F-Y-Eye

p2g itinerary

2012-01-10T16:04:00.002-06:00

DRAFT #234567

Partnership Steering Committee

January 15 -17, 2012

Sunday –Partnership in the Jewish World: Connection to our Roots, Our Place in the Future

(pre-meeting) 10:00 – Management meeting

12:00 Lunch

1:00 Welcome and Goals for the meeting

1:30 -2:30 Study session: Why Partnership: Our connection to Jewish sources

2:30 -2:45 Break

2:45- 3:30 JAFI, Partnerships and Global Planning Table update - Harold

3:45– 5:15 Presentation of new plans for Resource (human and financial) development

5:15 Dinner

6:00 Presentation by the Ballet and Dessert Reception

Monday – Partnership Resource Development – Human and Financial – How do we do it?

8:30 -10:00 Resource (human and financial) development – small group discussions-How do we organize in our communities and in the Consortium?

10:00 -10:15 Break

10:15 -12:30 Fundraising and solicitation workshop – Harold, Michael and Susan

12:30 Lunch

1:30 -2:30 Best Practices on setting up a community Partnership committee - presentations – discussion

2:30 - Break

2:45 -5:00 New initiatives of the task forces (Each task force will present one initiative that it wants to market)

7:00 Dinner at a family's house

Tuesday – Birth to Birthright; Birthright to Leadership; Leadership to Legacy

8:00 -Calendar of Opportunities- Review and explanation of remaining opportunities for current year.

9:00 -11:30 Planning and Advisory

· Budget decisions

· Birthright recruitment – Home and Away

· Consortium wide mission

· Youth Futures

· Need for rework of Mission statement

· Additional items

· B2B

Sept. 9: Federation's IAN Teleconference: David Makovsky on the Palestinian UN Bid for Independence

2011-09-07T11:11:00.001-05:00

The Jewish Federation's Israel Action Network will present a conference call

Friday, September 9 11:00 am Central Time with

political analyst David Makovsky of the Washington Institute for Near East Studies.

Mr. Makovsky will help clarify the implications of the Unilateral Declaration of Independence,

which is expected to be introduced by Palestinian leadership at the UN on Sept. 20.

JCRC and Jewish Federation hope you can be available for this important conference call.

For the toll free call-in number and passcode, contact jcrc@dmjfed.org


	IAN Alert

IAN Teleconference with David Makovsky
September 7, 2011

The Israel Action Network (IAN) is hosting a special teleconference this week with David Makovsky, Ziegler Distinguished Fellow and Director of the Project on the Middle East Peace Process at The Washington Institute. The discussion will take place in advance of the release of an extended study on the unilateral declaration of Palestinian statehood (UDI) by Makovsky.

The call, at noon (EST) Friday, Sept. 9, is part of efforts by the IAN, a project of the Jewish Federations of North America, in partnership with the Jewish Council for Public Affairs, to help communities meet emerging challenges surrounding the Palestinian’s UN effort and other Israel advocacy issues. Mr. Makovsky will help clarify the implications of UDI, which is expected to be introduced by Palestinian leadership at the UN on Sept. 20.

You can express your opposition to UDI by signing an online petition, created by IAN, in partnership with the Jewish Community Relations Council of New York (JCRC-NY), which will be presented to the U.N. as part of a larger community relations and media strategy.

Biography of David Makovsky:

David Makovsky is the Ziegler Distinguished Fellow and Director of the Project on the Middle East Peace Process at The Washington Institute. He is also an adjunct lecturer in Middle Eastern studies at Johns Hopkins University's Paul H. Nitze School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS).

Mr. Makovsky is the coauthor with Dennis Ross of the 2009 book Myths, Illusions, and Peace: Finding a New Direction for America in the Middle East (Viking/Penguin), as well as numerous other books and policy papers.

Mr. Makovsky is a member of the Council on Foreign Relations and the London-based International Institute for Strategic Studies. His commentary on the peace process and the Arab-Israeli conflict has appeared in the New York Times, the Washington Post, the Los Angeles Times, the Wall Street Journal, the Financial Times, the International Herald Tribune, the Chicago Tribune, Foreign Affairs, Foreign Policy, and National Interest.

Before joining The Washington Institute, Mr. Makovsky was an award-winning journalist who covered the peace process from 1989 to 2000. He is the former executive editor of the Jerusalem Post, was diplomatic correspondent for Israel's leading daily, Haaretz, and is a former contributing editor to U.S. News and World Report.

A native of St. Louis, Missouri, Mr. Makovsky received a bachelor's degree from Columbia University and a master's degree in Middle East studies from Harvard University.

www.JewishFederations.org

The Jewish Federations of North America
Wall Street Station
PO Box 157
New York, NY 10268

Salowitz: Need for food assistance in Iowa increasing

2011-09-01T08:31:00.001-05:00

August 25: Special JCRC lunch. ISRAEL UPDATE with remarks from the Rabbis

2011-08-19T10:59:00.001-05:00

-- Please make an effort to attend this important program, open to the community. --

Special JCRC Event in light of yesterday's tragic terrorist attack on Israel from the Sinai

* Thursday, August 25, 2011 * 12:15 pm at Tifereth Israel Synagogue

ISRAEL UPDATE from JCRC

with remarks by Rabbi Leib Bollel, Rabbi Steven Edelman-Blank, and Rabbi David Kaufman

followed by discussion.

For your convenience, those wishing to order a parve, dairy, or vegetarian lunch from Palmer's Deli can place their order through jcrc@dmjfed.org

Thank you for your interest. To facilitate set up, RSVP to jcrc@dmjfed.org

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Note: This program replaces the previously scheduled JCRC Current Events lunch on Thursday September 1st. The topic for September 1st will be re-programmed.

Jewish Federation: Stand with Israel against contractors of terrorism

2011-08-18T10:42:00.001-05:00

Statement from The Jewish Federation of Greater Des Moines August 18, 2011

The Jewish Federation of Greater Des Moines condemns the multiple cross border attacks by Arab terrorists today on southern Israel from the Sinai. We join with the people of Israel in mourning those whose lives were taken by the terrorists, including the two children ages 4 and 6.

We stand with Israel as it seeks to protect its citizens from further attacks.

Israel is committed to negotiating peace with the Palestinians. It is prepared to make hard concessions to provide for a two state resolution, recognizing Palestine as the state of the Palestinian people.

But to do so, the Palestinian leadership must speak with one voice for peace, for acceptance of Israel as the Jewish homeland and for a permanent end to the conflict.

Make no mistake about it: Such attacks as the ones today are intended to encourage others to weaken and eliminate Israel -- in this case, by establishing a southern front, once secured by the peace treaty with Egypt. There is already a northern front, threatened by Hizballah. There is the western front, threatened by Hamas. And there is an overall threat by both alQaeda and the Iranian Islamic Revolutionary regime. None of the above named bodies -- under any conditions, no matter what conciliatory policy Israel adopts in the West Bank-- accepts the concept of Israel as a Jewish and democratic state. The attacks on Israel, including attacks on its civilians from Gaza or Sinai are designed to displace Israel, not change its policies.

It is important, therefore, that Americans stand with Israel against the contractors of terrorism and that Americans demand that the Palestinian leadership speak with one voice for peace.

Mark S. Finkelstein

Director of Community Relations

Jewish Federation of Greater Des Moines

33158 Ute Avenue

Waukee, IA 50263

Send comments to jcrc@dmjfed.org

cc: Barbara Hirsch-Giller, President

Elaine Steinger, Executive Director

Steven Schoenebaum, JCRC Chair

A Partnership Revolution: new brand, new resources, new people.

2011-08-16T09:37:00.000-05:00

A Partnership Revolution: new brand, new resources, new people.

The Jewish Agency for Israel's Partnership Unit officially launched the new ‘Partnership2Gether’ (P2G) brand during the 5th Partnerships Conference in Tel Aviv this summer. The new name replaces Partnership 2000 / Partnership with Israel, which had been in use for the past 15 years in 550 communities and 45 Partnerships.

Along with this new brand, dynamic changes are taking place in our Western Galilee/ US Central Area Consortium Partnership. Our P2G Co-Chairs, Zoe Riekes (returning U.S. Central Area Consortium Chair) and David Laron (Western Galilee Chair), said to ensure a flourishing future we will strive to expand our network, impact, awareness, and support – all of our activities – by 10 times within the next 3 years. For example, if we currently have 500 teenagers engaged in our programs both in the US and the Western Galilee, by 2014 we will strive to multiply that number by 10 to have a total 5,000 teenagers involved. Woah - that’s a big multiplier, right?

Even in the best of times how can we expect that type of growth to happen? How do we achieve this when we are dealing with tightened budgets, leadership changes, and a complex system of connections, programs, and communities? Both Zoe and David agree this will not be an easy task but they know that we have a highly professional staff and lay leaders in place who can initiate a strategic plan to execute our goal. Based on a recent GAP analysis survey of our Partnership, our focus will shift to three critical challenges or ‘gaps’ and in doing so we will be moving ourselves into position to achieve the WG/Central Area Consortium P2G x10 Goal.

Challenge 1: Engage & Utilize Communication Platforms - Inform, Enlighten & Inspire

Partnership is about building people-to-people connections; obviously we should be the best at communication, right? David Laron said, based on our GAP analysis results, we have under-utilized our communication resources. Too many are stuck in old ways of communication; there is a lack of initiative in exploring and using new technologies and online networks. It is critical to our Partnership’s future success that we effectively communicate.

A central communication platform will be launched that will allow our communities to be instantly connected and updated. This new platform will increase productivity, initiate collaboration, build on our connections, increase dialogue, and strengthen our engagement and commitment. In addition, we will actively harness the power of social networks to create a synergy of connection allowing anyone at anytime, no matter where they may be, to tap into the flowing stream of current Partnership information – to be informed, enlightened, to inspire and to be inspired.

Challenge 2: Expansion of Lay Leadership & Volunteers – Involve, Network & Grow

Once the new communication tools are initiated and used, we will have a well-oiled support system in place to expand our people resources. As Zoe states, our Partnership is a model for others, we are considered pioneers of the Partnership organization and should be proud of all we’ve accomplished to this point. To continue the success and momentum of our best practices we need to build upon the passion of our current pool of lay leadership and volunteers and expand our people resources. This will involve creating specific programs that target recruitment initiatives. We will be actively planning and introducing new programs focused on involving and growing our team of talented and passionate people.

Challenge 3: Expansion of Financial Resources & Relationships with Partnering Organizations – Stabilize, Secure, & Strengthen

During the next year we will develop a strategic plan for fundraising in Israel while simultaneously seeking new cooperation with organizations to establish a stronger financial base. This is big news – we are planning to expand upon the current funds that come from our Federations Partnership allocations, and begin to create additional avenues of revenue to support our programs for the future.

Zoe and David spoke for all of us when mentioning the tremendous appreciation we have for our US communities continued support, and they agree that it is time to initiate additional creative approaches to ensure a strong financial platform for a flourishing future. Our Partnership mission is focused on creating and promoting mutually beneficial endeavors - forging relationships through programs that build Jewish identity and strengthen connections. To fully realize our mission we will initiate a balance in our fundraising efforts – we’re in it together, we’re intrinsically connected, and we have the potential to grow exponentially because of it.

Our programs have proven to be successful and are life-changing for our participants. We have touched over 30,000 people’s lives in the past 13 years. Just as we’ve seen other revolutions taking place around the world, we will face our current challenges directly and with a keen focus, knowing that we have great momentum behind us and even more amazing potential for our future. The time is now to start our WG/Central Area Consortium P2G x10 Revolution. Join us, connect and make a difference today.

For more information on Partnership2Gether programs contact your local Jewish Federation and visit: www.westerngalilee.org.il

For young Jewish adults: Birthright Israel Winter trip via the P2G Central Consortium

2011-08-03T14:17:00.001-05:00

U Iowa Prelim info

2011-07-25T13:32:00.000-05:00

Dear Parent/Guardian:

The below message was just sent to your admitted student, and we also wanted to share this information with you.

Dear
We look forward to seeing you at Orientation August 15! This e-mail is a reminder to take any required placement tests before the deadlines outlined in this e-mail so your academic advisor can appropriately assist you during Orientation. Your placement test scores help determine the level of course work appropriate to your ability. We require all tests to be completed at least 14 days before your scheduled Orientation.
Our records show you still need to complete the online Mathematics Placement Test (MPT). The deadline to complete this is August 1, based on your August 15 Orientation date. You’ll be given 60 minutes for the test, but plan to allow 90 minutes so you can take the tutorial and practice test beforehand.
Depending on your major, you may also need to complete the Chemistry Diagnotic Test (CDT) if you haven’t already. Whether or not you need to take the World Languages Placement Test (WLPT) depends on your previous study of a world language and your future plans for language study at Iowa. These tests also need to be completed no later than August 1 based on your Orientation date.
You can access all placement tests through the “Your Next Steps” section of your Admissions Profile on ISIS.
Your Admissions Profile on ISIS also explains our measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) immunization requirement and will indicate if we still need additional information from you, such as your official test scores or final official transcript.
If you misplaced your Hawk ID and password or need your password reset, call the Office of Admissions at 1-800-553-4692 or 319-335-3847 between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.
Also, be sure to bring your Hawk ID and password with you to Orientation as you will need them to register for classes.
Sincerely,
The University of Iowa
Orientation Services
P.S. Now that you're officially a Hawkeye, join the Official Facebook Page for the UI Class of 2015!

Ajami: UN Can't Deliver a Palestinian State

2011-06-01T09:31:00.001-05:00

Wall Street Journal – June 1, 2011

The U.N. Can't Deliver a Palestinian State

By Fouad Ajami

It had been quite a scramble, the prelude to the vote on Nov. 29, 1947, on the question of the partition of Palestine. The United Nations itself was only two years old and had just 56 member states; the Cold War was gathering force, and no one was exactly sure how the two pre-eminent powers, the United States and the Soviet Union, would vote. The Arab and Muslim states were of course unalterably opposed, for partition was a warrant for a Jewish state.

In the end, the vote broke for partition, the U.S. backed the resolution, and two days later the Soviet Union followed suit. It was a close call: 10 states had abstained, 13 had voted against, 33 were in favor, only two votes over the required two-thirds majority.

Now, some six decades later, the Palestinians are calling for a vote in the next session of the General Assembly, in September, to ratify a unilateral declaration of Palestinian statehood. In part, this is an appropriation by the Palestinians of the narrative of Zionism. The vote in 1947 was viewed as Israel's basic title to independence and statehood. The Palestinians and the Arab powers had rejected partition and chosen the path of war. Their choice was to prove calamitous.

By the time the guns had fallen silent, the Yishuv, the Jewish community in Palestine, had held its ground against the combined armies of Egypt, Jordan, Syria and Iraq. Its forces stood on the shores of the Red Sea in the south, and at the foot of the Golan Heights in the north. Palestinian society had collapsed under the pressure of war. The elites had made their way to neighboring lands. Rural communities had been left atomized and leaderless. The cities had fought, and fallen, alone.

Palestine had become a great Arab shame. Few Arabs were willing to tell the story truthfully, to face its harsh verdict. Henceforth the Palestinians would live on a vague idea of restoration and return. No leader had the courage to tell the refugees who had left Acre and Jaffa and Haifa that they could not recover the homes and orchards of their imagination.

Some had taken the keys to their houses with them to Syria and Lebanon and across the river to Jordan. They were no more likely to find political satisfaction than the Jews who had been banished from Baghdad and Beirut and Cairo, and Casablanca and Fez, but the idea of return, enshrined into a "right of return," would persist. (Wadi Abu Jamil, the Jewish quarter of the Beirut of my boyhood, is now a Hezbollah stronghold, and no narrative exalts or recalls that old presence.)

