should be focusing on infiltrating these organizations and finding ways to limit their access to the internet to spread their lies and filth. 2012-02-09T;22:54:00-05:00 It doesn't matter which country you are from, but it is an observable fact that most right wing politicians are tainted by corruption and/or pontificators about morality, but support administrations/regimes that are not. Let's hope Lieberman will be charged and will have to resign. Maybe this can help bring down the Netanyahu Government. 2012-02-09T;22:54:00-05:00 I wish more of these reports of incidents would be followed up with investigative journalism to press authorities on what they are doing to solve these crimes. Raising problems is easy for anyone to do; how to be part of the resolution process is more important. I'm pleased that British Courts have convicted 2 people who were accused of Holocaust Denial on the internet. I think this is a logical extension to hate crimes laws, and needs instituting in the United States. Take away access to the internet, and that pretty much limits these promoters of racism to print media and broadcast media, assuming they can find an audience to listen to their lies. They get their freedom of expression, but we get the added protection that they cannot spread their intolerance over the internet. Quid pro quo, that's the way to go. 2012-02-09T;22:54:00-05:00 There already seems to be at least 2 strains of this H1N1 virus, one that has mild symptoms, and one that is a killer (though most of the reported deaths have been complications related to other illnesses). Even more of a concern are reports that there is a Tamiflu resistant form of the virus. I wonder how much more virulent this virus will become as we move into Fall and Winter? Let's hope that new vaccines can be developed in time for the Winter flu season in North America. 2012-02-09T;22:54:00-05:00 I concur with Ari H's opinion on this matter. I would add that the PA needs to start expressing what its vision is for the future with less of the blame on Israel for all its troubles. Palestinians need to be held accountable for their actions and deeds, not just rhetoric and propaganda. When the verbal barrage simmers down, maybe constructive talks will emerge. Wishful thinking or being optimistic that there is enough to go around to meet the needs for both States. 2012-02-09T;22:54:00-05:00 Misplaced delusions of grandeur. Clearly this mayor and his son haven't read their history of the Nazi era, or maybe the Romanians textbooks skip over the Third Reich horrors as do Japanese textbooks gloss over Japanese warcrimes.... 2012-02-09T;22:54:00-05:00 If American diaspora Jews are viewed as "useful idiots" by Israeli Jews, then I my interest in supporting any policy by Netanyahu or his Government is not in our best interest. 2012-02-09T;22:54:00-05:00 The policies of Right-wing appeasement on the settlement issue and lack of brinkmanship by the USA under the Bush Administration is over. Israeli's had better stop the whining and complaining and get over it. For too long both Israeli and Palestinian intransigence on hunkering down and settling differences, even if it meant making hard concessions is over. Too many excuses, too many violations of agreements, no firm leadership on both the Israeli and Palestinian side simply has to stop. The buck stops here. The settlement construction must stop, period. There will be conditions that the Palestinians will have to accept as well, but Israel must take the first step forward. If Netanyahu won't do it, then it is not in United States or American Jewish interests to continue supporting this Prime Minister and his Government.... I don't believe this has anything to do with whether Obama's advisors are reform Jews or orthodox. Religion is irrelevant and illegal when it comes to making secular policy. 2012-02-09T;22:54:00-05:00 I'm all in favor of the Hyde Park "freedom of expression". Where I draw the line is if hate mongers of known groups with a violent history use the internet for disseminating their filth. In England that is now a criminal offense. The same type of law that would punish hate group organizations and those who disseminate utilizing the internet and obviously it must include the net providers who do not regulate their site's content, would be appropriate in today's American society. Go ahead use print media and demonstrate in our neighborhoods, but you are not going to get the publicity of open access on the web. This would be perfect for Skin Heads, the KKK, other Nazi groups, etc. 2012-02-09T;22:54:00-05:00 PM Netanyahu's intransigence is counter-productive towards a peace settlement. This may be mainly for domestic consumption only, but it is like adding gasoline to a fire, and completely unacceptable in terms of signed diplomatic agreements. There is no going back. Furthermore, the comments above by Phili Alawai show complete ignorance of American political reality. 2012-02-09T;22:54:00-05:00 If it is recommended by Republican pollster Frank Luntz not to refer to Israel as a "Jewish State" or "Zionist State", then what pray tell does he recommend as a replacement word? Half of the problem with pundits and pollsters is that why they can sometimes clearly identify problems they sure cannot come up with solutions. So we end up with a nation of "expert" critics who inflame and distort problems instead of being part of the answer. To give the Republicans credit, they were the first to develop the use of carefully crafted sound bites that appeal to people's emotions as opposed to speaking to "boring" facts. Obama's campaign managers were astute to pick up on that. In fact, for quite some time, I have long felt that calling people anti-Semites (even if they are) is no longer effective, just as pointing to the Holocaust and the death of 6 million people doesn't resonate today. People are so de-sensitized to the horrors of war and death due to TV and overuse of the same responses that the physical numbers that represent actual people are incomprehensible. I can remember a political science professor who once talked about the theoretical death toll from a tactical nuclear exchange -- something like 30 million people. I had to raise my hand and ask him, did he know how many pages of typing paper it would take to fill with the letter "X" to reach one million? My point is simply this. We need new tools to confront the prejudice that exists towards Jews. The ADL's handbook "Confronting Anti-Semitism: Myths...Facts..." is a great example of "how to respond" and be effective, but more work on this needs to be done, and I strongly believe that further research following the pattern of the report entitled, "Message Handbook for Progressives from Left to Center: Voices for Progress Report" by Westen Strategies & Greenberg Quinlan Rosner Research could become a means for improving the PR as well as countering the negative propaganda that we still face here and abroad. Anyway, food for thought and debate. 2012-02-09T;22:54:00-05:00 Unless there is a clear and present threat by the Iranians towards Arab states, I don't think it is rational to believe the Arabs will side with Israel and a sign peace agreements assuming Israel gives up the West Bank. This piecemeal approach is simply not going to work. 2012-02-09T;22:54:00-05:00 Another reason why the United States should join Britain in putting limits to access by hate groups on the internet, particular when they incite hatred and spread their evil lies. Punishing the network providers or insisting (as we do with our mass print and commercial TV media) on self-censorship. Then it is a matter of using counter-intelligence methods to disrupt those providers who refuse to remove hatred from the world wide web. There can still be Freedom of Expression, but those who incite and spread hatred need to be controlled. 2012-02-09T;22:54:00-05:00 Just like dealing with North Korea, what options are there in the diplomatic arena, boycotts, naval blockade, terminating imports and exports and stopping internationally sponsored projects that will actually force the current regime in Iran to back down. If anything, all efforts already meet with strong resistance and harsh rhetoric. Even if we set a time table, is it going to be possible to solicit support from a genuine coalitions of nations for utilizing force against Iran once the deadline has been come and gone? How effective would it be, once a nation has gained a certain level of knowledge and knowhow regarding nuclear technology. Frankly, the cat is out of the bag. It still is far easier to prevent a nation like Syria or from pursuing nuclear technology (as with Libya) by trying to reach some sort of deal to dismantle their nuclear capability. Unless there is something that Iran wants more than its nuclear program that the great powers are either ignoring or don't know because there is no direct relations between the US and Iran, I don't see how this matter can be resolved peacefully. 