History hadn't stood still. The world was remade. In 1947-48, when the Zionists had secured their statehood, empires were coming apart, borders were fluid, the international system of states as we know it quite new. India and Pakistan had emerged as independent, hostile states out of the partition of the subcontinent in 1947, and Israel had secured its place in the order of nations a year later. Many of the Arab states were still in their infancy.

But the world is a vastly different place today. The odds might favor the Palestinians in the General Assembly, but any victory would be hollow.

The Palestinians have misread what transpired at the General Assembly in 1947. True, the cause of Jewish statehood had been served by the vote on partition, but the Zionist project had already prevailed on the ground. Jewish statehood was a fait accompli perhaps a decade before that vote. All the ingredients had been secured by Labor Zionism. There was a military formation powerful enough to defeat the Arab armies, there were political institutions in place, and there were gifted leaders, David Ben-Gurion pre-eminent among them, who knew what can be had in the world of nations.

The vote at the General Assembly was of immense help, but it wasn't the decisive factor in the founding of the Jewish state. The hard work had been done in the three decades between the Balfour Declaration of 1917 and the vote on partition. Realism had guided the Zionist project. We will take a state even if it is the size of a tablecloth, said Chaim Weizmann, one of the founding fathers of the Zionist endeavor.

Sadly, the Palestinian national movement has known a different kind of leadership, unique in its mix of maximalism and sense of entitlement, in its refusal to accept what can and can't be had in the world of nations. Leadership is often about luck, the kind of individuals a people's history brings forth. It was the distinct misfortune of the Palestinians that when it truly mattered, and for nearly four decades, they were led by a juggler, Yasser Arafat, a man fated to waste his people's chances.

Arafat was neither a Ben-Gurion leading his people to statehood, nor an Anwar Sadat accepting the logic of peace and compromise. He had been an enemy of Israel, but Israel had reached an accord with him in 1993, made room for him, and for a regime of his choice in Gaza. He had warred against the United States, but American diplomacy had fallen under his spell, and the years of the Clinton presidency were devoted to the delusion that the man could summon the courage to accept a practical peace.

But Arafat would do nothing of the kind. Until his death in 2004, he refrained from telling the Palestinians the harsh truths they needed to hear about the urgency of practicality and compromise. Instead, he held out the illusion that the Palestinians can have it all, from the River Jordan to the Mediterranean. His real constituents were in the refugee camps in Lebanon and Syria and Jordan, and among the Palestinians in Kuwait. So he peddled the dream that history's verdict could be overturned, that the "right of return" was theirs.

There was hope that the Arafat legacy would go with him to the grave. The new Palestinian Authority leader Mahmoud Abbas had been a lieutenant of Arafat's, but there were hints of a break with the Arafat legacy. The alliance between Fatah and Hamas that Mr. Abbas has opted for put these hopes to rest. And the illusion that the U.N. can break the stalemate in the Holy Land is vintage Arafat. […]

The General Assembly may, in September, vote to ratify a unilateral declaration of Palestinian statehood. But true Palestinian statehood requires convincing a decisive Israeli majority that statehood is a herald for normalcy in that contested land, for Arabs and Jews alike.

Mr. Ajami is a professor at the Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies and a senior fellow at the Hoover Institution. He is co-chair of the Hoover Working Group on Islamism and the International Order.

Remarks by the President at the AIPAC Policy Conference 2011

2011-05-23T09:33:00.001-05:00

THE WHITE HOUSE

Office of the Press Secretary

________________________________________________________________

For Immediate Release May 22, 2011

REMARKS BY THE PRESIDENT

AT THE AIPAC POLICY CONFERENCE 2011

Walter E. Washington Convention Center

Washington, D.C.

10:56 A.M. EDT

THE PRESIDENT: Good morning. Thank you very much. (Applause.) Good morning. Thank you. Thank you so much. Please, have a seat. Thank you.

What a remarkable, remarkable crowd. Thank you, Rosy, for your very kind introduction. I did not know you played basketball. (Laughter.) I will take your word for it. (Laughter.) Rosy, thank you for your many years of friendship. Back in Chicago, when I was just getting started in national politics, I reached out to a lot of people for advice and counsel, and Rosy was one of the very first. When I made my first visit to Israel, after entering the Senate, Rosy, you were at my side every step of that profound journey through the Holy Land. So I want to thank you for your enduring friendship, your leadership, and for your warm introduction today.

I also want to thank David Victor, Howard Kohr and all the board of directors. And let me say that it is wonderful to look out and see so many great friends, including a very large delegation from Chicago. (Applause.) Alan Solow, Howard Green. Thank you all.

I want to thank the members of Congress who are joining you today -- who do so much to sustain the bonds between the United States and Israel, including Eric Cantor -- (applause) -- Steny Hoyer -- (applause) -- and the tireless leader I was proud to appoint as the new chair of the DNC, Debbie Wasserman Schultz. (Applause.)

We’re joined by Israel’s representative to the United States, Ambassador Michael Oren. (Applause.) And we’re joined by one of my top advisors on Israel and the Middle East for the past four years and who I know is going to be an outstanding ambassador to Israel, Dan Shapiro. (Applause.) Dan has always been a close and trusted advisor and friend, and I know that he will do a terrific job.

And at a time when so many young people around the world are standing up and making their voices heard, I also want to acknowledge all the college students from across the country who are here today. (Applause.) No one has a greater stake in the outcome of events that are unfolding today than your generation, and it’s inspiring to see you devote your time and energy to help shape that future.

Now, I’m not here to subject you to a long policy speech. I gave one on Thursday in which I said that the United States sees the historic changes sweeping the Middle East and North Africa as a moment of great challenge, but also a moment of opportunity for greater peace and security for the entire region, including the State of Israel.

On Friday, I was joined at the White House by Prime Minister Netanyahu, and we reaffirmed -- (applause) -- we reaffirmed that fundamental truth that has guided our presidents and prime ministers for more than 60 years -- that even while we may at times disagree, as friends sometimes will, the bonds between the United States and Israel are unbreakable -- (applause) -- and the commitment of the United States to the security of Israel is ironclad. (Applause.)

A strong and secure Israel is in the national security interest of the United States not simply because we share strategic interests, although we do both seek a region where families and children can live free from the threat of violence. It’s not simply because we face common dangers, although there can be no denying that terrorism and the spread of nuclear weapons are grave threats to both our nations.

America’s commitment to Israel’s security flows from a deeper place -- and that’s the values we share. As two people who struggled to win our freedom against overwhelming odds, we understand that preserving the security for which our forefathers -- and foremothers -- fought must be the work of every generation. As two vibrant democracies, we recognize that the liberties and freedoms we cherish must be constantly nurtured. And as the nation that recognized the State of Israel moments after its independence, we have a profound commitment to its survival as a strong, secure homeland for the Jewish people. (Applause.)

We also know how difficult that search for security can be, especially for a small nation like Israel living in a very tough neighborhood. I’ve seen it firsthand. When I touched my hand against the Western Wall and placed my prayer between its ancient stones, I thought of all the centuries that the children of Israel had longed to return to their ancient homeland. When I went to Sderot and saw the daily struggle to survive in the eyes of an eight-year-old boy who lost his leg to a Hamas rocket, and when I walked among the Hall of Names at Yad Vashem, I was reminded of the existential fear of Israelis when a modern dictator seeks nuclear weapons and threatens to wipe Israel off the face of the map -- face of the Earth.

Because we understand the challenges Israel faces, I and my administration have made the security of Israel a priority. It’s why we’ve increased cooperation between our militaries to unprecedented levels. It’s why we’re making our most advanced technologies available to our Israeli allies. (Applause.) It’s why, despite tough fiscal times, we’ve increased foreign military financing to record levels. (Applause.) And that includes additional support –- beyond regular military aid -– for the Iron Dome anti-rocket system. (Applause.) A powerful example of American-Israeli cooperation -- a powerful example of American-Israeli cooperation which has already intercepted rockets from Gaza and helped saved Israeli lives. So make no mistake, we will maintain Israel’s qualitative military edge. (Applause.)

You also see our commitment to our shared security in our determination to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons. (Applause.) Here in the United States, we’ve imposed the toughest sanctions ever on the Iranian regime. (Applause.) At the United Nations, under our leadership, we’ve secured the most comprehensive international sanctions on the regime, which have been joined by allies and partners around the world. Today, Iran is virtually cut off from large parts of the international financial system, and we’re going to keep up the pressure. So let me be absolutely clear –- we remain committed to preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons. (Applause.)

Its illicit nuclear program is just one challenge that Iran poses. As I said on Thursday, the Iranian government has shown its hypocrisy by claiming to support the rights of protesters while treating its own people with brutality. Moreover, Iran continues to support terrorism across the region, including providing weapons and funds to terrorist organizations. So we will continue to work to prevent these actions, and we will stand up to groups like Hezbollah, who exercise political assassination and seek to impose their will through rockets and car bombs.

You also see our commitment to Israel’s security in our steadfast opposition to any attempt to de-legitimize the State of Israel. (Applause.) As I said at the United Nations last year, “Israel’s existence must not be a subject for debate,” and “efforts to chip away at Israel’s legitimacy will only be met by the unshakeable opposition of the United States.” (Applause.)

So when the Durban Review Conference advanced anti-Israel sentiment, we withdrew. In the wake of the Goldstone Report, we stood up strongly for Israel’s right to defend itself. (Applause.) When an effort was made to insert the United Nations into matters that should be resolved through direct negotiations between Israelis and Palestinians, we vetoed it. (Applause.)

And so, in both word and deed, we have been unwavering in our support of Israel’s security. (Applause.) And it is precisely because of our commitment to Israel’s long-term security that we have worked to advance peace between Israelis and Palestinians. (Applause.)

Now, I have said repeatedly that core issues can only be negotiated in direct talks between the parties. (Applause.) And I indicated on Thursday that the recent agreement between Fatah and Hamas poses an enormous obstacle to peace. (Applause.) No country can be expected to negotiate with a terrorist organization sworn to its destruction. (Applause.) And we will continue to demand that Hamas accept the basic responsibilities of peace, including recognizing Israel’s right to exist and rejecting violence and adhering to all existing agreements. (Applause.) And we once again call on Hamas to release Gilad Shalit, who has been kept from his family for five long years. (Applause.)

And yet, no matter how hard it may be to start meaningful negotiations under current circumstances, we must acknowledge that a failure to try is not an option. The status quo is unsustainable. And that is why on Thursday I stated publicly the principles that the United States believes can provide a foundation for negotiations toward an agreement to end the conflict and all claims -- the broad outlines of which have been known for many years, and have been the template for discussions between the United States, Israel, and the Palestinians since at least the Clinton administration.

I know that stating these principles -- on the issues of territory and security -- generated some controversy over the past few days. (Laughter.) I wasn’t surprised. I know very well that the easy thing to do, particularly for a President preparing for reelection, is to avoid any controversy. I don’t need Rahm to tell me that. Don’t need Axelrod to tell me that. But I said to Prime Minister Netanyahu, I believe that the current situation in the Middle East does not allow for procrastination. I also believe that real friends talk openly and honestly with one another. (Applause.) So I want to share with you some of what I said to the Prime Minister.

Here are the facts we all must confront. First, the number of Palestinians living west of the Jordan River is growing rapidly and fundamentally reshaping the demographic realities of both Israel and the Palestinian Territories. This will make it harder and harder -- without a peace deal -- to maintain Israel as both a Jewish state and a democratic state.

Second, technology will make it harder for Israel to defend itself in the absence of a genuine peace.

Third, a new generation of Arabs is reshaping the region. A just and lasting peace can no longer be forged with one or two Arab leaders. Going forward, millions of Arab citizens have to see that peace is possible for that peace to be sustained.

And just as the context has changed in the Middle East, so too has it been changing in the international community over the last several years. There’s a reason why the Palestinians are pursuing their interests at the United Nations. They recognize that there is an impatience with the peace process, or the absence of one, not just in the Arab World -- in Latin America, in Asia, and in Europe. And that impatience is growing, and it’s already manifesting itself in capitals around the world.

And those are the facts. I firmly believe, and I repeated on Thursday, that peace cannot be imposed on the parties to the conflict. No vote at the United Nations will ever create an independent Palestinian state. And the United States will stand up against efforts to single Israel out at the United Nations or in any international forum. (Applause.) Israel’s legitimacy is not a matter for debate. That is my commitment; that is my pledge to all of you. (Applause.)

Moreover, we know that peace demands a partner –- which is why I said that Israel cannot be expected to negotiate with Palestinians who do not recognize its right to exist. (Applause.) And we will hold the Palestinians accountable for their actions and for their rhetoric. (Applause.)

But the march to isolate Israel internationally -- and the impulse of the Palestinians to abandon negotiations –- will continue to gain momentum in the absence of a credible peace process and alternative. And for us to have leverage with the Palestinians, to have leverage with the Arab States and with the international community, the basis for negotiations has to hold out the prospect of success. And so, in advance of a five-day trip to Europe in which the Middle East will be a topic of acute interest, I chose to speak about what peace will require.

There was nothing particularly original in my proposal; this basic framework for negotiations has long been the basis for discussions among the parties, including previous U.S. administrations. Since questions have been raised, let me repeat what I actually said on Thursday -- not what I was reported to have said.

I said that the United States believes that negotiations should result in two states, with permanent Palestinian borders with Israel, Jordan, and Egypt, and permanent Israeli borders with Palestine. The borders of Israel and Palestine should be based on the 1967 lines with mutually agreed swaps -- (applause) -- so that secure and recognized borders are established for both states. The Palestinian people must have the right to govern themselves, and reach their potential, in a sovereign and contiguous state.

As for security, every state has the right to self-defense, and Israel must be able to defend itself –- by itself -– against any threat. (Applause.) Provisions must also be robust enough to prevent a resurgence of terrorism, to stop the infiltration of weapons, and to provide effective border security. (Applause.) And a full and phased withdrawal of Israeli military forces should be coordinated with the assumption of Palestinian security responsibility in a sovereign and non-militarized state. (Applause.) And the duration of this transition period must be agreed, and the effectiveness of security arrangements must be demonstrated. (Applause.)

Now, that is what I said. And it was my reference to the 1967 lines -- with mutually agreed swaps -- that received the lion’s share of the attention, including just now. And since my position has been misrepresented several times, let me reaffirm what “1967 lines with mutually agreed swaps” means.

By definition, it means that the parties themselves -– Israelis and Palestinians -– will negotiate a border that is different than the one that existed on June 4, 1967. (Applause.) That’s what mutually agreed-upon swaps means. It is a well-known formula to all who have worked on this issue for a generation. It allows the parties themselves to account for the changes that have taken place over the last 44 years. (Applause.) It allows the parties themselves to take account of those changes, including the new demographic realities on the ground, and the needs of both sides. The ultimate goal is two states for two people: Israel as a Jewish state and the homeland for the Jewish people -- (applause) -- and the State of Palestine as the homeland for the Palestinian people -- each state in joined self-determination, mutual recognition, and peace. (Applause.)

If there is a controversy, then, it’s not based in substance. What I did on Thursday was to say publicly what has long been acknowledged privately. I’ve done so because we can’t afford to wait another decade, or another two decades, or another three decades to achieve peace. (Applause.) The world is moving too fast. The world is moving too fast. The extraordinary challenges facing Israel will only grow. Delay will undermine Israel’s security and the peace that the Israeli people deserve.

Now, I know that some of you will disagree with this assessment. I respect that. And as fellow Americans and friends of Israel, I know we can have this discussion.

Ultimately, it is the right and the responsibility of the Israeli government to make the hard choices that are necessary to protect a Jewish and democratic state for which so many generations have sacrificed. (Applause.) And as a friend of Israel, I’m committed to doing our part to see that this goal is realized. And I will call not just on Israel, but on the Palestinians, on the Arab States, and the international community to join us in this effort, because the burden of making hard choices must not be Israel’s alone. (Applause.)

But even as we do all that’s necessary to ensure Israel’s security, even as we are clear-eyed about the difficult challenges before us, and even as we pledge to stand by Israel through whatever tough days lie ahead, I hope we do not give up on that vision of peace. For if history teaches us anything, if the story of Israel teaches us anything, it is that with courage and resolve, progress is possible. Peace is possible.

The Talmud teaches us that, “So long as a person still has life, they should never abandon faith.” And that lesson seems especially fitting today.

For so long as there are those across the Middle East and beyond who are standing up for the legitimate rights and freedoms which have been denied by their governments, the United States will never abandon our support for those rights that are universal.

And so long as there are those who long for a better future, we will never abandon our pursuit of a just and lasting peace that ends this conflict with two states living side by side in peace and security. This is not idealism; it is not naïveté. It is a hard-headed recognition that a genuine peace is the only path that will ultimately provide for a peaceful Palestine as the homeland of the Palestinian people and a Jewish state of Israel as the homeland of the Jewish people. (Applause.) That is my goal, and I look forward to continuing to work with AIPAC to achieve that goal.

Thank you. God bless you. God bless Israel, and God bless the United States of America. (Applause.) Thank you.

END 11:21 P.M. EDT

The White House · 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW · Washington DC 20500 · 202-456-1111

June 4: NEA Jazz Master Dave Liebman at the Caspe Terrace

2011-05-18T14:49:00.011-05:00

Dave Liebman with Guitarist Vic Juris
Sat., June 4 7:30 pm at the Caspe Terrace in Waukee
For tickets, call 279-6452

Earlier this year, saxophonist Dave Liebman was on the stage of the Kennedy Center receiving the Jazz Master designation from the National Endowment For The Arts, the highest honor for

jazz musicians in America.

On June 4, he'll be on the stage at Caspe Terrace in Waukee. Dave will be joined by long-time

musical partner guitarist Vic Juris for their first-ever duo performance.

Dave is one of the most prolific players on the scene, who began his career in the bands of trumpeter

Miles Davis and drummer Elvin Jones. He is a direct connection to saxophone master John Coltrane,

who inspired Dave early in his career.

There is no better place to experience the subtleties of this music than Caspe Terrace.

Join Dave for a question and answer session at 6:30 p.m., prior to the show.

Seating is limited to 150 so order your tickets today by contacting Abe Goldstien

at 515.279.6452 or abe@trilixgroup.com.

Presented by Abe Goldstien and Jackie Garnett with support from the Jewish Federation of Greater Des Moines and the Waukee Arts Council

Recent and upcoming B'nai Mitzvah

2011-05-16T11:50:00.000-05:00

All of the following B'nai mitzvah will be or were held at Temple B'nai Jeshurun.

04/30/11	10:00 AM	Sarah Rose Ballard
05/21/11	10:00 AM	Mandi Vogel
05/28/11	4:30 PM	Gabriel Butler-Klein
06/04/11	4:30 PM	Regan Copple
06/11/11	10:00 AM	Eva Saltzman
06/18/11	4:30 PM	Samantha Sobel

The Jewish Federation wishes Mazel Tov to the students and their families!

May 8 Israel Independence Day program!

2011-05-03T12:08:00.001-05:00

The community's Israel Independence Day celebration

Sunday, May 8, 2011 7:00 pm at Temple B'nai Jeshurun

Sponsored by Tifereth Israel Synagogue, Ames Jewish Congregation, Beth El Jacob Synagogue, Temple B'nai Jeshurun, Judaic Resource Center, and Jewish Federation of Greater Des Moines

Come enjoy the free Falafel Bar
in celebration of Israel's 63rd Birthday!

Falafel and Pita

Hummus, Tahini Sauce

Zchug (Harissa) – spicy sauce

Feta Cheese

Tomato and Cucumber Salad with mint

Tzatziki (yogurt sauce)

Pickled Red Onions

Sweet Potato Fries

Ice Cream

Lemonade

Iced Tea

Pop

Catered by The Tangerine Food Company

May 23: A Balanced Presentation on the Arab-Israeli Conflict

2011-05-02T10:26:00.001-05:00

The Troublesome History of the Arab-Israeli Conflict: A Balanced Presentation

With Dr. Arthur Pitz, professor and historian

Blackhawk College, St Ambrose University, Augustana College in the Quad Cities

Monday, May 23, 2011

6:30 pm – 8:00 pm

at the Des Moines Public Library, Central Branch, 1000 Grand Avenue, Des Moines

Dr. Pitz will provide a balanced presentation of the Arab-Israeli Conflict. He has traveled many times to Israel and the Palestinian territories. In 2010 he spent a month in the region where he was briefed by Israel’s Foreign Ministry, traveled to the Israeli towns adjacent to Gaza, and visited the West Bank and a Palestinian refugee camp.

The program is free of charge and open to the public No reservations required.

Sponsored by the Jewish Community Relations Commission of the Jewish Federation of Greater Des Moines and the JFed Forum. For additional information, contact jcrc@dmjfed.org

How to contact Federation during its move

2011-04-13T10:50:00.001-05:00

The day has finally come...we are moving April 14, 2011 . Due to the move and the upcoming Passover Holiday, we will not have computers or phones until Thursday, April 21st.

In the interim, if you need to contact a staff member, you can send an email to jcrcdm@aol.com.

You can also call Tom's cell phone at 515-208-2088 or Elaine's at 515-480-8748.

Come visit us in our new offices:

33158 Ute Avenue in Waukee at The Caspe Terrace

515-987-0899

Tammy Abdulghani

Campaign Assistant

Jewish Federation of Des Moines

Merkel: Germany will not recognize any unilaterally-declared Palestinian state.

2011-04-08T12:11:00.000-05:00

Deutsche Welle, Germany 7 April 2011

Chancellor Angela Merkel has promised Israel Germany will not recognize any unilaterally-declared Palestinian state. Merkel spoke after meeting Israeli premier Benjamin Netanyahu to discuss the peace process.

Chancellor Angela Merkel said Germany would never recognize any Palestinian state if it were declared without Israel's acceptance. After talks with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Berlin on Thursday, Merkel said she supported a two-state solution, with Israel and a Palestinian state coexisting side by side. However, she added that this could only be acceptable to Germany if Israel itself recognized Palestinian independence. Palestinian officials have said they might declare statehood in September.

"When it comes to the question of recognizing a Palestinian state, I repeat again that Germany is working for there to be a two-state solution," said Merkel.

"Unilateral recognitions therefore definitely do not contribute to achieving this aim... This is our stance now and it will be our stance in September."

"There needs to be mutual recognition, otherwise it is not a two-state solution."

Plan to seek UN recognition of borders

The Palestinians have pledged to seek UN recognition of an independent state within borders established in 1967 - with east Jerusalem as its capital, despite Israel pressing ahead with controversial plans to build Jewish homes there. Netanyahu is on a diplomatic tour aimed at convincing western allies not to acknowledge the state.

Germany currently holds a non-permanent seat on the UN Security Council.

Merkel, who referred to some "controversy" during the meeting, said that the talks had been "very friendly and very direct."

She added that restoring momentum back to the stalled Middle East peace process was "more pressing than ever."

Merkel's office has denied that the chancellor and Israeli prime minister had fallen out in a highly-charged telephone conversation in February, with Merkel accusing Netanyahu of failing to make progress on peace.

Jewish Federation is moving to The Caspe Terrace!

2011-04-08T11:49:00.001-05:00

As of April 14, 2011, the offices of the Jewish Federation will be moving to The Caspe Terrace.

Our new address will be:

Jewish Federation of Greater Des Moines

33158 Ute Avenue

Waukee, IA 50263-7538

Our new phone number, operative at some point, will be: 515 987-0899

Contact: jcrc@dmjfed.org

Tactics of Hamas

2011-04-07T15:15:00.001-05:00

"Immediately after the [Israeli school] bus was hit, militants in Gaza fired at least seven mortar rounds at the area, complicating efforts to evacuate the teenager and the bus driver, an AFP correspondent said.

By early evening, the army said at least 45 mortar rounds and rockets had slammed into southern Israel, one of which scored a direct hit on a house."

From Agence France-Presse http://www.hindustantimes.com/world-news/restofasia/Israel-pounds-Gaza-kills-3-after-missile-hits-bus/Article1-682513.aspx

----------

From Hamas. http://qassam.ps/news-4391-Al_Qassam_declares_responsibility_for_Kfar_Saad_operation.html

Gaza-Ezzedeen Al Qassam Briades (E.Q.B) the military wing of the Islamic resistance movement Hamas declared in a military communiqué released on Thursday April 7, 201l the full responsibility for the operation of targeting Israeli bus traveling in the nearby Israeli settlement of Kfar Sa'ad east of Gaza Strip.

The operation left two Israeli settlers injured, one of them was in a critical condition and evacuated by the Israeli medical crews to Soroka hospital.

-----------------------------------

Note: To Hamas.... all Israel is a settlement. And all Israelis are 'settlers.' //Mark jcrc@dmjfed.org

Why Facebook took down the 3rd Intifada page

2011-04-01T11:51:00.001-05:00

Why Facebook took down the '3rd Intifada' page, calling on people to launch a Third Palestinian intifada against Israel.

Richard Allen, Facebook’s director of policy for Europe, the Middle East and Asia:

“Our reviewers felt that the content of the Page began as a call for peaceful protest, even though the term Intifada has been associated with violence in the past. In addition, the administrators initially removed comments that promoted violence. Under these conditions a Page of this nature would normally be permitted to remain on Facebook.

“However, after the publicity of the Page more comments deteriorated to direct calls for violence. Eventually, the administrators also participated in these calls .After administrators of the page received repeated warnings about posts that violated our policies, we removed the Page yesterday.”

Source: http://www.haaretz.com/news/diplomacy-defense/facebook-intifada-page-removed-when-comments-deteriorated-to-direct-calls-for-violence-1.353319

Iowa City Jewish and interfaith Third Annual Mitzvah Day, April 3

2011-03-28T11:42:00.000-05:00

From: Rabbi Jeff Portman [mailto:jrportman@agudasachimic.org]

Press Release March 28, 2011

From: Jeff Portman, Rabbi

Agudas Achim Congregation

602 E. Washington Street

Iowa City, IA 52240

What: Third Annual Mitzvah Day

When: Sunday, April 3

Time: 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Locations: Agudas Achim Synagogue and Iowa City area

Contacts: Rabbi Jeff Portman 319-337-3813 or Sue Weinberg 319-679-3120

What is Mitzvah Day? In Hebrew, the word “mitzvah” represents ancient laws requiring Jews to perform acts of human kindness, among other commandments. On Sunday, April 3, hundreds of people from Agudas Achim, Shulman Hillel, Kingdom Apostolic Community Worship Center and The University of Iowa will come together to perform acts of kindness throughout the local community, across the country, and around the world in this annual service event.

This day of generosity and enrichment is an annual event led by the Tikun Olam Committee of Agudas Achim Congregation, Iowa City’s only synagogue, officially organized in 1916.

Mitzvah Day brings together families, friends, and neighbors in the Jewish spirit of “Tikun Olam” which means “repair the world”—a commitment Jews make to community service and social action. Some of the activities taking place on Sunday include food packaging for Outreach International, a group that is sending food to Africa, a blood drive, military service correspondence, fleece blanket tying, nursing home visitation, and more. As part of the project, several collections are being taken of food, household goods, pet food and supplies, bicycles, and money, for the Crisis Center, the Iowa City Animal Shelter, the Iowa City Bike Library, and Mazon—an international Jewish organization dedicated to stamping out hunger around the world.

For the second year in a row, the Iowa City Jewish community will be joined by Kingdom Apostolic Community Worship Community Center, a local church currently without a building that has been using donated space in the synagogue for Sunday services. Pastor Vincent Allen and other church leaders decided to cancel services that day to join in the Mitzvah Day activities.

JCRC Action Alert: Help Iowa divest public funds from Iran!

2011-03-27T10:53:00.000-05:00

A Coalitional Action Alert from the Jewish Community Relations Commission of the Jewish Federation of Greater Des Moines Contact: jcrc@dmjfed.org

Dear Fellow Iowans,

A very important piece of legislation is before us in the Iowa Legislature and a coalition of Iowans, including Veterans groups, needs your help. Our objective is for Iowa to become the 24th state to divest specified public funds from assisting Iran's oil industry. To do this, we ask you to contact your local State Senator --immediately -- and respectfully request that he or she votes in favor of House File 484.

House File 484 protects our troops in Iraq and Afghanistan by instructing the public pension boards to divest our direct holdings (not co-mingled funds like mutual funds) from foreign companies that do business with Iran’s petroleum industry. Iran’s petroleum industry is owned by the Iranian government which has direct links to the arms being used to fight and kill our troops overseas. (Talking points on this important issue are appended to this e-mail.)

Please email your State Senator Today to support House File 484 !

Instructions: To find your Senator and their email please follow this link: http://www.legis.iowa.gov/Legislators/senate.aspx. (Alternately, you can find the name of your State Senator on this map: Http://www.legis.iowa.gov/DOCS/DistrictMaps/2011/Senate/names.jpg )

A Sample Letter in Support of House File 484. Remember to include your address, so you can be identified as a constitutent -- and have your letter read.

Dear Senator_______;

I am a constituent of yours and would like to voice my support for House File 484. This bill divests direct holdings from the public pensions companies that do business with Iran’s petroleum industry. I support the 23 other states that have supported our troops overseas by taking this action. I do not want any of Iowa taxpayers’ money going to a regime that is supplying weapons and explosive devices to American opposition in Iraq and Afghanistan. The cost of taking this action is very minimal and regardless I do not want to see us investing in a country that is putting our troops in harm’s way. It is my understanding that “terror-free” investing is not any less profitable.

The bill passed the House overwhelmingly 88-3. The bill is currently in a subcommittee whose members include Senators Kibbie, Horn and Behn and to avoid the session procedural deadlines it must pass out of Senate State Government by April 1^st.

I hope you agree with me and vote or encourage your colleagues to vote for House File 484.

Sincerely,

Name

Address

Wed., March 23: Barry Rubin Conference Call

2011-03-21T10:59:00.000-05:00

Conference Call with Dr. Barry Rubin

of the GLORIA Center.

Brought to you by Rabbi David Kaufman as an installment of

Rabbi Kaufman's - The Whole Megillah Podcast

Wednesday, March 23 at

10:00 am Central / 11:00 am Eastern

To Listen Live to the Call with Dr. Barry Rubin

There is no charge to listen in on the call, but the call is not toll-free.

Dial 712-432-1001

Enter Access Code 499558534

Please submit questions for Dr. Rubin to Rabbi Kaufman

at dkaufman@aol.com. You may do so during the live conference call

as well as prior to it.

Previous Episodes of Rabbi Kaufman's - The Whole Megillah

may be found at www.rabbi.mypodcast.com including a recent interview

with Dr. Zuhdi Jasser of the American Islamic Forum for Democracy.

Brief Biography of Dr. Barry Rubin

Barry Rubin is director of the Global Research in International Affairs (GLORIA)

Center and editor of the Middle East Review of International Affairs (MERIA) Journal.

See the GLORIA/MERIA site at www.gloria-center.org.

An expert on politics of the Middle East, Barry Rubin maintains a blog at

www.rubinreports.blogspot.com and is a frequent contributor to the Jerusalem Post

among other publications. He has published numerous books including most recently

Lebanon: Liberation, Conflict, and Crisis.