2012-02-09T;22:54:00-05:00 The statement, ""What happened in Gaza was ethnic cleansing," said Mizrahi. "Every Jew left Gaza, including the dead Jews," whose graves had to be moved, she noted." is emotional and inappropriate. The removal of Jewish settlements from Gaza was mandated as part of the peace process. The settlements were illegal; consequently the use of the term ethnic cleansing is completely bogus, and only used to incite trouble rather than resolve problems. On this one issue, I have to say J Street is correct. I think it is apparent that Jewish groups must be sensitive to the appropriate use of language in public statements. These kinds of arguments/disagreements should be conducted behind closed doors to develop a unified position on issues of importance to us. 2012-02-09T;22:54:00-05:00 The German Government has also called for the elimination of neo-nazi website domestically and internationally. I think this is an excellent start. Of course some people will argue that it limits freedom of speech. However, I would tend to disagree, pointing out that we fought a war to destroy Hitler's fascist regime that killed millions upon millions of people largely because of their religious and cultural affiliation. Network providers have a responsibility to prevent the spread of hatred and prejudice. A discredited party should have NO RIGHTS to spread their propaganda and lies on the internet. If they must publish their filth, then let them use print media and demonstrations. Relegate them to a position where they can do the least amount of harm and offense to others. With freedom comes responsibility. There are justifiable reasons for limiting freedom on hate groups. Finally, I think we can build on this by saying that web providers who allow the spread of Anti-Semitic by the Muslim Brotherhood and other radical groups should be limited, blocked and/or disabled by all means possible as well. 2012-02-09T;22:54:00-05:00 Seems to me the Interior Ministry of Israel could do with reading the latest US Supreme Court ruling regarding the recent reverse discrimination case in which they found it discriminatory to change the rules mid-way for policemen who passed examinations for promotion. The same could be argued for those seeking Israeli citizenship. It is blatantly unfair to change the rules on those who have earnestly applied for citizenship. If, however, that is how Israel intends to treat American citizens who are seeking Israeli citizenship, then I firmly believe in the concept of reciprocity. You can bet that things would change rather quickly if Israeli citizens seeking to become US citizens found their citizenship papers held up by sudden process changes within US Homeland Security Agency. Perhaps it is the best way to highlight these kinds of inequities and the pettiness of bureaucrats who tend to handle immigration and citizenship matters in most nations. A tyrannical power unto themselves. 2012-02-09T;22:54:00-05:00 I agree that it is appropriate to attack the individual, Bernie Ecclestone, but not the sports organization for Formula 1 that he heads. It is not the first time Ecclestone has made derogatory remarks about Jews. What I find incredulous, however, is why the various team sponsors are not stepping up to the plate with a little integrity to suggest that he resign once and for all. I think that is more of a concern that needs to be debated, nes pa? 2012-02-09T;22:54:00-05:00 I apologize, it isn't Israel's Interior Minister, but rather Construction and Housing Minister Ariel Attias. This man is a sociopath. 2012-02-09T;22:54:00-05:00 Wow, Muslim clerics can give both legal and medical advice even though they are not trained to be lawyers or doctors? Thank goodness for separation of church and state in "normal" secular affairs in the United States and in France. 2012-02-09T;22:54:00-05:00 I certainly hope that Right Wing Israel's Interior Minister, I forget his name, is not part of Netanyahu's inner circle. The man boasted about the need to separate Jews from Israeli Arabs, and secular Jews from religious Jews. This is the very essence of racism and apartheid, that the other side can use to their competitive advantage. Do we need any further damage to our reputation and credibility to have this kind of loathsome politician standing behind the Israeli Prime Minister. This might have been a case of political payoff by Netanyahu to build his coalition, but it stinks and it hurts all Jews, particularly those of us in the Diaspora. 2012-02-09T;22:54:00-05:00 Complete and utter nonsense. Israel is committed under the Oslo Accords to stop further development of settlements, period! Israelis must honor their commitments or why should we expect Palestinians to do likewise? Whether this is digging heels in the ground as a basis for the start of negotiations or simply to thwart the 2 State process is something that needs clarification. Israeli and Palestinian intransigence is a threat to regional security, which is a threat to American national security. It is time to get tough on both sides. 2012-02-09T;22:54:00-05:00 While I agree that calling a person "Jewish" was certainly racial bias in this case, I have to chuckle a bit at Will Edward's comment above when he states, "We Jews have a much higher standard of ethics then any other identifiable group, yet we do have some failures." Just like Bernie Maddoff and his $7 Billion Ponzi scheme, right? That is like saying we Jews answer to a "higher authority" just like the Kosher hot dog commercial says. We are tempted by the same vices in life as everyone else in this human society. It is just a matter of personal choice and our own will power. It has nothing to do with being Jews or being purple with pink dots. 2012-02-09T;22:54:00-05:00 What do you expect from the current Iranian Government? It's tit for tat. Lots of diplomats walked out of Ahmadinejad's hateful speech Geneva earlier, and the Arab bloc continually walks out of UN Meetings when Israel takes to the podium. Same old, same old bitter hatreds. That's their problem, not ours, nor Israel's. Keep confident and move forward. 2012-02-09T;22:54:00-05:00 No more Jewish Gopers, that's the best news yet. Now if we can vote out the politicians who preach morality, but practices something less than that, as well as those who in bed with special interest lobbyists like the AMA, the pharmaceutical and oil industry, maybe we can move this country forward into the 21st Century, say what? 2012-02-09T;22:54:00-05:00 Why does the assailant's ethnicity or race even matter in the article? Who cares? The physical description of dark hair, large nose, his height, piercing, etc is more than adequate to identify. Why the profiling? That's simply very poor journalism, period. Enough said. 2012-02-09T;22:54:00-05:00 Every group will have its agenda, but on a purely legal basis, the Supreme Court was correct in its ruling that organizations cannot change the rules of the game in the middle of the process when the results do not meet with their expectations. It is the same with hiring and promoting lesser experienced personnel who are given the label "high potential". How can you objectively and fairly measure a person's potential, particularly when I've seen many of these so called "high potential" candidates have little practical work experience. The best way to de-motivate highly skilled staff is to bypass seniority or real-experience in favor of untested high potential employees. 2012-02-09T;22:54:00-05:00 This man has caused a lot of harm to American Jews beyond the financial losses. There has been considerable anti-Semitic propaganda on the rise about Jewish ownership of the financial sector, and how supposedly Jews are responsible for this economic crisis. It is so easy in this kind of economic downturn to end up being the ones blamed for a lot of things we have little or no control over. 2012-02-09T;22:54:00-05:00 Lawrence Rogers comments are disgraceful and disgusting. This only gives Jews a bad name and reputation that others can manipulate to disparage us and Israelis. Kindly cease and desist with your prejudice. 2012-02-09T;22:54:00-05:00 Obstacles to peace will have to be removed, even if it means use of force, since they are threatening violence towards authorities. Extremists on either side of this conflict are the greatest threats to the peace process, since neither one is willing to modify and compromise to reach a meaningful settlement that would be acceptable to the majority of citizens of both nations. When "our way is the right and only way" the sad truth is the world is a better place when those extremists are removed, preferably by peaceful means, to enable the peace process to continue. 2012-02-09T;22:54:00-05:00 Obama speaking out in a diplomatic fashion certainly has not caved into pressure. Nor is legitimate criticism of Iran's faulty election process an interference in their internal affairs. No country is above criticism, particularly when so many demonstrators are being deliberately arrested, hurt or even killed by the thugs of the Iranian security forces. Alternatively, one might ask, what is Ahmadinejad scared of by entering into two-way dialog with the United States? Does he think he is improving his position with those disenfranchised Iranian voters by his blustering attitude and arrogant flatulence? It is only the majority of Iranian people who are being hurt by this continued intransigence. There may be areas of disagreement, but 30 years of isolation is a failure for both countries' national interests. 2012-02-09T;22:54:00-05:00 A torah based theocracy sounds no better than what exists as government in Iran or Saudi Arabia for that matter. Religious dictatorships are dictatorships and have no place in a democracy. These people need to learn some basic civics. 2012-02-09T;22:54:00-05:00 I completely concur with Will Edward's opinion on US Catholic's so called clarification regarding the conversion of Jews. Until the Pope and Vatican come out and publicly state that church dogma will be revised to reflect a sincere admission and apology for centuries of supporting forced conversions, torture and death to Jews and many non-Christians comment by the US clerics should be read with a large grain of sand and salt. 2012-02-09T;22:54:00-05:00 I think this is a positive first step, but only if it is followed by Palestinian leadership recognition that Israel is a legitimate State for Jewish people irrespective of their origin. Of course, Israel must also protect the rights of its Palestinian Arab and Christian minorities. 2012-02-09T;22:54:00-05:00 It is interesting that no other news agency other than Fox News has broadcast news about this alleged North Korean Ship bound (supposedly) to the Middle-East. True, I read the article on Fox News and I know that the same ship has been targeted by the US Military in the past for supposedly carrying illegal weapons or products. Personally, I don't think Will Edwards understands why Ayatollah Khamenei's scapegoating about Zionists disturbs Jews. Of course, many Israeli and other Jews are concerned about a nuclear Iran; but North Korea is a completely separate issue in the context of this article, and that is the point Edwards fails to understand. Yes, there is emotion in the issue when people voice expressions anti-Semitism by referring to Jews as Zionists. Who does not feel emotional about this kind of stereotyping when you've lost family in the Holocaust or have experienced being called a "Jew-pig" first hand? Has Edwards ever been a target? Talk is cheap and easy until you experience prejudice real-time. Regarding his comments on item 2, "Rights are irrevocable privileges are not" is nonsense. When a person commits a felony and is imprisoned and even when he/she is released certain Rights are lost. That, Sir, is a fact. Seems to me, you are the one who lacks knowledge of the law. As for offensive language that incites others to commit crimes, that is criminal. What about those victims who are the target of offensive remarks? What about their Rights? Remember under US law, in the case of job-based sexual harassment, it is not what the perpetrator says that determines guilt. It is how the words affect/impact the other party. It can be just words or threats that determine guilt in sexual harassment. One only has to rationally apply the same logic to criminalizing expressions of anti-Semitism or any bigotry towards people, and see that the same test can be utilized to determine guilt because words for the intended target can be MORE than just being offensive. Expressions of hatred and prejudice cross the line of what is acceptable behavior in our modern civil society. What was acceptable back in the 1950's or 1960's is not the same as it is today. Society evolves and so does the application of constitutional law (though it takes time). When the words lead to violence that is when intervention by law is necessary. 2012-02-09T;22:54:00-05:00 One more point. Who is pandering to the panic crowd when you write "There are North Korean ships en route to help supply him with that desire as I write this." While I agree the nuclear issue is a very serious problem, your raising it here only obfuscates an equally serious historical problem that anti-Semitism and anti-American sentiments from this leader are being utilized as an excuse in Iranian domestic politics to cover up the fact their economy is in a shambles. There are enough people in Iran who have heard the "hate" message so many times that they genuinely believe it. Remember that it was Joseph Goebbels, I think, who once said that when you tell people lies long enough, they will eventually believe it is true. The same technique was successfully utilized by our last US Administration to build support for entering into a war against Iraq. It is our duty to point out when leaders of countries are using scapegoating antics to cover up for problems of their own making. I do not belittle your concerns about the nuclear capabilities of North Korea and Iran. Why do you belittle mine? 2012-02-09T;22:54:00-05:00 Sorry, but I completely disagree with your comment that "hate" laws violate the US Constitution, Will. There are already hate crimes laws on the books here in the US and in other nations. The laws in the US are not that robust and should be strengthened further. I have no qualms with people who wish to preach hatred in public. It is their choice to look like idiots in the eyes of most of us. Where we must draw the line in a civil society, however, is when hate speech incites others to carry out acts of violence, or said speech infringes upon our rights to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. A person writing or saying something that incites others to behave in a criminal manner must also be held accountable for his/her actions. With Rights comes responsibilities, and that is something too many Americans tend to conveniently forget. Rights are privileges. There are consequences for those who abuse privileges. The legal system is no different. 2012-02-09T;22:54:00-05:00 yonason h., you do a considerable amount of pontificating but you don't really have much grasp of reality. First of all, a billion dollars promised to help rebuild the Palestinian infrastructure has a lot of caveats that will make it next to impossible for the money to go to anything but humanitarian aid, and certainly it will not be diverted to Hamas or Hizbollah. You are overtly paranoid. Secondly, I have every right as a US citizen and an American Jew to tell my elected officials that I do not want tax money used to sustain Netanyahu in power if he is NOT serious about peace anymore than I want my tax dollars spent on the PA if they are not going to commit themselves to a settlement. I think the vast majority of Americans would like to see an end to the stupid and hateful conflict that has gone on. We helped to broker peace in Northern Ireland. I'm certain our influence can work in the Middle-East as well. Finally, your comments about Arabs being "evil" is as prejudiced and stupid as their anti-Jewish hatred is towards us. You are not part of the solution, but part of the problem that prevents a settlement. I also find it deeply offensive as I have Arab friends, Moslem relatives living in Malaysia and Jewish relatives as well. This column should be used to debate issues in a civil fashion, not as a mouth piece to propagate ignorance and hatred about others who you do not understand. 2012-02-09T;22:54:00-05:00 The 11 million vote disparity is blamed on US, British and Zionist Media meddling and support for the opposition. What more zany and insane excuses will these Mullahs continue to blame on Jews? We seem to be the cause of the global financial mess, we are even blamed for being the cause of the new Swine Flu according to one Arab Media source. My question is when are we as a people going to act and say enough is enough? How much more of this Nazi-style defamation, dehumanization, de-legitimization are we going to have to take? When are other minority groups or even majority of citizens going to get the "wake-up" call and recognize what this propaganda is all about. We American Jews should be insisting that our legislators actively challenge the hatred by passing stronger hate-crimes laws and imposing penalties for individuals, groups, and in our international dealings with those States that perpetuate anti-Jewish hated. 2012-02-09T;22:54:00-05:00 Netanyahu's speech may be popular among Jews in Israel, but it doesn't represent the entire Jewish voice as this article would seem to misrepresent. I think few American Jews think the hard line position outlined by the Israeli PM has any room for compromise. It is as inflexible and parochial as what the Palestinians demand. Do Israelis want peace with their neighbors or not? I don't want US taxpayer money (my money) spent on a process where both sides are not willing to make sacrifices and commitment to change how they deal with one another. 2012-02-09T;22:54:00-05:00 It is completely unacceptable and amoral of the Department of Defense to issue waivers to racists simply to cover low recruitment levels. President Obama must put a stop to this. It is not the same as the policy of don't say, don't tell. Racism has no place and the military must observe a zero tolerance for white supremacists. They should be kicked out of the military with dishonorable discharges or penalized for lying about their affiliation with known racist groups. 2012-02-09T;22:54:00-05:00 I don't see how this speech will do anything towards resolving the Palestinian/Israeli conflict. Netanyahu must be nuts to expect the Palestinians will accept a demilitarized State that has no right to an army, it's airspace, and other aspects that are the natural right of any free nation. It is clear to me that Netanyahu, like his Palestinian counterparts is not a leader or stateman. He is a lousy conservative politician, plain and simple. 