David Jay Kaufman
Rabbi
Temple B'nai Jeshurun
Des Moines, Iowa
www.templebnaijeshurun.org
www.rabbikaufman.blogspot.com
515-274-4679
dkaufman@aol.com

www.weareforisrael.org
President and Co-Founder

Purim programming in Des Moines

2011-03-17T14:01:00.001-05:00

Purim programming in Des Moines. Consult your synagogue/Temple for additional information.

Community Purim-Palooza Community Carnival at Beth El Jacob Synagogue

Sponsored by Beth El Jacob, Tifereth’s YAD group,

JFCS, The Jewish Federation and Temple B’nai Jeshurun

Sunday, March 20th 11am — 3pm at Beth El Jacob Synagogue Featuring kosher lunch, costume contest, and carnival games and attractions! $10 *optional* price per

family includes lunch and bounce house entry for each child.

RSVPs VERY appreciated for food planning purposes! Email: office@betheljacob.org or call 515-

274-1551 ext 1

[All Tifereth YAD kids who volunteer will also receive FREE lunch.Contact Alla for more information mikeandalla@msn.com ]

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

From Beth El Jacob Synagogue:

Sunday, March 20th 11am — 3pm at Beth El Jacob Synagogue : Purim-Palooza Carnival . (See above)
Sunday, March 20 5: 30pm at Colby Park. Lubavitch's Judaic Resource Center and Beth El Jacob will be enjoying the Purim Seudah together at Colby Park in Windsor Heights. There is a charge for this event. Please contact the JRC for details and/or to RSVP at (515) 277-1770
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

From Tifereth Israel Synagogue

Purim Megillah Reading and Costume Parade

Saturday, March 19th at 7pm - Tifereth Israel SanctuaryJoin us for a dramatic reading of Megillat Esther by Cantor Linda Shivers.

Come in costume and join the parade following the reading! We’ll Sing Purim songs and enjoy some

hamantaschen.We also encourage you to bring canned food for donation to DMARC.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

From Temple B'nai Jeshurun:

MEGILLAH READING

AND

PURIM PARTY!

SATURDAY

6:00 PM Read The Scroll In Sanctuary

6:30 PM Children Eat In Social Hall

7:00-7:30 PM Adults Go To Bergman Mansion

(Children Stay With Childcare at Temple)

7:30-9:00 PM Food & Music At Bergman Mansion

(2000 Grand Avenue)

FREE Babysitting!

FREE Food!

FREE Fun!

Wear Costumes (If Desired)

Music Provided (Sam Miller)

Food & Drink Provided

FREE (Contributions Gladly Welcomed)

RSVP RSVP RSVP

515-274-4679

officemanager@templebnaijeshurun.com

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

From Judaic Resource Center

Davening schedule at the Judaic Resource Center:

Please remember to RSVP for Purim In China Sunday, March 20th at 5:30pm. 515-277-1770 jrcspark@msn.com

Friday:

Mincha/Kabbalat Shabbat: 7:00 PM

Shabbat:
Shacharit: 9:30 AM

Mincha: 7:00 PM

Maariv: 8:05 PM

Megilla Reading: 8:30 PM

Sunday:

Shacharis: 9:00 AM

Parshas Zachor will be read again right before Megillah reading

1st Megilla reading (during Shachris): 9:30 AM

2nd Megilla Reading:

12:30 PM at Valley West Apartments 1800 36th St. West Des Moines

3rd Megilla Reading:

5:30 PM (followed by a grand Purim in China Celebration) Colby Park Community Center 6900 School Street Windsor Heights

Information distributed by the Jewish Federation of Greater Des Moines Contact: jcrc@dmjfed.org

Join the Jewish Federation's page on FaceBook!

http://www.facebook.com/home.php#!/pages/Jewish-Federation-of-Greater-Des-Moines/124027370980783

JCPA statement on Itamar murders

2011-03-14T16:30:00.000-05:00

From the Jewish Council For Public Affairs, online at jewishpublicaffairs.org

Heartbreaking Itamar Murders Shine Light on Incitement
JCPA Mourns Tragic Deaths, Calls for PA Action and Calm From Israelis

This weekend’s horrific murder of a sleeping family in the West Bank community of Itamar was a heartbreaking terrorist attack not only on Jewish Israelis, but on the peace process itself, said the Jewish Council for Public Affairs.

“This vicious act was aimed at intimidating Israeli Jewish families and derailing the already fragile peace process,” said JCPA President Rabbi Steve Gutow. “My heart pours out for the Fogel family, their loved ones, and their community. All of us who remain committed to a vision of two states living in peace and security cannot help but feel an incredible sadness at this attack and the cold hearted machinations of the murderers and their supporters. We look to the Palestinian Authority to work closely with Israeli authorities to bring the killers to justice.”

“We have joined with U.S. and Israeli officials in praising Palestinian Authority Prime Minister Salam Fayyad for making progress toward preventing terrorism and instituting effective security arrangements in areas under PA control. This makes the terrorist attack in Itamar that much more shocking,” said JCPA Chair Dr. Conrad Giles.

“The path to peace and reconciliation,” he continued, “requires serious effort from the PA in ending incitement, especially among school children, the most vulnerable to hateful propaganda and the most important to reach with positive lessons.” At the annual JCPA Plenum March 7th, 2011, the JCPA and its member agencies approved a resolution on the Israeli-Palestinian peace process that called, in part, for the PA to promote security and denounce all acts of terrorism and violence.

“We understand the strong passions aroused by this brutal murder, but revenge violence directed indiscriminately against Palestinians is unacceptable. We regret that some attacks reportedly have occurred,” Giles asserted.

JCPA, the public affairs arm of the organized Jewish community, serves as the national coordinating and advisory body for the 14 national and 125 local agencies comprising the field of Jewish community relations.

Summary: Palestinian terrorist attack 3/10 and reactions

2011-03-13T11:06:00.001-05:00

As you may know, there was a Palestinian terrorist attack in a West Bank settlement Friday night in which five members of a Jewish family --including a baby among three children --were brutally murdered in their sleep. The following is a summary covering aspects not found in one source. -- Mark Finkelstein jcrc@dmjfed.org

President Shimon Peres condemned Friday's attack, saying :"This is one of the hardest and ugliest events that we've seen," Peres said. "The murder of parents and their young children, including a three-year-old and a month-old baby in their beds on Shabbat is a testimony of a loss of human dignity. "No religion or faith exists in the world which allows for such atrocious acts… "

[ The victims are Udi Fogel (36), his wife Ruth (35) and three of their children: Yoav (11), Elad (4) and Hadas (3 months old). These are the victims referred to, without being named, in the AP article and headlined "5 settlers" by the AP, Washington Post and New York Times.

Three other children were not involved.

The family had relocated to the settlement near Nablus after having been removed by the IDF from residency in Gaza, during Israel's unilateral evacuation for peace from Gaza in 2005. -- MF]

The al-Aqsa Martyrs Brigades, the armed wing of the Palestinian Fatah movement, claimed responsibility for the killing in a statement sent to reporters. [Responsibility for the terrorist incident is in dispute -- JTA]

They said the attack was an "heroic operation" that was "part of the natural response to the massacres of the fascist [Israeli] occupation against our people in the West Bank and Gaza Strip," said the leaflet.

"Violence will only bring more violence – we must hurry to find a comprehensive, just solution to the conflict," said Abbas.

Abbas called Netanyahu earlier Saturday to condemn the settlement attack, following several long months of almost no communication between the two.

Netanyahu told Abbas that his condemnations are not enough. "The incitement must stop and the Palestinian people must be educated toward peace," said Netanyahu. [ Editorial: I believe that,given the broader context of the conflict, this is a major, important point that must be advocated by anyone seeking a win-win resolution of the conflict. See for example: -PA TV glorified terrorist who killed 3 in 2002 terror attack in the town of Itamar http://palwatch.org/main.aspx?fi=157&doc_id=4794 - MF]

Palestinian Prime Minister Salam Fayyad also commented on the attack on Saturday, saying that "Violence does not justify violence, we condemn it completely, whoever does it and whoever the victims are."

Source for the above : http://www.haaretz.com/news/diplomacy-defense/netanyahu-palestinians-world-must-condemn-settlement-attack-unequivocally-1.348763

Source for below: http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-4041106,00.html

Gaza residents from the southern city of Rafah hit the streets Saturday to celebrate the terror attack in the West Bank settlement of Itamar where five family members were murdered in their sleep, including three children.

Residents handed out candy and sweets, one resident saying the joy "is a natural response to the harm settlers inflict on the Palestinian residents in the West Bank."

Source for below: http://www.themedialine.org/news/news_detail.asp?NewsID=31615

"The Palestinian people don't like actions of this kind," Samih Hamoudah, a political scientist at Bir Zeit University in Ramallah, told The Media Line. "People are aware of the fact that actions like this harm the Palestinians and therefore many believe that Jews did this in order to tarnish the Palestinian cause."

But on Sunday, Al-Hayat Al-Jadidah condemned the attack not only on practical grounds, but on moral ones as well.

"The Palestinian judgment of such an action is one of unequivocal condemnation and with the harshest words," columnist Adli Sadek wrote. "Not because this is a crime that harms us politically and publicly … but because such a heinous murder is unacceptable to human nature."

Hamas, the Islamic group controlling the Gaza Strip and ideologically committed to destroying Israel, pulled back from its initially enthusiastic support of the Itamar killings.

However, a Hamas spokesman in Gaza was circumspect about the Itamar attack, condoning the attack without claiming responsibility for it.

"We in Hamas completely support the resistance against settlers who murder and use crime and terror against the Palestinian people under the auspices of the Israeli occupation soldiers. Hamas official Sami Abu-Zuhri said on Saturday morning.

But, by Saturday night, Hamas’ tone had altered, as its spokesman explicitly distanced the organization and its leadership in Gaza from the attack.

"We are closely following the Israeli escalation against the Palestinian people and the attempts to implicate the Gaza Strip in the killing that took place in the settlement of Itamar, attempting to justify aggressive acts against the Strip," Hamas government spokesman Taher A-Nunu said. "At the same time, Hamas has denied its connection to the Itamar operation and does not rule out the possibility of a criminal act."

Source for below: http://www.jta.org/news/article/2011/03/13/3086373/assailant-kills-parents-3-children-in-settlement

Reports said PA forces had arrested a number of Hamas activists. [ This justifies the AP subheadline "Palestinian forces join the hunt for suspects in the deaths. "--MF]

The White House called it an act of terrorism. "We condemn in the strongest possible terms the murder of five Israelis in a terrorist attack in the northern West Bank, and we offer our condolences to their loved ones and to the Israeli people," a statement said. "There is no possible justification for the killing of parents and children in their home."

Jewish Genetic Testing Returns to Omaha in May - Free of Charge!

2011-03-11T11:26:00.001-06:00

PRESS RELEASE

From: Greater Omaha Committee for Jewish Genetic Testing

Contact: Joanie Jacobson 812 North 66 Street, Omaha, Nebraska 68132

402-554-0500 ohjoan413@aol.com

Jewish Genetic Testing Returns to Omaha in May - Free of Charge!

By Joanie Jacobson

FACT: Jewish genetic diseases are devastating, debilitating and fatal.

FACT: Children rarely live to become adults.

FACT: One out of five adults are carriers of at least one Jewish genetic disease.

FACT: If both parents carry the same gene, the child has a 1 out of 4 chance

of being born with a Jewish genetic disease, and a 2 out of 4 chance of being

a “carrier.”

FACT: Jewish genetic diseases can be prevented through Jewish genetic testing.

In 2004, Jean Duitch, whose grandson had been diagnosed with Canavan Disease,

decided to bring Jewish genetic testing to the forefront of the Omaha-area community.

With a handful of volunteers, she established the Greater Omaha Committee for Jewish

Genetic Testing. Boys' Town National Research Hospital signed on as the Committee's

medical partner and the Jewish Federation of Omaha served as community partner.

The goal was to provide information, testing, and genetic counseling to 100 individuals

in Omaha, Council Bluffs, Lincoln, Sioux City and Des Moines, 18 years of age or older,

free of charge.

An Informational Forum, featuring a panel of physicians, genetic

counselors and Mrs. Duitch, was held at the Jewish Community Center a month prior to

testing. The result: 107 individuals of Ashkenazi decent were successfully tested, and

25% were found to be carriers of at least one Jewish genetic disease -- slightly higher

than the national average of 1 out of 5.

An Informational Forum will be held on Monday, April 11, at 7:30 p.m. at the

Jewish Community Center. Once again, physicians and genetic counselors from

UNMC will be on hand to present the case for testing and take questions from the

audience. Attendees will also be able to register for either of the May testing dates.

diseases themselves, the prognosis, the treatment, care, and prevention, you will

understand what's at stake, and testing will become a priority.”

“Round #2: Jewish Genetic Testing” is planned for Sunday, May 22 and

Wednesday, May 25, at the Jewish Community Center. This year, the University of

Nebraska Medical Center is the Committee's medical partner, and the Federation is,

again, the community partner. Med Center professionals will conduct the blood draw

and provide genetic counseling. Blood samples will be sent to the Jacobi Medical

Center Laboratory in New York to be tested. Those individuals identified as carriers will

be personally contacted by a genetic counselor from the Med Center, and counseling

will be offered free of charge.

“Round #2” will test for the following Jewish Genetic diseases: Tay-Sachs, Canavan

disease, Cystic Fibrosis, Niemann-Pick disease, Familial Dysautonomia, Gaucher

disease, Mucolipidosis IV, Bloom Syndrome, and Fanconi Anemia.

“The target audience is not only young Jewish singles and couples,” noted Duitch.

“People of all ages, all ethnic and socio-economic backgrounds need to be tested.

Jewish genetic diseases, including Tay Sachs and Cystic Fibrosis, have been

increasingly diagnosed in children with non-Jewish parents, making it just as important

for inter-faith couples to be tested.

“Parents and grandparents of 20- and 30-year olds were also tested in 2004. Those

who were found to be carriers could then inform their grown children and grandchildren

of the necessity for them to be tested.

“Knowledge is power,” Duitch concluded. “Identifying carriers allows individuals the

opportunity to make informed and rational decisions regarding the future of their family

-- to be proactive rather than having to be reactive. Testing can save families the

unnecessary heartache and despair when a child or grandchild is born with a Jewish

genetic disease. It can provide the comfort and assuredness every couple deserves

when starting their family.”

To register or for more information on “Round #2: Jewish Genetic Testing,” contact Jean

Duitch (402-393-1141 or JDUITCH@aol.com) or Joanie Jacobson (402-554-0500 or

JCRC Statement: Investigate Fairfield assault as a possible hate crime

2011-03-08T08:56:00.001-06:00

Statement from the Jewish Community Relations Commission of the Jewish Federation of Greater Des Moines

March 8, 2011

Investigate Fairfield assault as a possible hate crime

The news, as reported in the Des Moines Register, that an Arab American resident in Fairfield has been beaten ostensibly because of his ethnic background cannot be tolerated. Pictures attest to the victim's face being bloodied and bruised. The victim reports that his assailants kept calling him a racial slur. This has the earmarks of a possible hate crime and should be investigated as such.

Mark S. Finkelstein, Director of Community Relations

Jewish Federation of Greater Des Moines

910 Polk Boulevard

Des Moines, IA 50312

contact: 515 277-6321 x 214

March 1 Conference Call with Dr. Zudhi Jasser: Developments in the Arab world

2011-02-25T10:25:00.001-06:00

Conference Call with Dr. Zuhdi Jasser of the American Islamic Forum for Democracy

Dr. Jasser will speak for 30 minutes about the recent developments in the Arab world as well as discussing Islam in America. He will then take 20 minutes of questions.

Tuesday, March 1st 9:00 am Iowa Time

Presented by Rabbi David Kaufman and the Jewish Community Relations Commission Jewish Federation of Greater Des Moines.