2012-02-09T;22:54:00-05:00 This is a very unrealistic precondition. There is no way in hell any nation would accept demilitarization, and certainly the non-Fatah factions would never agree to this. So, we are back to square zero. Oslo means nothing, years have been wasted in meaningless negotiations. Netanyahu is not a leader or a statesman; he is a COWARD, just like his Palestinian counterparts. 2012-02-09T;22:54:00-05:00 Criticism of Israeli Government policy does not necessarily constitute anti-Semitism. In fact, it is only through open debate about political issues inside that nation that a genuine democracy will exist. The problem is the tendency of some people to be overly sensitive to criticism by Diaspora Jews about what they observe (from the outside) as being wrong with Israel in its treatment towards others, including the Palestinians -- Arabs and Christians. As much as people will deny it, it is a matter of face saving and embarrassment or shame when one of your own points out inconsistencies or faults. Israelis first have got to learn to be more tolerant of Diaspora Jews; then they can face up to criticism that comes from non-tribe members..... Personally speaking, we cannot ignore criticism from anyone. Of course we can speak out at those who spread lies and falsehoods about us. That is an imperative. 2012-02-09T;22:54:00-05:00 While I understand Bashy Quraishy's comments, I would have to say that Islamophobia does not rank equally with anti-Semitism since the political Islamists in various Muslim nations are perhaps the most vocally anti-Semitic people existing today. The Muslim Brotherhood, the various Islamist Palestinian factions, the Saudi Wahabiists and and Iranian Shiites are the ones who preach hatred against Jews on a regular basis in mosque all over the world. Go to Malaysia, or Indonesia and you will get the same message of hate. When Muslim organizations are actively speaking out against anti-Semitism and will hold their clergy accountable for spreading hatred, then maybe, just maybe we can start broaching the issue of discrimination against Muslims on the same level of understanding as anti-Semitism. It is a ludicrous joke to think that an organization such as CAIR is equivalent to the ADL. The ADL has often taken the lead in publicizing its opposition of prejudice against Muslims and other minority groups, but I have never, ever seen CAIR support Jewish causes. I'm all in favor of entering into an inter-faith dialog when there is more substance than the fluff that exists today. 2012-02-09T;22:54:00-05:00 France should bring back the death penalty for this racist murdering turd. 2012-02-09T;22:54:00-05:00 Palestinian and Arab propaganda has gotten so bad that even a Gentile and racist like the Rev Wright doesn't realize that to criticize Jews is to criticize Zionism is to criticize Jews.... All of it is dehumanizing and de-legitimizing us as a people. This has got to stop. 2012-02-09T;22:54:00-05:00 This issue of Palestinian incitement has to be taken up as part of any negotiated settlement. This incitement creates and continues unrealistic expectations on the Palestinian side that all their demands are going to be acceptable in light of present realities on the ground. By this I mean, the right of return, the status issue of Jerusalem, return to 1967 territorial borders, etc. Demographics have changed, and the so called UN resolutions that require a return to 1967 borders ignores security issues on both sides, and right of return threatens the very essence of Israel as a "Jewish" State. Today, Abbas refuses to recognize Israel as a Jewish State. This only further escalates incitement. He is turning out to be no more a statesman or a leader than Yassir Arafat was. 2012-02-09T;22:54:00-05:00 One gets the impression from this article that the extremism between Right-Wing people in this country and Islamic extremism were viewed as separate entities and not one in the same. That is also part of our problem that tries to separate ourselves and pidgin hole the Arab/Israeli conflict as different from other forms of anti-Jewish hatred. That's what keeps us from looking at the wider world mis-perceptions and stereo-types about us going on in China, Japan, Malaysia, and Indonesia. We are so Euro-centric and myopic at times, and that is frightening. We have to be vigilant and support efforts (with funds) to research all expressions of Anti Semitism that occur globally. While I was living in Thailand, I was looking to find support to establish a small NPO that would conduct social-research of this matter. Seems that budgets for conducting research were cut. 2012-02-09T;22:54:00-05:00 The point of this article is whether or not a letter signed by 50 US Christian clergy leaders should be influencing our President's decision on what is a "just peace" between Israelis and Palestinians. Our President may be able to broker a settlement, but it is up to the leadership of the parties involved, not the US, other Arab States, the EU, China or Russia to dictate the terms. Both Palestinians and Israelis must accept compromises to ensure secure borders for two states. Talk about Israel obtaining more land is dead-on-arrival and not a point for any serious negotiation. Just as the repatriation of X number of Palestinians into Israel is a non-starter. 2012-02-09T;22:54:00-05:00 I think this lawmaker, Dov Hikind is a typical Orthodox racist. I'm sorry but while the majority of victims of the Holocaust were in fact Jews, we cannot ignore the suffering of other despised minority groups who were butchered by the Nazi's. Nor can we as Jews ignore the plight of Cambodians who were mass murdered in Kampuchea, or the genocide in Ghana, in the former Yugoslavia, etc. We MUST speak out against these heinous acts or they will continue to occur. We Jews have that moral imperative and duty. In today's environment we cannot afford to claim that we were the only victims of the Holocaust. To do that is to set ourselves up for Holocaust deniers and other Anti-Semitic bigots to spread their lies of our screaming and whining about our past and our suffering. We do not live in isolation to the rest of the world. We are no longer a tribal society. 2012-02-09T;22:54:00-05:00 Thoroughly Disgusted, what attrocities are you referring to? Your use of language is appalling, since you don't seem to know what an attrocity is. 2012-02-09T;22:54:00-05:00 I wish non-taxpaying religions in the US (all organized religions) would be appropriately taxed. They are businesses like any other business. 2012-02-09T;22:54:00-05:00 Using the same techniques of Democrats in the US to counter the Right-wing propaganda of Republican sound bytes, the Western-backed party in Lebanon has defeated extremism in the form of Hizbollah. This is a good start to countering the Islamists. We should be aiding the Western-backed parties to the hilt and turn our attention next to defeating Hamas in the Gaza Strip next. 2012-02-09T;22:54:00-05:00 If the Fundies are gettting into the Holocaust Denial business then it is high time to escalate more public relations to combat this pseudo-historical hate rubbish. The fact is there is so much evidence that supports the Holocaust that any attempt at denial of this history is nothing but an expression of extreme ignornance and prejudice against Jews. I think that Buchanan should be ashamed that he doesn't pay closer attention to what people around him are publishing on the web. This makes him complicit in the spread of lies. 2012-02-09T;22:54:00-05:00 Anthony Cavelli, your comments are a example of ignorance. The persecution and death of Christians under the Soviets was indeed a crime against humanity. However, the fact remains it pales in comparison to the long, long history in Russia and Eastern Europe of repression and pogroms against Jews that was fostered by Orthodox Christians and Governments, who wouldn't accept Jews as ordinary citizens. This culminated in the Holocaust during WWII. Persecution against people of any faith is morally wrong and repugnant. Jews condemn it all, but we do have a moral duty to stand up and tell the world that we will not let people take advantage and persecute us again because of our faith, nor will we accept Holocaust denial type positions that you seem to hold simply because we actively take a strong moral position about said religious discrimination. 2012-02-09T;22:54:00-05:00 This Rabbi abused his position of trust in the community and is no different than any other paedophile. What's shocking is that the cat is out of the bag as far as Roman Catholic clergy and its conspiracy of silence. It would be sad to find out the same exists within our communities as well. This monster belongs locked up for the rest of his life as he is a perpetual threat to society. I have absolutely no sympathy or empathy for criminals like this. 2012-02-09T;22:54:00-05:00 The Jewish community in South Africa has to become more vocal in challenging the anti-Semitic rhetoric and stance taken by the ANC. If they don't confront verbal and physical acts of abuse, then minority rights can never be assured in South Africa. Seeking Aliyah or emigrating elsewhere is nothing more than capitulation, the act of cowards. American-Jews have made in roads in society because we stand up and actively confront those who would discriminate against us. 2012-02-09T;22:54:00-05:00 Jerome, the article is poorly written. The murder victim is dead. His assailant is Halimi. This is poor writing on the part of JTA. If you have been following this story, you would know that some of the assailants have been apprehended, and this Halimi character is one of the scumbags charged with murder. 2012-02-09T;22:54:00-05:00 I respectfully disagree with Sylvia Scott's opinion. I feel Israeli leaders are doing a disservice to their countrymen and setting themselves up for failure as leaders by taking an unrealistic nationalist perspective that Jerusalem will remain undivided and under Israeli rule. It is also a slap in the face lie expressed by PM Netanyahu to President Obama. Everyone knows that Jerusalem realistically must be on the chopping block for concessions on both sides. Perhaps it may be that the Palestinians will have to choose between giving up rule over the Gaza Strip for a divided capital in Jerusalem. From a purely military strategic perspective, Israeli security requires it to be one contiguous State. We only have to look at the tragic history of the Divided East and West Pakistan that existed between India to know that a non-contiguous Palestinian State is also a recipe for disaster. For example, Hamas is entrenched in Gaza and operates as a completely separate entity from the PA. Dreams of a greater Israel as in the past are just that: DREAMS. This only prevents Palestinians from ever achieving the goal of their own State. It enables outside forces in Iran and Syria to interfere and prevent reconciliation between moderate forces in various Palestinian factions. It is a failed State from the start. Politics is the stuff of reality, practical give and take, and hard choices that enable us to work out a liveable solution. Unfortunately today, the leadership in both Israel and the Palestinian Authority are politicians but not genuine Statesmen who are willing to bite the bullet to make peace a reality. The idealist "nationalist" dreamers amongst the American Jewish community as well are doing a great disservice to both the United States and Israel by continuing to supporting the powerful minority religious parties in Israel with their impossible dreams. It is time for a reality check and recognize that general public American support for Israel is gradually eroding and this could come back to haunt us (rise in Anti-Semitic acts/retribution) if we don't speak with one voice and INSIST that Israel and Palestinians work out a two State peace NOW. 2012-02-09T;22:54:00-05:00 Ah, the wonderful French again demonstrate their pension for capitulation, this time to local Muslim pressure, just as they capitulated to the Nazis in WWII. In spite of all its boisterous praise of its values as a democratic republic, just as in the past -- for example, the Dreyfus Affair -- it is the anti-Semite in France who frequently gets away with real crimes, and the Jew who is his victim. Now, Halami and his family are being accorded treatment with kid gloves, due to an alleged "invasion" of their privacy. What a joke. Just what kind of people raise their son to be an anti-Semite murderer if they are not anti-Semites themselves? Shouldn't the public be allowed to see this assailant as in other high profile murder cases? Something is wrong with French policy that continues to only half-investigate crimes against Jews, but are completely silent (in other words, COMPLICIT) in the growth of anti-Semitism in today's France. How pathetic. Time for us to start boycotting French products and tourism to all other EU countries that are not serious about eliminating anti-Semitism.... 2012-02-09T;22:54:00-05:00 Dave Neil is absolutely correct. We Jews must speak with a unified voice when it comes to condeming acts of violence or terrorism against us. The bickering and debates over who's a better or "real" Jew, Orthodox, Conservative, Reform or even non-religious are irrelevant when it comes to expressions of hatred and prejudice. It is true there are reputed Islamist front organizations in the United States like the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) that outwardly resemble the ADL, but in reality some organizers have been known to be involved in subterfuge, money laundering, deceptive tactics. This in spite of the fact many American Jews and organizations have lent their names to support cases against discrimination towards American-Muslims. The American and Jew hating still goes on in Friday services and activities that are not conducted in English. Medieval notions of religious domination by any means has no place in a modern democratic society. The Wars of Reformation gave rise to the American concept of separation of Church and State. Freedom to worship does not equate the right to impose ones beliefs or demonize another's beliefs. 2012-02-09T;22:54:00-05:00 Another clear demonstration that the PA doesn't have much legitimacy and the clout to represent the majority of Palestinians' aspirations for peace, since their factions are themselves are incapable of working together or unwilling to take hard military means to enforce a ban on the Islamist and terrorist parties, which are backed by Iran and Syria. 2012-02-09T;22:54:00-05:00 Wow, another pseudo-Government has been formed and will whine and complain and spread lies about Israel and the United States when they do not even speak with a unified voice. Unless the Palestinians can do something to either form a coalition government (improbability number 1) or eliminate the Islamist terrorist parties, there can never be any effective dialog or peace. It takes two to tango, and half of the party on one side is divided/fractuous and incapable of getting its act together,, whilst the other party is sidetracking real issues, expanding settlements, and trying to embroil the US into supporting a military attack against Iran. No, way. The US position should be firmly against both of these parties. We saw enough bloodshed in Northern Ireland. We are sick and tired of the lack of initiative and flexibility of the leaders on both sides in this conflict (not to mention the lack of imagination among other Arab leaders to embrace the reality of 2009 instead of 1967 along with the EU) to do anything meaningfully to honor existing commitments that both sides signed up to. 2012-02-09T;22:54:00-05:00 When the WHO is being hoodwinked and manipulated politically by certain groups for exacerbating the Israeli - Palestinian dispute, I'm utterly disappointed that only the Israeli Minister left the room when the Iranian Minister spoke. Shame on the United States and other Western country Ministers. The Iranians are a menace and genuinely behave improperly in international functions. All the Arab Ministers should be admonished by the UN top brass for improperly utilizing WHO for propaganda purposes. WHO is not the right place to debate Middle-East politics or condemn individual nations; WHO exists to multi-nationally combat the spread of human diseases that potentially can wipe out every human being on this planet. When are these pariah States going to get the message that this kind of behavior is simply unacceptable? 2012-02-09T;22:54:00-05:00 With more than 10% unemployment what do you expect the German Government to do, cut its ties with Iran? Not likely Active dialog and business with the Iranians means greater influence for maximizing Germany's self-interests. That's power politics, plain and simple. So, again I ask, what more can you expect from the Germans? 2012-02-09T;22:54:00-05:00 Bravo. I concur entirely with Joel Rosenthal's response to Yaakov. Mr. Tzarfati makes about as much sense as do the Arab conspiracy theory nutcases. 2012-02-09T;22:54:00-05:00 David Hicks, the notion of an apartheid wall is a misnomer at the very least. As long as Palestinians resort to violence, then separating the borders makes darned good sense. Do you call the secure borders (in places) between the US and Canada and US and Mexico apartheid? It's a double standard that ignorant Gentiles like you place on us Jews, and I for one am tired of the offensive racism you demonstrate towards my people. Shame on you. 2012-02-09T;22:54:00-05:00 What I don't understand is why so many of you posters are arguing about the legitimacy of being Jews on religious grounds instead of focusing on the reality of these protesters today. They constitute a hate group. They violate our rights with their verbal abuse and spreading of lies. In other countries what they are doing is a criminal offense punishable with jail time. What about our Rights to be able to walk peacefully/safely down the street to our local places of worship and not have to be confronted by this angry mob of narrow minded bigots? That's the more important issue. They may be entitled to their beliefs but not to cause offense to people in public surroundings. We need to support stronger hate crimes law definitions that clearly define the public expression of anti-Semitism as a hate crime. 2,000 years of biding our time and failing to stand up to this hatred and say "No more" is enough. We are cowards if we don't address the real issues here instead debating issues in the Bible that are NOT relevant to the 21st Century. 