Instructions:

Listen in on the Conference Call at 712 432-1001 Enter access code: 457069072

You may submit questions for Dr. Jasser to dkaufman@aol.com.

Rabbi Kaufman will serve as Moderator for the call.

Biography

M. Zuhdi Jasser is a former U.S. Navy Lieutenant Commander. He is the President of the American Islamic Forum for Democracy based in Phoenix, Arizona. AIFD, founded in 2003, is a think tank and activist Muslim organization which provides a platform for an American Muslim movement to separate spiritual Islam from the political. AIFD seeks to build coalitions of Muslims which not only reject the means of terror as an anathema to Islam but more globally reject the ends of the Islamic state which Islamists seek. AIFD believes that the only way to genuinely wage the contest of ideas and counter the root cause of terrorism is for Muslims to be given ample opportunity for debate between one another-- especially within the mosques. AIFD believes that the outcome of these debates will ultimately be the primary method to defeat the ideology of political Islam which ultimately inspires radical Islamism. Dr. Jasser believes that it is essential for devotional Muslims to lead the ideological war against militant Islamism. This Muslim led effort seeks to establish the synergy of Americanism and our Constitutional democracy with a post-modern, pluralistic Islam.

Dr. Jasser is a respected physician currently in private practice in Phoenix Arizona specializing in internal medicine and nuclear cardiology. His highest military award is the Meritorious Service Medal. He recently served as the President of the Arizona Medical Association (ArMA) until June 2007. Dr. Jasser has served on the Maricopa County Board of Health since 2005. As ArMA President in early 2007, Dr. Jasser formed and now chairs a statewide Disaster Preparedness Task Force whose primary mission has been to inform and engage all Arizona physicians in disaster preparedness. Dr. Jasser chairs the bioethics committee and teaches nuclear cardiology in a major Phoenix hospital. He has been active in a number of interfaith efforts in Arizona including the founding of a Jewish-Muslim dialogue group in 2000 called the Children of Abraham.

He also was featured in the controversial PBS film, Islam v Islamists produced by ABG Films, Inc. This film was initially banned from distribution on PBS stations as originally intended in the Crossroads program but was then aired in a limited distribution to some affiliates. It received national acclaim in its release on the Fox News Channel in October 2007.

Dr. Jasser has also been an advisor on Islamic affairs to the U.S. Embassy in the Netherlands. During his last visit in December 2007, he led an AIFD program on “Citizenship and Democracy” with Dutch Muslim youth, media, and political leadership. The program focused on strategies in countering the threat of political Islam to the west while engaging anti-Islamist Muslims.

Dr. Jasser was honored in October 2007 as a “Defender of the Home Front” at the annual Keeper of the Flame Dinner of the Center for Security Policy.. He was also one of five moderate Muslims who met with Admiral Michael Mullen, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, to discuss the “Contest of Ideas with the Muslim World” at the Hudson Institute on December 5, 2007. In January 2008, Dr. Jasser was presented with the 2007 Director’s Community Leadership Award by the Phoenix office of the FBI.

Dr. Jasser was also recently featured in The Third Jihad, produced by PublicScope Films. Dr. Jasser narrates this documentary about the threat of radical Islamism to the West which was recently released and will be shown and featured internationally in 2009.

Dr. Jasser is a regular columnist and contributing editor for FamilySecurityMatters.org and Hudson New York. He appears frequently on the Fox News Channel and CNN appearing regularly on the Glenn Beck Show. Dr. Jasser has been published in the National Review, Arizona Republic, Middle East Quarterly, Dallas Morning News, Washington Times, and Beliefnet. He is a frequent national radio and television commentator and featured speaker about Islam, Islamism, moderate Muslims, and counterterrorism.

David Jay Kaufman
Rabbi
Temple B'nai Jeshurun
Des Moines, Iowa
www.templebnaijeshurun.org
www.rabbikaufman.blogspot.com
515-274-4679
dkaufman@aol.com

www.weareforisrael.org
President and Co-Founder

SWC Report: Exposing Egypt's Muslim Brotherhood: Jihad against Jews, Judaism, & Israel

2011-02-22T09:14:00.001-06:00

From: Simon Wiesenthal Center [mailto:enewsletter@wiesenthal.com]

CRUCIAL SWC NEW REPORT
Exposing Egypt’s Muslim Brotherhood: Jihad Against Jews, Judaism, and Israel

February 22, 2011

Against the backdrop of the historic changes in Egypt, the Simon Wiesenthal Center is releasing a riveting expose on Egypt's Muslim Brotherhood.

“Hitler Put Them in Their Place”: Egypt’s Muslim Brotherhood’s Jihad Against Jews, Judaism, and Israel, is authored by Dr. Harold Brackman, the Simon Wiesenthal Center's Senior Historic Consultant.

This impactful report presents an "unsanitized history of the Muslim Brotherhood," and traces the evolution of its beliefs, goals and tactics. It presents an unflinching look at the Brotherhood's genocidal Jew-hatred and sheds light on The Brotherhood's global reach and its emerging impact on Egypt in the balance.

Click here to read the report. Please forward this to family and friends.

Support the Work of the Simon Wiesenthal Center

© Copyright 2011 Simon Wiesenthal Center 1399 South Roxbury, Los Angeles, CA 90035. (310) 553-9036
Your privacy is important to the SWC. Please review SWC's online Privacy Policy.

Reminder! Feb 15 registration for Birthright Israel summer trip.

2011-02-01T10:36:00.001-06:00

Note: Target date for Registration: February 15, 2011

A free trip to Israel this summer for Jewish individuals ages 18-26 A Guaranteed seat on the Consortium's summer trip to Israel for all who qualify for Birthright Israel/Taglit and have an Iowa connection. For information about Birthright Israel see www.birthrightisrael.com

At this stage, applicants should join the mailing list http://taglit.israelexperts.com/registration/mailing-list. They should choose the option for the Central Area Consortium trip.

**** Who should apply to this special offer?

Any Jewish student who studies or works in Iowa, ages 18-26
Any Jewish student whose family resides in Iowa but who may be studying or working elsewhere. ( We can even extend this offer to a close Jewish friend or relative of the applicant, if they qualify for birthright Israel!)

For questions, contact jcrc@dmjfed.org

Dershowitz: "The U.N. Gangs Up on Israel- Again"

2011-01-26T16:50:00.001-06:00

The U.N. Gangs Up on Israel-Again

Only a U.S. veto can prevent the adoption of a resolution that will make
peace harder to achieve.

By ALAN M. DERSHOWITZ Wall Street Journal January 26, 2011

Although I have opposed Israel's civilian settlements in the West Bank since
1973, I strongly believe that the United States should veto a resolution
currently before the U.N. Security Council that would declare illegal "all
Israeli settlement activity in the Occupied Palestinian Territory." This
condemnatory resolution is being supported by all members of the Security
Council other than the U.S. So it will pass unless the U.S. exercises its
veto power.

There is a big difference between a government action being unwise, which
the Israeli policy is, and being illegal, which it is not. Indeed, the very
Security Council resolution on which proponents of the condemnation rely
makes it clear that the legal status of Israel's continued occupation isn't
settled.

Passed in 1967, Resolution 242 (which I played a very small role assisting
then-U.N. Ambassador Arthur Goldberg in drafting) calls for Israel to return
"territories" captured during its defensive war of 1967. The words "all" and
"the" were proposed by those who advocated a complete return, but the U.S.
and Great Britain, which opposed that view, prevailed.

Even partial return of captured territories is conditioned on "termination
of all claims of belligerency" and "acknowledgment of the sovereignty . . .
of every state in the area and their right to live in peace within secure
and recognized boundaries free from threats or acts of force."

Resolution 242 does not mention the rights of nonstates, such as the
Palestinian Authority, Hamas or Hezbollah, the latter two of which do not
accept the conditions of the resolution. (Nor do Iran and several other
states in the region.) It would be wrong for the Security Council
retroactively to rewrite Resolution 242, which is the foundation for a
two-state solution-Israel and Palestine-44 years after it was enacted.

But the real reason the U.S. should veto this ill-conceived resolution is
that it is inconsistent with U.S. policy, which has long advocated a
negotiated resolution of the Palestinian-Israeli dispute. As Secretary of
State Hillary Clinton has put it: "We continue to believe strongly that New
York is not the place to resolve the longstanding conflict."

A negotiated resolution will require the Palestinian Authority to
acknowledge that some of the land captured by Israel from Jordan, after
Jordan attacked Israel, rightfully belongs to Israel. These areas include
the Jewish Quarter of Jerusalem and the Western Wall-which were illegally
captured by Jordan in its aggressive and unlawful 1948 war calculated to
undo the U.N.'s decision to divide the area into Jewish and Arab homelands..
Additionally, there will have to be land swaps that recognize the realities
on the ground. Areas such as Ma'ale Adumim and Gilo, for example, have
become integral parts of Jewish Jerusalem.

Finally, Resolution 242 explicitly requires that Israel have "secure and
recognized boundaries," an implicit recognition that its pre-1967 boundaries
were neither secure nor recognized. Some territorial adjustments will be
essential if Israel is to remain more secure than it was in the lead-up to
the 1967 war.

The Palestinian Authority seems to understand at least some of these
realities, as reflected in the recent disclosure of 1,600 internal documents
by Al Jazeera. In one 2008 document, Palestinian negotiator Ahmed Qurie is
quoted proposing that Israel annex all settlements in Jerusalem, with the
exception of the Jewish areas of Har Homa and part of the Old City of
Jerusalem. Some on the Security Council, however, clearly don't understand.

The current draft of the proposed resolution condemns "all Israeli
settlement activities." Read literally, this condemnation would extend to
the Jewish Quarter of Jerusalem, the Western Wall, and those areas that even
the Palestinian Authority concedes must remain under Israeli control. Israel
will not, and should not, return "all" such territories. The U.S. does not
believe it should, nor do reasonable Palestinians.

So what then is the purpose of the utterly unrealistic resolution now under
consideration? It simply gives cover to those Palestinians who do not want
to sit down and negotiate directly with Israel. It is also a stalking horse
for the Palestinian effort to secure a further U.N. resolution unilaterally
declaring Palestinian statehood-a result that neither Israel nor the U.S.
would recognize.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has offered to negotiate without
any preconditions. He promises generous proposals, which could lead to
Palestinian statehood relatively quickly. The Palestinian Authority,
however, has set preconditions to any negotiations, most specifically a
second freeze on all West Bank and East Jerusalem construction. While I
favor such a freeze, I do not believe that it should be a precondition to
negotiations.

Let serious discussions begin immediately about the borders of the two
states. As soon as the borders are decided, Israel will stop building in all
areas beyond them. This is the only way toward peace. A Security Council
resolution unilaterally deciding the central issue of the negotiations will
only make matters worse.

Mr. Dershowitz is a law professor at Harvard. His latest novel is "The
Trials of Zion" (Grand Central Publishing, 2010).

Dershowitz: "The U.N. Gangs Up on Israel- Again"

2011-01-26T16:46:00.001-06:00

--
Posted By Mark Finkelstein to F-Y-Eye at 1/26/2011 04:35:00 PM

Dershowitz: "The U.N. Gangs Up on Israel- Again"

2011-01-26T16:35:00.002-06:00

The U.N. Gangs Up on Israel-Again

Only a U.S. veto can prevent the adoption of a resolution that will make
peace harder to achieve.

By ALAN M. DERSHOWITZ Wall Street Journal January 26, 2011

Although I have opposed Israel's civilian settlements in the West Bank since
1973, I strongly believe that the United States should veto a resolution
currently before the U.N. Security Council that would declare illegal "all
Israeli settlement activity in the Occupied Palestinian Territory." This
condemnatory resolution is being supported by all members of the Security
Council other than the U.S. So it will pass unless the U.S. exercises its
veto power.

There is a big difference between a government action being unwise, which
the Israeli policy is, and being illegal, which it is not. Indeed, the very
Security Council resolution on which proponents of the condemnation rely
makes it clear that the legal status of Israel's continued occupation isn't
settled.

Passed in 1967, Resolution 242 (which I played a very small role assisting
then-U.N. Ambassador Arthur Goldberg in drafting) calls for Israel to return
"territories" captured during its defensive war of 1967. The words "all" and
"the" were proposed by those who advocated a complete return, but the U.S.
and Great Britain, which opposed that view, prevailed.

Even partial return of captured territories is conditioned on "termination
of all claims of belligerency" and "acknowledgment of the sovereignty . . .
of every state in the area and their right to live in peace within secure
and recognized boundaries free from threats or acts of force."

Resolution 242 does not mention the rights of nonstates, such as the
Palestinian Authority, Hamas or Hezbollah, the latter two of which do not
accept the conditions of the resolution. (Nor do Iran and several other
states in the region.) It would be wrong for the Security Council
retroactively to rewrite Resolution 242, which is the foundation for a
two-state solution-Israel and Palestine-44 years after it was enacted.

But the real reason the U.S. should veto this ill-conceived resolution is
that it is inconsistent with U.S. policy, which has long advocated a
negotiated resolution of the Palestinian-Israeli dispute. As Secretary of
State Hillary Clinton has put it: "We continue to believe strongly that New
York is not the place to resolve the longstanding conflict."

A negotiated resolution will require the Palestinian Authority to
acknowledge that some of the land captured by Israel from Jordan, after
Jordan attacked Israel, rightfully belongs to Israel. These areas include
the Jewish Quarter of Jerusalem and the Western Wall-which were illegally
captured by Jordan in its aggressive and unlawful 1948 war calculated to
undo the U.N.'s decision to divide the area into Jewish and Arab homelands.
Additionally, there will have to be land swaps that recognize the realities
on the ground. Areas such as Ma'ale Adumim and Gilo, for example, have
become integral parts of Jewish Jerusalem.

Finally, Resolution 242 explicitly requires that Israel have "secure and
recognized boundaries," an implicit recognition that its pre-1967 boundaries
were neither secure nor recognized. Some territorial adjustments will be
essential if Israel is to remain more secure than it was in the lead-up to
the 1967 war.

The Palestinian Authority seems to understand at least some of these
realities, as reflected in the recent disclosure of 1,600 internal documents
by Al Jazeera. In one 2008 document, Palestinian negotiator Ahmed Qurie is
quoted proposing that Israel annex all settlements in Jerusalem, with the
exception of the Jewish areas of Har Homa and part of the Old City of
Jerusalem. Some on the Security Council, however, clearly don't understand.

The current draft of the proposed resolution condemns "all Israeli
settlement activities." Read literally, this condemnation would extend to
the Jewish Quarter of Jerusalem, the Western Wall, and those areas that even
the Palestinian Authority concedes must remain under Israeli control. Israel
will not, and should not, return "all" such territories. The U.S. does not
believe it should, nor do reasonable Palestinians.

So what then is the purpose of the utterly unrealistic resolution now under
consideration? It simply gives cover to those Palestinians who do not want
to sit down and negotiate directly with Israel. It is also a stalking horse
for the Palestinian effort to secure a further U.N. resolution unilaterally
declaring Palestinian statehood-a result that neither Israel nor the U.S.
would recognize.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has offered to negotiate without
any preconditions. He promises generous proposals, which could lead to
Palestinian statehood relatively quickly. The Palestinian Authority,
however, has set preconditions to any negotiations, most specifically a
second freeze on all West Bank and East Jerusalem construction. While I
favor such a freeze, I do not believe that it should be a precondition to
negotiations.

Let serious discussions begin immediately about the borders of the two
states. As soon as the borders are decided, Israel will stop building in all
areas beyond them. This is the only way toward peace. A Security Council
resolution unilaterally deciding the central issue of the negotiations will
only make matters worse.

Mr. Dershowitz is a law professor at Harvard. His latest novel is "The
Trials of Zion" (Grand Central Publishing, 2010).