2012-02-09T;22:54:00-05:00 Alan's comments are argued very convincingly. I agree with what he says. It is time for Jews to stand up and speak out when ignoramouses take ignorant positions that delegitimize and demonize us. 2012-02-09T;22:54:00-05:00 The Right Wing Fundamentalists in America are the worst Christians and hypocrites to walk the face of this earth in our modern day United States. I am thankful for New York Daily News, Menachem Rosensaft for having the intestinal fortitude to ask the hard questions of Pat Buchanan's online racist organization. There can be zero tolerance of Holocaust deniers. It is high time that we as a people push our political leaders to add Holocaust denial to the legal definition of a Hate Crime as do 13 other nations states. While we are at it, all forms of anti-semitism should be criminalized if we Americans are serious about ending racism in our nation. This should be a priority one issue for the Obama Administration, but it won't happen unless we put aside our own religious squabbles and fight as one people to make it happen. Do we have the same kind of intestinal fortitude as Menachem Rosensaft??? 2012-02-09T;22:54:00-05:00 I agree. We should be as strong as this school in fighting this injustice. Personally, I'm not too keen on private religious schools of any kind, but if there is inconsistency in application of local codes in a specific district because neighbours fear an incursion of a group they are not very familiar with, then this needs to be brought out into the open. How can there be diversity when we seem to breed sameness in our neighborhoods? 2012-02-09T;22:54:00-05:00 Stuart, there is no such thing as Red China. The days of the Cold War and the theories about monumental communism are long de-bunked. The Peoples Republic of China is not part of the so-called Axis of Evil; neither is Saudi Arabia nor Cuba. Your ignorance is appalling. It is good that the US has regained a seat on the UN Human Rights Council. We know most of the Middle-Eastern nations and developing world states are not going to have a high opinion of human rights. How can you when you are struggling to keep a regime going and cannot provide basic services for your citizenry. And let us remember that even in the United States we are not providing services to all of our citizenry, and there are blatant human rights violations going on in our own society in our prisons, or the 48 million Americans who lack any medical insurance, the children in our nation who live under the poverty line, the inequities of application of the death penalty in the US, etc. Let's worry less about what the Chinese and others are doing wrong and set a genuine example for the rest of the world by fixing our ship first, and doing right by ALL Americans. Then we are in a better position to exert our influence on others. 2012-02-09T;22:54:00-05:00 Clearly this Muslim group crosses the line by targeting Israel and indirectly all Jews. The fact is we live in a much too politically correct society and the chancellor of UC Irvine is afraid of creating a situation whereby these Muslim thugs will be offended if he were to take action against them. He is a moral midget and a coward. There is no place on university campuses for blatant anti-Semitism. Jews should not have to tolerate this kind of hateful behavior and incitement that is demeaning to us and to the very essense of freedom in our country. The only way to tackle this is to bring pressure on our elected officials in Washington now to take the same action as in 13 other nations, banning and criminalizing anti-Semitism and other anti-Jewish hate behaviors as part of the definition of Hate Crimes. Let it go underground, for then it becomes easier to regulate and use the Rico Act to throw these scumbags in jail. 2012-02-09T;22:54:00-05:00 Most of the retorts above use the same banal logic as the racist protesters of the Westboro Baptist Church. If we want to challenge these Jew baiters, we should be working to pressure our elected officials to pass legislation that will delegitimize racist Christians by making their protests of "hatred" illegal as is the case in 13 other Western nations. They are inciting people to take action against Jews by spewing their ugly filth, and legislating a ban on anti-Semitism is not a violation of their First Amendment Rights, but rather it ensures that our First Amenment Rights will not be violated, and that we do not have to tolerate the insults and verbal abuse. Fight fire with fire, and stop acting like wimps quoting the Bible and other arguments about who killed Jesus. That's old news. Challenging the hatred of prejudice is the message we must as Jews carry forward with this new Administration. It will protect us, and it protects others who are targets of the racists. 2012-02-09T;22:54:00-05:00 Most of the comments I've read above are so ignorant about nuclear defense it is absurd. The fact remains strategically were Israel to sign the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty it would legitimize her as a nuclear power. If a rogue nation state like Iran were to carry out its threats and attack Israel then she would have the right to respond in kind. It is a modified form of mutually assured destruction (MAD). Iranians have enough problems on their hands with their economy to risk an offensive attack on Israel with nuclear weapons, despite the noise we hear from their racist President. Similarly, a legitimized nuclear power will have influence over some of the other States in the region that feel threatened by the export of the Iranian revolution. Now, in the case of Syria and Iran, were it found out that Syria is getting support from the Iranian regime for its own nuclear ambitions as well as continued support for the spread of terrorists like Hamas, Islamic Jihad, and Hizbolah, then Israel has the upper hand again because the Iranians and Syrians will have to think twice whether they want to get involved in a protracted war over the Palestinian cause that might come back and bite them hard. Signing the NNPT is the best thing Israel could do in today's dangerous world. 2012-02-09T;22:54:00-05:00 There is no acceptable reason for maintaining Holocaust denial sites on Facebook. I'm sorry but the issue of the First Amendment is null and void when 13 other nations have criminalized Holocaust Denial as a hate crime along with anti-semitism. Facebook is licensed and controlled by the FCC, and use of anti-obscenity rules could be used to pressure Facebook to remove this filth and barbarism off the web. It may be the only peaceful means of settling this matter. There is zero tolerance of prejudice in most corporations in the world; yet Facebook is inconsistent in its policy. This is unacceptable hypocrisy. Boycotting Facebooks advertisers is another means to get the message across that we Jews will not tolerate this kind of persistent intimidation on our lives any more. 2012-02-09T;22:54:00-05:00 To respond to Tamar, if you know your history of the region, Iraq, Syria, and Iran have all wanted to dominate the region politically and militarily. Two Gulf Wars and regime change has created a power vacuum that hass enabled Iran to extend its clout and influence. This is power politics in action. Now, add the dimension of one of these powers obtaining nuclear arms. This threatens the security of the Saudi royals and their legitimacy to power. It threatens Israel's existence, particularly if Iran can launch the bomb on one of their rockets. Those 2 old fools you refer to have a much better grasp on the reality of human behavior and power politics and how nuclear war or the threat of war can be used than you do I'm so sorry to say. 2012-02-09T;22:54:00-05:00 Naturally, I detest hate crimes and prejudice against any ethnic group. It's morally wrong and it must be severely punished. However, I also feel considerable reservation taking up the cause of Islamophobia, when we are faced by many believers and Islamists who continue to denigrate us, debase and delegitimize our religion, our culture, our history in the Middle-East, including the establishment of Israel 60 years ago, along with disseminating some of the most pernicious, ugly and vile global Anti-Semitism (Witness Durban 1 & 2) as well denying the reality of the Holocaust. How can we step up to defend individuals and groups of amoral people who seek ultimately to eradicate us? I am torn between doing what is right and just in terms of how we should treat one another as human beings, but simultaneously, I am reluctant to defend people who routinely abuse us. I really dislike living in an "Us" versus "Them" world. Reality sucks. However, for me, Islamophobia is a different cause than our working together with African Americans in the US Civil Rights movement. After all, we too experienced slavery, and we too faced discrimination in the United States in the past. Accept our existance & legitimacy and I'd gladly lend my support to yours. There has to be reciprocity. 2012-02-09T;22:54:00-05:00 A very sad case of prejudice, but a decent resolution. Hopefully, Mustafa Tekinkaya, the Turkish-born Muslim, has learned something from this experience. Whether he is a Muslim or not, Gaza is not his battle and neither is it relevant for two paying customers. Obviously he didn't want the reputation of his business dragged down the drain. 2012-02-09T;22:54:00-05:00 This clearly demonstrates how much the PA considers the rights, health and welfare of their own people by cutting off payments to Israeli hospitals. Let's make the patients' lives more miserable, and then find a way to blame the Israeli's for it too. Victims of their own abuse and doing.... 2012-02-09T;22:54:00-05:00 I admire Mr. Wiesel's idea about a fitting punishment for Mr. Madoff. Should be an IMAX screen so that the only way to stop seeing the images is to close his eyes, but the volume should be on very loud. He'll crack in a couple of months. 2012-02-09T;22:54:00-05:00 This business man Rubashkin was alleged to be involved in trafficking illegal aliens, and money laundering. The charge of anti-Jewish bias certainly sounds like blowing smoke over the fact the guy is a crook, and he brings shame to all Jews, especially now in a climate of global Anti-Semitism as a result of the Gaza Conflict. These lawyers for the defendent are real schmucks trying to turn a local criminal case into case about racism. Enough nonsense is enough. 2012-02-09T;22:54:00-05:00 Pulling out is okay, but what about pulling money away from the Conference, and making it clear that the United States, Canada, Israel will not support functions of the United Nations that arer behaving in a blatantly racist way? 2012-02-09T;22:54:00-05:00 Me thinks Dictator Gadhafi has been smoking too much camel dung or recreational tea leaves in his tent before going to sleep at night. He is an unstable individual who can never be trusted. Maybe he's afraid that if we follow the money trail we might find he is supporting the Arab Janjaweed militia or the criminals running The Sudan's murderous regime..... 2012-02-09T;22:54:00-05:00 More pressing for European Governments and in the USA now is to work first, particularly with the Muslim immigrant (1st Generation) community to help them to better assimilate into regular society, instead of trying to relegate themselves to self-isolation. It is both linguistic and cultural alienation to modern democratic life that scares off and forces many people from expanding beyond their comfort zone of traditional values, some of which run counter to democratic norms. For the next generation, it is confusion of not feeling they fit in or belong to either society, and a willingness of Islamists to nuture them to accepting that Jihad and extremism is the only way to fight back and convert the rest of us to their traditional values. Obviously, that is not in any Western nation's national interests. 2012-02-09T;22:54:00-05:00 Actions speak louder than words. One should remain skeptical of a man who has said he wants people to take a loyalty oath to Israel. You cannot force loyalty down peoples' throats. 2012-02-09T;22:54:00-05:00 Amnesty International is another European NGO that has gone off the deep end. I"m not going to contribute to them and I would urge others to boycott them. They have little credibility and very poor researchers. The European economies are suffering so Israel becomes an easy target. Maybe they win brownie points by currying favor with the multitude of Islamists who have immigrated to the various countries to the point that they outnumber the Jewish minorities. 2012-02-09T;22:54:00-05:00 It seems awfully suspicious when the Lebanese Government and Hizbollah deny they are responsible for the Katyusha rocket firing. Who is then? The Man on the moon with a silver spoon? Time to triangulate radar or send drones into Lebanese airspace to monitor what's going on. 2012-02-09T;22:54:00-05:00 Don't you think we are being a little overly sensitive about this and the comments? I would say that Ben Stiller looks like a member of the Hells Angels on a Harley or playing for ZZ Tops. That style is kind of cool for many middle aged gentlemen. 2012-02-09T;22:54:00-05:00 Unfortunately, the Administration at Hampshire College has been exceptionally politically correct in trying not to hurt anyone's feelings on the subject. To get a realistic view of the debate, read the ongoing blog debate between Alan Dershowitz and President Hexter of Hampshire College. The school doesn't want to confront the pro-Palestinian group, which is leading to manipulation by both the student group and liberal university faculty who demonstrate anti-Semitic tendencies. (http://cgis.jpost.com/Blogs/dershowitz/entry/dear_president_hexter_of_hampshire) 2012-02-09T;22:54:00-05:00 The best solution, however, still would be for the Dubai Government to expedite issuance of a visa for Peer to participate in the tournament. I think it is wrong to congratulate the Dubai Government on providing a visa for the Male tennis player Ram, but let the excuses regarding security for Peer to slide. I don't think the pressue on the WTA and its sponsors should subside. The issue is still not resolved. Next year's tournament should not be in Dubai or any UAE country. Boytcotts of the sponsors and tourism in Dubai needs to be the bargaining chip. Perhaps Dubai should excuse itself from the Durban II Conference as well.... 2012-02-09T;22:54:00-05:00 This is excellent news. I hope the Government in the UK will also deny entry of Bishop Williamson. He should be expedited to Germany to face prosecution for inciting hate. Alternatively, perhaps he could be offered a "quiet" retirement at a secluded (meaning no e-mail, or outside contact) Catholic monastary on the grounds of the Vatican, so he can be monitored? 2012-02-09T;22:54:00-05:00 From reports in JPost and Haaretz, the deadline for approving visas is drawing to an close. So far the Wall Street Journal has indicated it will stop sponsorship of the tournament, but the WTA is tryinig to wait out the public outcry, so maybe people will forget about this matter. I say, "No way, Jose!" It is clear that we must start a movement to force two of the other key sponsors, Barclay's and Sony Ericsson to drop their sponsorship by sending e-mails to the respective corporate Headquarters, and use the mass media and word of mouth to recommend tourists to cancel their vacations to Dubai. We have to hit these commercial sponsors in the pocket book to force them to do what is right in terms of social responsiblity. Only then when it hurts will they act. It's a sad reality. The same is true with the economy of Dubai that is highly dependent on its tourism and hospitality sector. Sports and politics don't mix, and the refusal to allow a tennis player to play because both he and she are Israel is unconscionable. Finally, an even clearer message could be sent to the WTA and Dubai if other tennis players will join in and support their Israeli colleagues by refusing to participate in this tournament as well. Fans of the tennis stars should write to urge their support . Boycotts work. 2012-02-09T;22:54:00-05:00 Any attempt to compare the suffering of the Palestinians during the Gaza conflict with the Holocaust is blatantly anti-Jewish hatred, and must be condemned loudly. For a Muslim cleric at an interfaith summit would attempt to link or equate Arab and Muslim false perceptions of victimization with the persecution and mass-genocide of 6 million is simply outrageous. This just is another example of demonizing the de-legitimizing the historical significance of the Holocaust which is unacceptable. We Jews can relate to the suffering of our people and the mass-genocide of Cambodians during Pol Pot's regime, or the mass-genocide in Rawanda, and many other instances of mass-genocide. We cannot ever accept that there is ANY similiarity to what allegedly occurred during the Gaza conflict. Yes, Palestinians have suffered under Occupation. However, some of the blame for that suffering must be placed on the very people who hurl Anti-Semitic slurs at us, because they do not have any real concrete arguments to debate, other than ugly hatred, prejudice and an unwillingness to compromise and accept Israel as a legitimate nation in the Middle-East. This is the sad reality we face today, and Muslim clerics like Ikebal Patel are only deceiving their own flock by resorting to this kind of vulgarity. 2012-02-09T;22:54:00-05:00 It is far better for all concerned nations, including Israel, Canada, and France to participate in the planning stages of this conference. If, at the actual conference it becomes a "Hate Fest" then loudly walking out of the conference and refusing to fund any future UN conference should send a loud message to the Secretary General of the UN that he has to do something to earn his keep. Any attempts to equate Anti-Semitism with Arab victimization should also be resoundly resisted. The nonsense has to stop NOW!!! 2012-02-09T;22:54:00-05:00 Livni receive 28%, Netanyahu received 27% support, and the Israel Beiteinu - 15% under that right-wing nutjob, Chairman Avigdor Lieberman, and finally Labor at a miserable 13%. We already know that Netanyahu is not interested in a coalition Government with Kadima, and the direction Israel is going is toward the Right-wing. This is clearly going to be a setback for peace. We can expect the Palestinians to become more inflamatory with pursuing war crimes charges against Israel for the Gaza conflict. Not really a rosy win for Livni, now is it? 2012-02-09T;22:54:00-05:00 I was opposed when Bush established the Faith-based Office, and I'm even more opposed to allowing religious-based social organizations discriminating in hiring if they receive Federal funding. This violates separation of Church and State in our U.S. Constitution, and it clearly favors Christianity over other religious organizations. Faith-based organizations should be listed as NPO's and receive NO special entitlements or representation by the Government. This is a moral issue that needs to resolved by respecting our non-secular values when it comes to issues of governmental affairs. 