Ackerman blasts JStreet support for UN Condemnation of Israel

2011-01-25T13:50:00.001-06:00

Top House Democrat Gary Ackerman: JStreet is not an organization with which I wish to be associated http://scr.bi/g578Ea Blasts J-Street Support for UN Condemnation of Israel.

US State Dept characterizes Turkel Report as credible

2011-01-25T13:14:00.001-06:00

Flotilla Violence Was Self Defense, [Israeli] Panel Finds

http://www.investigativeproject.org/2522/flotilla-violence-was-self-defense-panel-finds

US State Department Turkel Report as credible

MR. CROWLEY: ...We have been supportive of this effort by Israel, and there has been a – we think that this is an independent report, credible and impartial and transparent investigation that has been undertaken by Israel.

http://www.state.gov/r/pa/prs/dpb/2011/01/155163.htm

Erdogan dismisses Turkel report

Netanyahu, of opposite opinion, says 'every time Israel must defend itself it is accused of war crimes'

AP and Roni Sofer

Latest Update:

01.23.11, 19:51 / Israel News

Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan MK slammed the results of the Turkel committee probe into the events of the May 31 IDF flotilla raid, saying it had "no value or credibility", while Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu expressed his content with the results.

http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-4017772,00.html

Reut: BDS Movement promotes delegitimization against Israel

2011-01-23T09:17:00.001-06:00

A report, issued in June of 2011 by the Reut Institute on the so-termed
'Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions" Movement targeting Israel's
legitimacy. Reut asserts that BDS measures go beyond legitimate
criticism of Israeli policies and that even partial BDS measures serve
the end goal of, bluntly, removing Israel as the Jewish state. Their
full report is online at
http://www.reut-institute.org/data/uploads/PDFVer/20100612%20ReViews%20-
%20BDS%20Issue%2016_1.pdf -- Mark Finkelstein, jcrc@dmjfed.org

The BDS Movement Promotes Delegitimization against Israel

The wave of cancellations by international artists and the increasing
calls to boycott Israel are being led by the BDS Movement which under
the disguise of a progressive liberal movement is in practice promoting
delegitimization. The issue of Reviews reveals the true nature of the
BDS Movement.

In theory, the BDS Movement promotes human rights, international
justice, and peace. In practice, it advances the delegitimization of the
State of Israel by undermining - whether explicitly or implicitly - its
right to exist as a Jewish and democratic state.

Since Operation Cast Lead in early 2009, there have been increasing
efforts within global civil society to isolate Israel. The BDS Movement
- an umbrella organization composed of loosely coordinated
non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and individuals - stands behind
these attempts to isolate Israel. These efforts - which consist of
pressure on individuals and organizations to economically or culturally
boycott Israel, institutions and organizations to divest from Israel,
and governments to sanction Israel - peaked in the aftermath of the
flotilla affair on May 31, 2010.

It is very probable that many, and maybe even most, BDS supporters do
not consider themselves to be delegitimizers, and genuinely aim to
criticize Israeli policies. Their association with the Movement results
from a purposeful effort advanced by the BDS Movement catalysts to
depict it as apolitical and akin to progressive human rights movements,
in order to harness the liberal European and North American elite and
enlist wide public support.

However, in this document we seek to demonstrate how the BDS Movement
Catalysts are clear delegitimizers, in many cases stated outright, and
in others demonstrated by their: consistent singling out of Israel,
efforts to undermine Israeli-Palestinian cooperation, promotion of the
right of return, and comparison between Israel and apartheid. In
addition, as far as BDS Movement catalysts are concerned, even selective
or partial boycotts serve the overall goal of delegitimization.

Source:
http://www.reut-institute.org/Publication.aspx?PublicationId=3868

Iowa to Israel for Free: Jewish individuals ages 18-26 via Des Moines Partnership With Israel and Birthright Israel

2011-01-18T12:00:00.001-06:00

Parents, Grandparents: Help get the word out!

From: Jewish Federation of Greater Des Moines and our Consortium's Partnership With Israel

Re: A free trip to Israel this summer for Jewish individuals ages 18-26

A Guaranteed seat on the Consortium's summer trip to Israel for all who qualify for Birthright Israel/Taglit and have an Iowa connection.

The free* Birthright Israel trips to Israel are very popular. In fact, there are thousands of qualified individuals who have been wait listed!

In fact, the Hillel at the University of Iowa has been allocated only 5 seats for the summer trip. However... those who qualify for Birthright Israel and have an Iowa connection will be guaranteed a seat on the Central Area Consortium's trip. But... applications are due February 15, 2011. [Use the taglit.IsraelExperts.com website]

For information about Birthright Israel see www.birthrightisrael.com . *The trips are free but for domestic air connections, some meals, and gratuities. ( Questions? Contact Jerry Soroking, U Iowa Hillel Director, gerald-sorokin@uiowa.edu)

**** Who should apply to this special offer?

Any Jewish student who studies or works in Iowa, ages 18-26
Any Jewish student whose family resides in Iowa but who may be studying or working elsewhere. ( We can even extend this offer to a close Jewish friend or relative of the applicant, if they qualify for birthright Israel!)

Registration opens February 15^th. At this stage, applicants should join the mailing list http://taglit.israelexperts.com/registration/mailing-list. They should choose the option for the Central Area Consortium trip. Once they sign up, participants will automatically receive information in the coming weeks about the registration process.

They can also see an outline of the registration steps here: http://taglit.israelexperts.com/registration/registration-steps. But the actual registration for the summer trips opens only on February 15^th. Again, those on our mailing list will get reminders and instructions for registration.

PLEASE take advantage of this WONDERFUL opportunity!

For information about the Central Area Consortium of Partnership With Israel, see www.westerngalillee.org.il

For those who would like to sponsor a trip for a random student, contact elaine@dmjfed.org

Shalom,

Jacob Lederman, Chair, Des Moines Partnership With Israel lederman71@msn.com

For info, contact: Mark Finkelstein, P2K Staff, jcrc@dmjfed.org

Elaine Steinger, Executive Director, Jewish Federation of Greater Des Moines elaine@dmjfed.org

Anti-Israel bias and the start of the 2008 Gaza War

2010-12-27T09:40:00.001-06:00

It is pure bias against Israel to contend that Israel had no right to defend itself against the thousands of rockets launched into Israel by Hamas.

It is pure bias to hold Israel responsible for the 2008 Gaza War, when, in fact, Hamas -- at the time -- even claimed to have started the war. -- Mark Finkelstein

As explained by Elder of Ziyon:

Today is the second anniversary of the beginning of [Israel's] Operation Cast Lead - but it is not the anniversary of the beginning of the Gaza War.

On the very first day of OCL, I pointed out something that has been all but ignored by the media (but that I had mentioned earlier): Hamas declared war on Israel on December 24th, a full three days before Cast Lead.

Gaza - Ma'an - The military wing affiliated to Hamas, Al-Qassam Brigades released a statement on Thursday morning [ 2008- December 25 ] briefing the group's military activities over the first twenty four hours of an operation they called "Oil Stain" which started Wednesday morning.

According to the statement, a total of 87 shells have been fired at Israeli targets bordering the Gaza Strip including 54 mortar shells, 31 homemade projectiles which Hamas calls "Qassam", and two Soviet-made Grad missiles.
http://www.maannews.net/eng/ViewDetails.aspx?ID=207221

Amnesty's history of the war starts on December 27th. [Amnesty International]

HRW [Human Rights Watch] characterizes the entire war as "Israel’s three-week-long military offensive in Gaza that began on December 27." It isn't even a war - it is simply framed as Israeli aggression. And this is in a report about Hamas rocket fire!

Goldstone's chapter headings [ in Judge Goldstone's report , adopted by the U.N. ] show this false framework as well:

III. EVENTS OCCURRING BETWEEN THE “CEASEFIRE” OF 18 JUNE 2008 BETWEEN ISRAEL AND THE GAZA AUTHORITIES AND THE START OF ISRAEL’S MILITARY OPERATIONS IN GAZA ON 27 DECEMBER 2008

VI. OVERVIEW OF MILITARY OPERATIONS CONDUCTED BY ISRAEL IN GAZA BETWEEN 27 DECEMBER 2008 AND 18 JANUARY 2009 AND DATA ON CASUALTIES

When the very framework of the issue is biased to begin with, anyone trying to take Israel's aide is already handicapped. It loads the dice before the game even starts, and it takes an effort to re-frame the argument - something that Israeli spokespeople have little opportunity to do when giving statements to the press or when answering questions about NGO accusations.

Even though Hamas wants to be known as a masculine defender of Arab rights in Arabic, and it was proud to take credit for starting the war back in 2008, it has realized the immense value of the false framework provided by Goldstone and HRW and Amnesty and the mainstream media. So it has adopted that framework simply because it puts Israel at a disadvantage.

This is one of the biggest issues that Israel faces when speaking to the world. The idea of Israel as aggressor is so ingrained in the fabric of the discussion that it is not easy for even Israel's defenders to recognize it when they see it. It is especially difficult in the heat of a debate to be able to step back and challenge the questioner as to their implicit assumptions.

One fact is clear - Hamas started the war, and they bragged about it. Any narrative of the Gaza War that does not recognize that simple fact is inherently biased from the outset. No mater how prestigious the NGO or media outlet that promulgates this lie - it is still a lie, and that lie must be corrected.

Source: http://elderofziyon.blogspot.com/2010/12/false-framework-of-gaza-war.html 12/ 27/2010

SWU: Metro Transit rejects anti-Israel ad campaign in Seattle

2010-12-23T20:17:00.001-06:00

Breaking News. Stand With Us reports tonight that the anti-Israel "Seattle Mideast Awareness Campaign" group's bus billboard ad campaign that was supposed to begin next Monday, December 27, was rejected today.

Citing the potential for disruption to transit service, King County Executive Dow Constantine today approved an interim policy from Metro Transit that calls for a halt to the acceptance of any new non-commercial advertising on King County buses.

Also, and most importantly, under provisions of the previous policy, Metro officials today rejected the proposed ad from the Seattle Mideast Awareness Campaign.

This decision came following yesterday's meeting of Jewish community leaders with senior members of the King County Executive's office and Metro Transit management about the potential threat to the Seattle-area Jewish community, after over 2,000 emails, and after numerous organizations, including StandWithUs, announced plans to run ads either countering this ad and/or promoting the positives of Israel.

Stand With Us offered thanks to....

AJC, Federation, ADL and various other organizations and individuals for their work on the Anti-BDS Task Force.

The metropolitan Seattle community's rabbis, synagogues and organizations for sending out to their members and supporters our alert this week.

And the thousands of community members who have written, called, and created the political pressure that has led to the County and Metro's reject the anti-Israel ad.

Stand With Us, a pro-Israel organization is online at http://www.standwithus.org

(hat tip: Jill Marks)

TIP: U.S. Supports Israel's Pursuit of Peace Negotiations

2010-12-16T10:28:00.001-06:00

U.S. Supports Israel's Pursuit of Peace Negotiations

Netanyahu prepared to discuss all core issues
House: PA unilateral actions detract from peace process

http://www.theisraelproject.org/site/apps/nlnet/content2.aspx?c=hsJPK0PIJpH&b=689705&ct=8972585 The Israel Project.org

Secretary of State Clinton meets with Israel Prime Minister Netanyahu at the beginning of peace talks, September, 2010

Washington, Dec. 16 - The United States House of Representatives has passed a resolution (Dec. 15) affirming the importance of Israeli-Palestinian peace talks and rejecting unitaleral moves by the Palestinians to declare statehood.

Israel says a Palestinian unilateral declaration of independence would be meaningless since it avoids direct negotiations as a means to lasting peace, delaying the possibility of agreement on critical issues. Several countries in Latin America have recognized a Palestinian state that would occupy all territory captured by Israel in 1967 - but the United States and the European Union have rejected the move.

The House resolution supports a "negotiated solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict" and condemns "unilateral measures to declare or recognize a Palestinian state."

A negotiated solution, it says, is the only way to create two democratic states living side by side in "peace, security and mutual recognition."

Palestinians abandoned directed talks with Israel in September after a 10-month Israeli moratorium on building in the territories expired. The United States is now trying to get indirect negotiations going between the parties - but the Palestinians are resisting even that.

Key questions between the Israelis and Palestingians regarding security, borders, refugees and Jerusalem are still unresolved.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu committed the U.S. Middle East envoy George Mitchell on Tuesday (Sec. 14) that he is ready to discuss all the core issues in American-led indirect talks.

"The expectation is that borders and security arrangements will be the first two issues to be tackled," according to Haaretz, an Israeli daily.

Mitchell proposed bilateral talks on Wednesday (Dec. 15) - meaning parallel but separate American-led talks with the Israelis and Palestinians - as a means of restoring the negotiations.

Arab nations came out against any talks between Israel and the PA, "direct or indirect," unless the U.S. delineates what the future borders of a Palestinian state would be.

NYT: Declassified papers detail how Nazi anti-Semitism was transmitted to the Arab world after WW II

2010-12-14T16:12:00.000-06:00

According to the New York Times, declassified papers detail "how [ after WW II ] high-ranking Nazis escaped from Germany to become advisers to anti-Israeli Arab leaders and “were able to carry on and transmit to others Nazi racial-ideological anti-Semitism.”

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/12/12/us/12holocaust.html?_r=1&_r

The NY Times article is based on a U.S. government report published Friday, December 10, 2010 by the National Archives http://www.archives.gov/iwg/reports/hitlers-shadow.pdf

From the NYT article:

In chilling detail, the report also elaborates on the close working relationship between Nazi leaders and the grand mufti of Jerusalem, Haj Amin al-Husseini, who later claimed that he sought refuge in wartime Germany only to avoid arrest by the British.

In fact, the report says, the Muslim leader was paid “an absolute fortune” of 50,000 marks a month (when a German field marshal was making 25,000 marks a year). It also said he energetically recruited Muslims for the SS, the Nazi Party’s elite military command, and was promised that he would be installed as the leader of Palestine after German troops drove out the British and exterminated more than 350,000 Jews there.

On Nov. 28, 1941, the authors say, Hitler told Mr. Husseini that the Afrika Corps and German troops deployed from the Caucasus region would liberate Arabs in the Middle East and that “Germany’s only objective there would be the destruction of the Jews.”

The report details ... how high-ranking Nazis escaped from Germany to become advisers to anti-Israeli Arab leaders and “were able to carry on and transmit to others Nazi racial-ideological anti-Semitism.”

“You have an actual contract between officials of the Nazi Foreign Ministry with Arab leaders, including Husseini, extending after the war because they saw a cause they believed in,” Dr. Breitman said. “And after the war, you have real Nazi war criminals — Wilhelm Beisner, Franz Rademacher and Alois Brunner — who were quite influential in Arab countries.”

ARZA and URJ open Carmel Fire - Israel Emergency Fund

2010-12-03T16:48:00.001-06:00

You can help. ARZA and the URJ, with our partners, the Israel Movement for Progressive Judaism, will help rebuild human lives through the IMPJ Humanitarian Fund. Contributing to our Carmel Fire-Israel Emergency Fund* is one more way for you to participate in building Israel, the land that we love.

To contribute to this effort, go to:

Carmel Fire-Israel Emergency Fund

If you live in Canada, you can donate online by going to: http://www.arzacanada.org/

Or if you prefer to mail your contribution, you may send it to:

ARZA

633 Third Ave, 7th Floor

New York, NY 10017

*Neither ARZA nor the URJ withholds any overhead costs for Emergency Funds, with the exception of direct costs such as credit card fees.

Israel's Tragic Fire: How You Can Help

2010-12-03T10:17:00.001-06:00

Israel’s Tragic Fire: How You Can Help

Israel has been hit by an unprecedented disaster. A wildfire raging in the north near Haifa has taken at least 42 lives. Thousands of acres of forest have been destroyed and entire villages have been blackened.

The Israel Project is working to get out the facts globally about the fire and the need for help. You can donate to this by going here.

The Jewish Federations of North America has sent up a fund. Checks can be sent to the Israel Forest Fire Disaster Relief Fund, Wall Street Station, PO Box 148, New York, NY 10268. They should be made out to The Jewish Federations of North America. Or donate through http://www.jewishfed.org/be-philanthropist/458/fire-relief-fund-for-israel

The Jewish National Fund has several different ways to help:
To arm the firefighters with the protective gear and equipment they need, go to www.jnf.org/fifdonate.

To Replenish Trees in Israel’s Forests
- Donate $10 by texting JNF to 20222 from your cell phone.

- Go to www.jnf.org/trees and plant a tree.

http://www.afmda.org/ for online emergency donations to Magen David Adom, with regard to servicing victims of fire outside of Haifa.

Adapted from combined sources

Arson suspects apprehended rekindling forest fire in Israel

2010-12-03T08:33:00.001-06:00

Coastal District Police Commander Roni Attia said Friday that two arson suspects were apprehended in the North, near Kiryat Bialik.

The suspects were allegedly attempting to rekindle a fire in the forest with the use of Molotov cocktails. Police are not connecting the arsonists at this stage to the massive fires in the Carmel and Atlit but rather to the fire which broke out earlier at the Tzur Shalom area of Kiryat Bialik

Attia added that arson is suspected in a number of separate fires, including Kiryat Bialik and Kiryat Tivon.

Earlier on Friday, police found a bike, a bag, and a wig inside near a fire center in Tzur Shalom, leading them to believe that the fire was caused by an arsonist or arsonists.

Police Spokesman Micky Rosenfeld told the Post that there are 3 fire centers - Tzur Shalom, the Atlit - Tirat Hacarmel area, and the Carmel hillsides. In one, Tzur Shalom, north of Haifa, "we located suspicious items pointing to arson. As for the other two major fires, it is too early and the incidents are to large in scale to know their causes at this stage." The death toll in the fires rose to 42 on Friday, according to Army Radio.

Galillee police were spread out over the area searching for suspects.

Source: Jerusalem Post, 12.3.2010 http://www.jpost.com/VideoArticles/Article.aspx?id=197845

Des Moines Interfaith Thanksgiving Service, 1 pm, Nov. 21

2010-11-12T10:14:00.001-06:00

From Rabbi David Kaufman, Temple B'nai Jeshurun dkaufman@aol.com

Community Interfaith

Thanksgiving Service

Sunday, November 21^st

1 pm

at Temple B’nai Jeshurun

5101 Grand Ave in Des Moines

JCRC, DMARC, AMOS, the Interfaith Alliance of Iowa, the Catholic Diocese of Des Moines, Rev. Dave Nerdig of Faith Lutheran Church, Temple B'nai Jeshurun and I, Rabbi David Kaufman, among others would like to invite you to attend the annual (or at least almost annual) Thanksgiving Interfaith Service, to be held this year at Temple B’nai Jeshurun [5101 Grand Ave in Des Moines] at 1:00 p.m. on Nov. 21. We missed having it last year! It is an inspirational event.

This year, the service will be held at the same time as the Temple’s Chanukah Happening event, so participants and attendees will have the opportunity to experience that event and shop at the vendor tables!

Faith leaders from a number of religious organizations will participate and a good time will be had by all. Thank you so much for your willingness to engage in the interfaith religious life of greater Des Moines.

For more information please call the Temple’s office at

515-274-4679

This is a free event, open to the public

David Jay Kaufman
Rabbi
Temple B'nai Jeshurun
Des Moines, Iowa
www.templebnaijeshurun.org
www.rabbikaufman.blogspot.com
515-274-4679
dkaufman@aol.com

Interfaith Thanksgiving Service in Des Moines, 1 pm, Nov. 21

2010-11-12T09:46:00.001-06:00

Community Interfaith

Thanksgiving Service

Sunday, November 21^st

1 pm

at Temple B’nai Jeshurun

5101 Grand Ave in Des Moines

JCRC, DMARC, AMOS, the Interfaith Alliance of Iowa, the Diocese of Des Moines, Rev. Dave Nerdig of Faith Lutheran, Temple B'nai Jeshurun and I, Rabbi David Kaufman, among others would like to invite you to attend the annual (or at least almost annual) Thanksgiving Interfaith Service, to be held this year at Temple B’nai Jeshurun [5101 Grand Ave in Des Moines] at 1:00 p.m. on Nov. 21. We missed having it last year! It is an inspirational event.

For more information please call the Temple’s office at

515-274-4679

This is a free event, open to the public

From: Rabbi David Kaufman From: DKaufman@aol.com

Rennert: A willful disregard for Jewish ownership of land in Jerusalem

2010-11-11T08:36:00.001-06:00

Har Homa was built on Jewish-owned land

[Comments by Israel Matzav on an article by Leo Rennert]

Lost in the argument over building in Jerusalem, writes Leo Rennert, is the fact that Har Homa, where most of the new apartments are being built, is built entirely on land that has been owned by Jews for nearly a century.

What is utterly ludicrous about this concocted tempest in a Jerusalem teacup is that the bulk of the new apartment units are to go up in Har Homa, a Jewish neighborhood of some 12,000 residents in southeast Jerusalem. Two thirds of Har Homa is on land purchased by Jews after the First World War. The other third is owned by Arabs. The entire existing Harm Homa neighborhood was built on Jewish-owned land and plans for additional housing units also are confined to this part of Har Homa. None of this appeared in media reports or in the criticism leveled by Obama, the State Department and the European Union.

Nor did they bother to point out that, under any realistic scenario for a two-state solution, even with a division of Jerusalem, Har Homa will remain on the Israeli side.

With typical historical amnesia, these Israel-bashers also failed to point out that, during Israel's War of Independence, Jordanian forces attempting to eliminate the Jewish state used Har Homa as a vantage point from which to fire on the Old City of Jerusalem and other neighborhoods of the city.

In their cramped and selective sense of history, none of this matters. Their historical perspective begins with the last day of the Six-Day War in 1967 when Israel prevailed over Jordanian and other Arab armies intent on destroying it, and in the process reunified Jerusalem.

Thus, Washington Post correspondent Joel Greenberg describes Har Homas as an "area of the West Bank annexed to Jerusalem." New York Times correspondent Isabel Kershner, in similar vein, calls it a "Jewish residential development in southern Jerusalem in territory that Israel captured from Jordan in the 1967 war, and then annexed."

So never mind that Har Homa has been on Jewish owned land from well before Jordan illegally occupied it in 1948, in clear violation of the 1947 UN two-state partition plan.

All that history is brushed aside. ...

Source: http://israelmatzav.blogspot.com/ 11/11/10

From Beth El Jacob: Sunday event honors the Bergs, Dr. Koslow and John Wild

2010-11-03T11:03:00.001-05:00

Sunday November 7 program honors the Bergs, Dr. Koslow & John Wild

There are still a few seats available for Beth El Jacob Synagogue's dinner on Sunday.

The reception is at 4pm, presentation at 5pm and dinner at 6:30pm.

Dinner is $54 per person, and reservations can be made via emailing or calling the office.

E-mail your reservation to: office@betheljacob.org

or call Valerie E. Cohen, Administrator at (515) 274-1551

N.B. The telephone system at Beth El Jacob is under repair. There is a very long delay in phone transfers, but the voice mail takes messages after a minute or a bit more.

Feith: Can Israel be Jewish and democratic?

2010-10-25T16:12:00.001-05:00

Can Israel Be Jewish and Democratic?

Many nations have laws and practices that recognize their majority group's history, language or religion while also protecting the rights of minorities.

By DOUGLAS J. FEITH , Wall Street Journal, 10/25/2010

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu recently asked Palestinian peace negotiators to acknowledge Israel as a Jewish state. Some critics have called this move cynical, because Palestinian leaders are unlikely to offer such an acknowledgment. But others oppose it for a more basic reason: They claim it is antidemocratic.

Israel, so the argument goes, affronts its non-Jewish citizens by identifying itself as a Jewish state and by using traditional religious emblems as official national symbols—for example, the Star of David on its flag.

Along the same lines, various Israeli intellectuals have proposed dropping "Hatikvah" (The Hope) as their country's national anthem, because it refers to the Jewish soul's millenial yearnings for a return to Zion. A few have urged repeal of Israel's longstanding law of return, which gives Jews from any country a right to immigrate and become citizens.

Some Israeli Arabs have advocated that Israel should become a state identified with no particular ethnic or religious group but rather a state of all of its individual citizens. Israelis commonly view this liberal ideal with suspicion, for it has no relation whatever to the political practices of any countries in the Middle East. Also, Azmi Bishara, the principal Israeli Arab proponent of "a state of all of its citizens" and a former member of parliament, outraged many Israelis by supporting Hezbollah against Israel in the 2006 Lebanon war.

Israeli law respects the voting, property, religious and other rights of its Arab citizens (most of them Muslims) who constitute some 20% of the population. Nevertheless, the ongoing conflict over Palestine has created bitterness between many of them and their fellow Jewish citizens. Many Israeli Jews resent what they see as disloyalty on the part of Israeli Arabs. Many of the latter resent what they see as their second-class status.

But the larger question of Israel's identity as a Jewish state does not hinge on the particulars of its Arab citizens' current status. Rather, it is whether democratic principles are necessarily violated when Israel asserts a Jewish identity based on the ethnic and religious heritage of its majority group. That is a matter of interest to everyone who thinks seriously about self-government.

Israel is by no means unique among democracies in considering itself the embodiment of the national existence of a specific people. In fact, most democracies see themselves that way. Most have laws and practices that specially recognize a particular people's history, language, culture, religion and group symbols, even though they also have minorities from other groups.

The United States is unusual in this regard. It is among the most liberal of democracies, in the sense that it is committed to the principle that laws should, in general, ignore group identities (ethnic, religious or regional) and treat citizens equally as individuals. Canada, Australia and New Zealand—likewise lands of new settlement—are among the other countries on this liberal end of the democratic spectrum.

The democracies of Europe and East Asia and those in the former republics of the Soviet Union, meanwhile, tend to cluster on the ethnic side of the spectrum. Numerous laws and institutions in those nations favor a country's principal ethnic group but are nevertheless accepted as compatible with democratic principles. Christian crosses adorn the flags of Switzerland, Sweden, Greece and Finland, among other model democracies, and the United Kingdom's flag boasts two kinds of crosses.

Several of these democracies have monarchs—and in the U.K., Norway and Denmark, the monarchs head national churches. France famously protects the integrity of the French language and the interests of French speakers, as do pro-French forces in Canada.

Ireland has a law that allows applicants of "Irish descent or Irish associations" to be exempted from ordinary naturalization rules. Poland, Croatia and Japan have similar laws of return favoring members of their own respective ethnic majorities. Many other examples exist.

Israel was founded as a national home for the Jews, recognized as a nationality and not just a religious group. After Allied forces conquered Palestine from the Ottomans in World War I, Britain, France, Italy and other leading powers of the day supported the idea that the Jewish people, long shamefully abused as exiles throughout the diaspora, should be offered the opportunity to reconstitute a Jewish-majority state in their ancient homeland of Palestine.

Those powers planned that the Arabs, whose nationalist leaders from across the Middle East insisted that they were a single, indivisible people, would exercise national self-determination over time in Syria, Lebanon, Mesopotamia (now Iraq), Arabia and elsewhere. Britain soon decided to put the 78% of Palestine east of the Jordan River under exclusive Arab administration, barring Jewish settlement there.

The British government's wartime Balfour Declaration in favor of a Jewish national home in Palestine—incorporated verbatim in the Palestine Mandate, which received League of Nations confirmation in 1922—made a crucial distinction between the collective rights of the Jewish people in Palestine and the individual civil and religious rights of the country's non-Jewish residents. The point was that all such rights, collective and individual, should be honored.

After World War I, numerous ethnic groups achieved statehood. It was not considered antidemocratic that the Hungarians or Poles, for example, should establish nations to embody and sustain their particular cultures.

All democratic countries have minority populations. Such countries do not believe that they have to shed their national ethnic identities in order to respect the civil, property and other basic human rights of their minority citizens. The distinction between majority collective rights to a national home and the individual rights of all citizens remains important in Israel and in all ethnically-based democracies.

So democracies vary in the degree to which their laws take account of ethnicity. Their common practices provide an answer to our question: It is not antidemocratic for Israel to protect its status as a Jewish state in ways similar to those used by the French, Swiss, British, Germans, Italians, Lithuanians, Japanese and others to protect the status of their countries as national homelands.

Mr. Feith, a senior fellow at the Hudson Institute, served as under secretary of defense from 2001 to 2005. He is the author of "War and Decision: Inside the Pentagon at the Dawn of the War on Terrorism" (Harper 2008).

AJC Poll: 95% of American Jews say peace with the Palestinians requires recognition of Israel as a Jewish state

2010-10-18T13:09:00.001-05:00

The American Jewish Committee's Fall survey, released October 12, 2010 reports that

"American Jews remain nearly unanimous – 95 percent – in supporting the proposal requiring the Palestinians to recognize Israel as a Jewish state in a final peace agreement. In March and in 2009, the figure was 94 percent. "

Source: http://www.ajc.org/site/c.ijITI2PHKoG/b.685761/k.CB97/Home.htm

Oct 25: Middle East As Global Focal Point with Prof. Barry Rubin at Drake University

2010-10-13T08:44:00.001-05:00

Prominent Middle East historian, analyst Barry Rubin to speak at Drake University, October 25th.

Barry Rubin

The Middle East's

Dramatic Change

Why It's a Global Focal Point

Monday, October 25, 2010, 7 p.m.

Meredith 106,

Drake University

(Meredith is located north of Olmstead Parking Lot)

Presented by Drake University's Center for Global Citizenship

Barry Rubin is director of the Global Research

in International Affairs (GLORIA) Center and

editor of the Middle East Review of

International Affairs (MERIA) Journal. His latest

books are The Israel-Arab Reader (seventh

edition), The Long War for Freedom:

The Arab Struggle for Democracy in the Middle

East (Wiley), and The Truth About Syria

(Palgrave-Macmillan).

This speech is free and open to the public.

For more information about the event,

please call 515-271-2840.

Tues. Oct 12: Jazz at The Caspe Terrace with Jon Weber

2010-10-11T11:39:00.000-05:00

Tuesday Oct 12: 7:30 pm

Pianist Jon Weber The history of jazz piano is alive and well in the hands of New York City pianist Jon Weber. From ragtime to modern, Jon plays it all. His vast knowledge of tunes is matched by his stories about the composers and musicians who made those tunes famous. A sought after accompanist for New York City’s finest jazz vocalists, Jon has the skill to keep you entertained and enthralled in an evening of solo piano. Bring your requests, because chances are Jon knows them and will be happy to play them for you!

Our guest artiist will perform at the Caspe Terrace in Waukee, a venue ideally suited to the intimacy of jazz. The Waukee Area Arts Council hosts a “Meet The Artist” dessert reception following each concert. Concerts run 7:30 – 10 PM.

Tickets for individual concerts within the series are $25 in advance and $30 at the door. Student discounts are available. For more information, contact Abe Goldstien at 515-279-6452 or via email at abe@trilixgroup.com.

Oct. 24 Temple Brotherhood Political Forum

2010-10-11T10:27:00.001-05:00

Political Forum at Temple B'nai Jeshurun
Sponsored by the Temple Brotherhood

Sunday, October 24, 2010
8:45 AM - Breakfast
9:15 AM to Noon - Forum

Moderator: Dennis Goldford, Professor of Politics at Drake University and Political Analyst KCCI-TV

An opportunity to hear directly from the following candidates...