2012-02-09T;22:54:00-05:00 As long as the French Government does not take anti-semitism seriously and takes immediate action to prosecute Islamists and fascists groups for defiling Synagouges and cemeteries, I have little respect for the French, nor will I spend any money on French products and services. The best solution to the problem is to support a major boycott of things French. 2012-02-09T;22:54:00-05:00 It would seem the so-called Bishop Williamson refuses to recant his revisionist thinking even by a papal order, and German bishops are calling for his removal, which is good news. The man has been a loose cannon and should never have been allowed back into the Catholic fold. He does more to damage interfaith relations, which is not good for anyone. 2012-02-09T;22:54:00-05:00 I concur with Robert Gordon's comments. Why is JTA even reporting what Robertson has to say? We just give him more publicity than he deserves, and it encourages him to think he and his organization is speaking for us. That's how the Right Wing feels that it speaks for the majority when it voices its position and political agenda. The buck stops here. 2012-02-09T;22:54:00-05:00 Frankly, who gives a toss what Pat Robertson and his band of Fundamentalist Christians have to say. I'm sorry, but the political affairs of Jerusalem are not the business of organized Christian groups. Christian Churches do have a legitimate presence in the Holy Land on matters of faith, but in terms of politics -- war & peace -- this is a concern exclusively for Jews and Palestinians in the region to sort out. We have to draw the line on this somewhere. Robertson should focus on the terrible economic mess the US is in, and how his Church will help the homeless and hungry domestically in our nation, instead of interfering with foreign political affairs. It is much like his inappropriate remarks about Hugo Chavez of Venezuela. Religious leaders should not be interfering with matters of State, period. 2012-02-09T;22:54:00-05:00 Personally speaking, Miriam, we use the words "anti-Semitism" too loosely without defining what we mean. Part of the criticism against us is that some parties tend to use the banner of "anti-semitism" to block legitimate criticism about Israeli Government policy. The attacks on the synagogue in Venezuela was motivated by religious intolerance and perhaps even given some official or unofficial backing by the Chavez Administration, since he was so quick to make a denial in response to said allegations. That being said, I too can well empathize with sentiment by many people during this Gaza War who have never seen the true horrors of war before, because it was broadcasted live by various media channels including Al-Jazeera (and its less than objective reporting methods) even when facts have established that the IDF took all possible precautions to limit collateral damage of civilians whilst targeting legitimate terrorists who were shooting rockets. People's normal gut level response to scenes of war/death/destruction is emotional. It is easy to get caught up in that emotion, which, unfortunately, the other side manipulates as propaganda. One has to take a detached, rational position to determine whether this war was justified or not. That is something students of political and military science are trained to do. 2012-02-09T;22:54:00-05:00 I disagree with Miriam's comment that the attacks in Caracas were not motivated by anti-Semitism. They were, and what is more the likelihood is this incident had unofficial backing from the Government of Hugo Chaves. I would agree that the attacks are also a response to disproportionate violence on the part of the IDF, but that is expected in a time of war. It's not a bloody chess game, Miriam. War is hell, and unfortunately, there is collateral damage, though I must admit the IDF's ability to minimize casualties is far better than the US Military's response in Afghanistan or in Iraq. Furthermore, public comments by the Israeli PM that a response to renewed rocket launches by Hamas would be "disproporationate" is something a leader should not voice, as this will result in potentially more protests and sympathy for the Palestinian cause, as well as acts of violence against Synagogues and other Jewish facilities. Israel should JUST DO IT when the enemy least expects it. 2012-02-09T;22:54:00-05:00 I totally agree there needs to be something that will counter the influence of Al Jazeera, but with more of the integrity and quality of the International Herald Tribune and BBC International Broadcasting. CNN plays too much to entertainment instead of investigative journalism, and Fox News is a misnomer for extremely biased reporting. Establishing a broadcast network that will prime the airwaves in Arabic and other languages (geared for countries where there are reported increases in anti-Jewish conduct) with PR and facts, via TV, Radio, internet & podcasts is something that needs backing of both the Israeli Government and private enterprises. There has to be commitment to funding and/or advertising to ensure such a broadcast network has the resources to reach as wide an audience as possible with a clear and succinct mission statement. Hiring of free-lance journalists who can be posted in various foreign regions would be a necessity as media sources like Haaretz and JPost tend to be lacking in reporting global events, maybe they are too closely associated with "Israel" and visas become a complex issue, especially in Moslem states. I could be mistaken, but one can get the impression that the Israeli audience for news has little interest in what is going on in the world outside of their home borders, the ME region, and things Jewish, but not necessarily including the world of Diaspora Jews, unless the issue is specifically on "anti-semitism". Both online papers make for tremendous interesting reading, but I personally find them both parochial and insular to say the least. 2012-02-09T;22:54:00-05:00 There is considerable dissent among the ranks of Hamas, particularly between the exiled Govt in Syria and Hamas in the Gaza strip that I wouldn't trust anything said about a one-year truce as far as I can spit (which ain't far certainly.) To me, a one year truce gives Hamas time to better organize and restock their rockets and other Iranian supplied weaponry. What is needed is to find a way to prevent Hamas from obtaining the $70 million in support aid that this terrorist group receives yearly. Find the sources of the finance, seize and confiscate these assets, or turn them over to Fatah & the PA with caveats on how it must be utilized. 2012-02-09T;22:54:00-05:00 Here is someone who is accused of bank fraud, money laundering and helping illegal immigrants procure fake documentation. Anyone else who is accused of such crimes would be considered a flight risk and be remanded in jail. While he will have his day in court, the fact a Jew is accused of these crimes demonstrates that this man is not following the teachings Judaism. He brings shame on all of us, particularly at this sensitive point in time (post Neo-Con Bush) when there is considerable criticism and questioning of our loyalty and patriotism as Americans. Rubashkin stoops to the level of convicted felons Jack Abramoff and Jonathan Pollard, the latter who was even a traitor to our nation. There is something to the Amish way of ostracizing those who betray the trust of the group. Maybe we ought to take a low key posture with regards to this individual until justice is served and a verdict is rendered. 2012-02-09T;22:54:00-05:00 Conservative Judaism, Fundamental Christianity, and conservatives in Islam share a common trait called intolerance of and a disrespectful attitude towards differences in belief. There is no compromise and no sharing. They cannot see what is right beneath their noses; there is so much in common among these three monotheistic religions in terms of the message of God and how to live fruitful lives. Even Eastern religions share many similarities that we should work together with, rather than brush off due to our prejudices. This intolerance might have been accepted as the norm one or two or more centuries ago but not in the 21st Century and in a pluralistic society such as ours. Time to grow up and smell & enjoy the roses we share. 2012-02-09T;22:54:00-05:00 I agree with Mr. Weisbard's comments. The Pope could have decided to reinstate 3 out of the 4 bishops in question, but he included Williamson, the Nazi revisionist. It is high time to seriously rethink Jewish cooperation with Catholic organizations. Calling for a ban on the Pope's visit to Israel ought to be considered as well. This is not solely an issue of internal politics within the Church when one of its flock is so overtly an anti-semite. 2012-02-09T;22:54:00-05:00 1000:1 ratio is a sign of weakness. Not a good idea. 2012-02-09T;22:54:00-05:00