Chet Culver
Brad Zaun
Roxanne Conlin
Leonard Boswell

Each candidate will give a brief speech followed by a question and answer session.

Please RSVP to the Temple by calling 274-4679 no later than Tuesday, October 19th.

The Brotherhood extended an invitation to both Terry Branstad and Chuck Grassley to participate in the Forum. However, both declined the invitation due to scheduling conflicts.

Temple Brotherhood Political Forum, October 24

2010-10-07T08:10:00.001-05:00

Political Forum at Temple B'nai Jeshurun
Sponsored by the Temple Brotherhood

Sunday, October 24, 2010
8:45 AM - Breakfast
9:15 AM to Noon - Forum

Moderator: Dennis Goldford, Professor of Politics at Drake University and Political Analyst KCCI-TV

An opportunity to hear directly from the following candidates...

Chet Culver
Brad Zaun
Roxanne Conlin
Leonard Boswell

Each candidate will give a brief speech followed by a question and answer session.

Please RSVP to the Temple by calling 274-4679 no later than Tuesday, October 19th.

The Brotherhood extended an invitation to both Terry Branstad and Chuck Grassley
to participate in the Forum. However, Terry Branstad declined the invitation due to
a scheduling conflict and Chuck Grassley never responded.

Oct. 25 Why the ME is a global focal point. Prof. Barry Rubin at Drake University

2010-09-27T14:30:00.001-05:00

October 7: "What it means to be an American Muslim" at Drake University

2010-09-27T11:20:00.001-05:00

You are invited to join in a discussion at Drake University on

"What it means to be an American Muslim"

Featured panelists include:

Luai Amro President, Islamic Cultural Center of Des Moines

Bill Aossey President, Midamar Corporation

Abdirizak Bihi Somali Community Activist and Social Worker

Dr. M. Zuhdi Jasser

Founder and President of the American Islamic Forum for Democracy (AIFD)

Moderator: Mahmoud Hamad, Ph.D., Assistant Professor, Politics Department, Drake University

Thursday, October 7, 2010

7:00 p.m. -8:30 p.m.

Drake University - Sheslow Auditorium

American Islamic Forum for Democracy

BUILDING THE FUTURE OF ISLAM THROUGH LIBERTY AND FREEDOM

FREE TO THE PUBLIC

Sponsored by Stanley Richards Revocable Trust

For more information please call Stanley Richards at 515.282.4218

[excerpts] Remarks of President Barack Obama's Address to the Un...

2010-09-23T10:04:00.000-05:00

.

Excerpts relate to the President's remarks about the war on terrorism,
Iran and the Arab-Israeli conflict.

Remarks of President Barack Obama-As Prepared for Delivery [Remarks may
have deviated from the speech as prepared for delivery]
Address to the United Nations General Assembly September 23, 2010

....
Men, women and children have been murdered by extremists from
Casablanca to London; from Jalalabad to Jakarta.
.....

Now let me be clear once more: the United States and the international
community seek a resolution to our differences with Iran, and the door
remains open to diplomacy should Iran choose to walk through it. But
the Iranian government must demonstrate a clear and credible
commitment, and confirm to the world the peaceful intent of its nuclear
program.

....

Last year, I pledged my best efforts to support the goal of two states,
Israel and Palestine, living side by side in peace and security, as
part of a comprehensive peace between Israel and all of its neighbors.
We have travelled a winding road over the last twelve months, with few
peaks and many valleys. But this month, I am pleased that we have
pursued direct negotiations between Israelis and Palestinians in
Washington, Sharm el-Sheikh and Jerusalem.

Now, many are pessimistic about this process. The cynics say that
Israelis and Palestinians are too distrustful of each other, and too
divided internally, to forge lasting peace. Rejectionists on both sides
will try to disrupt the process, with bitter words and with bombs. Some
say that the gaps between the parties are too big; the potential for
talks to break down is too great; and that after decades of failure,
peace is simply not possible.

But consider the alternative. If an agreement is not reached,
Palestinians will never know the pride and dignity that comes with
their own state. Israelis will never know the certainty and security
that comes with sovereign and stable neighbors who are committed to
co-existence. The hard realities of demography will take hold. More
blood will be shed. This Holy Land will remain a symbol of our
differences, instead of our common humanity.

I refuse to accept that future. We all have a choice to make. And each
of us must choose the path of peace. That responsibility begins with
the parties themselves, who must answer the call of history. Earlier
this month, at the White House, I was struck by the words of both the
Israeli and Palestinian leaders. Prime Minister Netanyahu said, "I came
here today to find an historic compromise that will enable both people
to live in peace, security, and dignity." President Abbas said, "We
will spare no effort and we will work diligently and tirelessly to
ensure these negotiations achieve their cause."

These words must be followed by action, and I believe that both leaders
have the courage to do so. But the road that they have to travel is
difficult, which is why I call upon Israelis and Palestinians - and the
world - to rally behind the goal that these leaders share. We know
there will be tests along the way, and that one is fast approaching.
Israel's settlement moratorium has made a difference on the ground, and
improved the atmosphere for talks. Our position on this issue is well
known. We believe that the moratorium should be extended. We also
believe that talks should press on until completed. Now is the time for
the parties to help each other overcome this obstacle. Now is the time
to build the trust - and provide the time - for substantial progress to
be made. Now is the time for this opportunity to be seized, so that it
doesn't slip away.

Peace must be made by Israelis and Palestinians, but each of us has a
responsibility to do our part as well. Those of us who are friends of
Israel must understand that true security for the Jewish state requires
an independent Palestine - one that allows the Palestinian people to
live with dignity and opportunity. And those of us who are friends of
the Palestinians must understand that the rights of the Palestinian
people will be won only through peaceful means - including genuine
reconciliation with a secure Israel.

Many in this hall count themselves as friends of the Palestinians. But
these pledges must now be supported by deeds. Those who have signed on
to the Arab Peace Initiative should seize this opportunity to make it
real by taking tangible steps toward the normalization that it promises
Israel. Those who speak out for Palestinian self-government should help
the Palestinian Authority politically and financially, and - in so
doing - help the Palestinians build the institutions of their state.
And those who long to see an independent Palestine rise must stop
trying to tear Israel down.

After thousands of years, Jews and Arabs are not strangers in a strange
land. And after sixty years in the community of nations, Israel's
existence must not be a subject for debate. Israel is a sovereign
state, and the historic homeland of the Jewish people. It should be
clear to all that efforts to chip away at Israel's legitimacy will only
be met by the unshakeable opposition of the United States. And efforts
to threaten or kill Israelis will do nothing to help the Palestinian
people - the slaughter of innocent Israelis is not resistance, it is
injustice. Make no mistake: the courage of a man like President Abbas -
who stands up for his people in front of the world - is far greater
than those who fire rockets at innocent women and children.

The conflict between Israelis and Arabs is as old as this institution.
And we can come back here, next year, as we have for the last sixty,
and make long speeches about it. We can read familiar lists of
grievances. We can table the same resolutions. We can further empower
the forces of rejectionism and hate. We can waste more time by carrying
forward an argument that will not help a single Israeli or Palestinian
child achieve a better life. We can do that.

Or, we can say that this time will be different - that this time we
will not let terror, or turbulence, or posturing, or petty politics
stand in the way. This time, we will think not of ourselves, but of the
young girl in Gaza who wants to have no ceiling on her dreams, or the
young boy in Sderot who wants to sleep without the nightmare of rocket
fire. This time, we should draw upon the teachings of tolerance that
lie at the heart of three great religions that see Jerusalem's soil as
sacred. This time we should reach for what's best within ourselves. If
we do, when we come back here next year, we can have an agreement that
will lead to a new member of the United Nations - an independent,
sovereign state of Palestine, living in peace with Israel.
....

Debka: Today's Middle East negotiations

2010-09-14T10:47:00.001-05:00

A headline review of today's news from Debka.com

Before leaving Sharm el-Sheikh, Netanyahu, Abbas, Clinton met again
after first round of talks ended in 40 minutes

* Mitchell: Extending West Bank building moratorium makes sense, but it
is a sensitive political issue in Israel

* We have asked Abbas for steps to promote continuation of talks

* First, Netanyahu talked to Clinton, Abbas to Mubarak

* Fifteen Israeli cabinet ministers plus Knesset Speaker publish open
letter against moratorium

* Hamas military chief Al Jabry says only fire will exorcize conflict
with Israel

* Palestinian state must extend from "Sea to Jordan"

Pipes: It's wrong to target all Muslims

2010-09-07T08:20:00.000-05:00

Daniel Pipes call upon those who oppose Islamism (al-Qaeda, Hamas ) to
avoid targeting all Muslims. It's wrong and indefensible to target all
Muslims. //Mark Finkelstein jcrc@dmjfed.org

Pipes states:

" I have one concern:[some of those who oppose Islamism are taking on
an] increasing anti-Islamic tone. Misled by the Islamists' insistence
that there can be no such thing as "moderate Islam," my allies often
fail to distinguish between Islam (a faith) and Islamism (a radical
utopian ideology aiming to implement Islamic laws in their totality).
This amounts not just to an intellectual error but a policy dead-end.
Targeting all Muslims conflicts with basic Western notions, lumps
friends with foes, and ignores the inescapable fact that Muslims alone
can offer an antidote to Islamism. As I often note, radical Islam is
the problem and moderate Islam is the solution [to defeating Islamism.]"

Source: http://www.danielpipes.org/pubarticle.php?id=650

Viewpoints on Peace expressed by two ambassadors

2010-09-03T10:32:00.001-05:00

Israel's Ambassador to the United States, Michael Oren, expressed optimism in the peace talks.

In an opinion editorial, he writes: Is there any reason for optimism?

Indeed, there is. For the first time in history, most Arab leaders view a Middle Eastern state other than Israel - Iran - as their major enemy. The Israeli government under Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is strong, stable and deeply committed to resolving the conflict based on two states for two peoples, Israeli and Palestinian. In the West Bank, Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas is working to restore law, order and economic prosperity while similarly pledging to pursue the two-state solution. And President Barack Obama has placed achieving peace at the top of his foreign policy agenda. Never before, perhaps, have conditions been so conducive for a breakthrough.

http://www.mcclatchydc.com/2010/09/01/99932_reason-for-optimism-in-mideast.html#ixzz0yToL72Il

Palestinian Ambassador to Iran, Salah Zawawi, expressed his opinion, as well.

Tehran, Sept 2, IRNA -- Palestine’s Ambassador to Tehran, Salah Zawawi, said on Thursday: “With reliance upon Grace of Almighty God and through solidarity of world Muslims, we hope to witness complete eradication of [ Israel] the fabricated regime in due course.”

http://www.irna.ir/NewsShow.aspx?NID=253385

Comments to jcrc@dmjfed.org

SF Interfaith Statement for One America

2010-09-02T16:29:00.001-05:00

Interfaith Statement for One America

A Call to Action for Deeper Understanding & Mutual Respect

As religious leaders representing people of many faiths in the San Francisco Bay Area, we are deeply troubled by the current wave of bigotry and hate directed at Islam and Muslims in the United States.

We recognize that there is a wide range of strongly held views about the location selected for the Islamic Center in New York near Ground Zero and that disagreement with the decision is not tantamount to attacking a religious group. At the same time, there is a growing pattern of anti-mosque protests and other actions directed at American Muslims in many parts of the country that aim to demonize Islam in the name of protecting America from Muslim radicals and extremists.

We condemn these attempts to vilify an entire religious community and affirm that such bigotry has no place in a nation committed to religious liberty for people of all faiths and none. Fear mongering, scapegoating, and intimidating a religious group does not protect our nation against the real threats that it faces, but rather threatens our pluralistic democracy that is a beacon to those who seek freedom from oppression. As a nation of immigrants, we continue to see our diversity as one of the great strengths of our country.

Well-aware of the long and bloody history of religious conflict in Europe, the framers of the U.S. Constitution were determined to found a nation committed to religious freedom. Thanks to their vision and commitment, religious liberty in America is protected as a precious, fundamental and inalienable right for all people. This right is guaranteed by the first 16 words of the First Amendment to the Constitution:

Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof.

From the beginning of our history, we have struggled as a nation to live up to this founding ideal. The current outbreak of fear and prejudice directed at American Muslims is reminiscent of earlier attacks on Roman Catholics, Jews, Mormons and other immigrant communities in America. . Anti-Catholic rallies of the 19th century, for example, warned of "Romanism" taking over America and condemned the Catholic Church as antithetical to American freedom.

Today, we are called once again to speak out against a rising tide of prejudice that threatens the religious freedom of American Muslims and thus undermines religious freedom for us all. Religious liberty is a universal right joined to a universal responsibility to protect that right - not just for ourselves, but for all others. We celebrate that in America we may practice our own faiths in diverse ways that deepen our religious commitment, bridge many of the chasms that divide us, and build doors in the walls that often separate us. We are dedicated to creating a community of mutual respect and common effort for the good of society. This is a salute to America’s legacy and future.

At this difficult time, we ask people of all faiths to take concrete steps to reach out to Muslims and members of other faiths - to host events and joint projects that will build relationships and promote mutual understanding.

We ask all Americans of goodwill to join us in countering this current wave of bigotry and hate by coming together to create our own wave of deeper understanding, mutual respect and common action for the good of all. In this spirit, we commit ourselves to speak and act according to the vision of religious liberty set forth in our Constitution, and urge our fellow citizens to do the same.

Maha Elgenaidi, Islamic Networks Group (ING)

Rabbi Doug Kahn, Jewish Community Relations Council of San Francisco, Peninsula, Marin, Sonoma, Alameda and Contra Costa Counties.

Rev. Brian Stein-Webber, Interfaith Council of Contra Costa County

Rabbi Melanie Aron, Congregation Shir Hadash

Imam Aladdin El-Bakri, West Valley Muslim Association

Rev. Gerald Sakamoto, San Jose Buddhist Church Betsuin

Rev. Andrew Kille, Interfaith Space

Imam Tahir Anwar

Zahra Billoo, Council on American Islamic Relations – San Francisco

Rev. Canon Charles P. Gibbs, United Religions Initiative

Agha and Malley: Palestinian leader hard pressed to implement an agreement

2010-09-02T10:39:00.001-05:00

Authors argue that because Palestinians lack a strong, legitimate central authority, " Palestinians would find it difficult to implement an agreement," argues Agha and Malley

At Mideast Peace Talks, a Lopsided Table - Hussein Agha and Robert Malley (Washington Post)

Staggering asymmetries between the Israelis and Palestinians could seriously imperil the talks. Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu is the head of a stable state with the ability to deliver on his commitments. Celebrations of supposed institution-building notwithstanding, Palestinians have no robust central authority. Their territory is divided between the West Bank and Gaza. On their own, Palestinians would find it difficult to implement an agreement.
Participation in direct talks was opposed by virtually every Palestinian political organization aside from Fatah, whose support was lethargic. Abbas' decision to come to Washington is viewed skeptically even by those who back him. If Abbas reaches a deal, many will ask in whose name he was bartering away Palestinian rights. If negotiations fail, most will accuse him of once more having been duped. Abbas will be damned if he does and damned if he doesn't.
The demographic threat - the possibility that Arabs soon might outnumber Jews, forcing Israel to choose between remaining Jewish or democratic - is exaggerated. Israel already has separated itself from Gaza. In the future, it could unilaterally relinquish areas of the West Bank, further diminishing prospects of an eventual Arab majority.
Hussein Agha is a senior associate member of St. Antony's College at Oxford University. Robert Malley is Middle East program director at the International Crisis Group and was special assistant to the president for Arab-Israeli affairs from 1998 to 2001.
Source: summary by dailyalert.org on Sept. 2, 2010 . Article from http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/09/01/AR2010090105656.html