20 March 2014 — VTJP
News
International Middle East Media Center
Israeli Forces Kill Palestinian Teen South of Hebron
IMEMC – Israeli forces shot and killed a Palestinian teenager in the Hebron district, on Wednesday, according to security and medical sources. …
Demolition Orders in Khirbat al-Tawil
IMEMC – Israeli occupation authorities, on Thursday morning, served four demolition orders for infrastructure projects in the Palestinian village of Khirbat al-Tawil, to the south of the West Bank city of Nablus. …†
56 Palestinians Killed, 897 Injured During Peace Talks
IMEMC – Israeli military forces have killed 56 Palestinians and injured 897 since the resumption of peace negotiations with Israel in July, the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) said Tuesday. …
WCC Expresses Concern over Knesset Law
IMEMC – The World Council of Churches (WCC) general secretary Olav Fykse Tveit expressed ‘grave concern’ about a law recently passed by the Israeli Knesset, on February 24, which defines the status of Palestinian Arab Christians in the state of Israel, said a statement issued on Tuesday. …†
Raids in West Bank, Numerous Kidnappings
IMEMC – Violence erupted between Israeli forces and young Palestinians, after dozens of soldiers in military vehicles raided various villages in the West Bank, taking with them several Palestinians. …†
Clashes at Al Aqsa as MKs Tour Courtyards
IMEMC – Clashes broke out, on Thursday, between Palestinian worshipers and Israeli forces in the al-Aqsa compound, following a visit by a right-wing Israeli MK, according to locals. …
Israeli Minister Threatens to Resign if Any More Palestinians are Released from Imprisonment
IMEMC – A day after the Israeli government announced a delay in the promised release of 30 long-term Palestinian prisoners, Israeli Deputy Defense Minister Danny Danon threatened, on Wednesday, to resign from his position if the release is carried out a move which his critics claim is a political maneuver and not an actual threat. …
12 Kidnapped, Dozens Injured, Near Jenin
IMEMC – [Wednesday Evening, March 19, 2014] Israeli soldiers invaded the village of Zabbouba, west of the northern West Bank city of Jenin, and clashed with dozens of residents before kidnapping twelve, and wounding dozens. …
Netanyahu Orders Army To Be Ready For Possible Strike On Iran
IMEMC – [Wednesday, March 19, 2014] Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, and Defense Minister Moshe Ya alon, ordered the army to be ready for a potential strike on Iran this year. …
Ministry: Israel advances plans for 2,269 West Bank homes
3/20/2014 – JERUSALEM (AFP) — Israel has moved forward plans to build more than 2,000 new housing units in six West Bank settlements, a defense official told AFP Thursday. Guy Inbar, a spokesman for the defense ministry unit responsible for civilian affairs in the Palestinian territories, said a ministry committee at a hearing last month had furthered existing plans for 2,269 homes…. Related:†Israel advances plans for 2,269 new West Bank settlement homes
Clashes in Aqsa compound as right-wing MKs tour courtyards
3/20/2014 – JERUSALEM (Ma’an) — Clashes broke out Thursday between Palestinian worshipers and Israeli forces in the al-Aqsa compound following a visit by a right-wing Israeli MK, locals said. Witnesses told Ma’an that Likud MK Moshe Feiglin and a number of other right-wing politicians entered the mosque compound via the Moroccan Gate and toured the courtyards. Worshipers shouted “Allah Akbar” at the group before….
Israeli court rejects appeal against demolition of Bedouin village
3/20/2014 – BEERSHEBA (Ma’an) — An Israeli central court in Beersheba on Wednesday rejected an appeal against a decision to demolish a Palestinian Bedouin village in the Negev, even though the structures were built after residents were forcibly moved there by Israel decades ago. The Israeli court’s decision paves the way for the planned displacement of Umm al-Heiran’s 1,000 inhabitants to make….
2 Palestinian children attacked by settlers near Beit Furik
3/20/2014 – NABLUS (Ma’an) — Two Palestinian children were injured on Thursday afternoon after a group of Israeli settlers attacked them near the village of Beit Furik east of Nablus, the children said. Musab Fouad Khatatba, 11, and Amir Mohammed Saleh, 11, suffered moderate injuries as a result of the attack, which they said was carried out by settlers from the nearby Jewish settlement of Itamar….
Israeli forces blockade village of Burin near Nablus after bus attack
3/20/2014 – NABLUS (Ma’an) — Israeli forces closed all entrances to the village of Burin near Nablus on Thursday, preventing locals from leaving or entering their village, hours after a Molotov cocktail was thrown at an Israeli settler bus as it was passing by the nearby village of Madama. Locals told Ma’an that Israeli forces closed the entrance to the village’s main….
Israel advances plans for 2,269 new West Bank settlement homes
3/20/2014 – JERUSALEM (AFP) — Israel has progressed with plans for more than 2,000 new homes in six Jewish settlements across the West Bank an official said Thursday, in a move likely to further endanger peace talks. Guy Inbar, a spokesman for the defense ministry unit responsible for civilian affairs in the Palestinian territories, said a ministry committee had furthered existing plans for 2,269 homes at a meeting…. Related:†Ministry: Israel advances plans for 2,269 West Bank homes
Witnesses: PA forces detain 4 in Bethlehem refugee camp
3/20/2014 – BETHLEHEM (Ma’an) — Palestinian Authority security forces raided Bethlehem’s Azza refugee camp overnight Wednesday and detained four people, witnesses said. PA forces raided the camp at around 3 a. m. and arrested Ameen al-Amareen, Karam al-Amareen, Aslaman al-Jouz and another unidentified man. Clashes broke out following the arrests, with youths throwing stones at security forces and PA officers firing warning shots in….
Kerry angered by Israeli minister’s sharp criticism
3/20/2014 – WASHINGTON (AFP) — In a rare move, Secretary of State John Kerry protested Wednesday to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu about strong criticism of US foreign policy by his outspoken defense minister. In a telephone call, Kerry told Netanyahu the comments made by Defense Minister Moshe Yaalon were inconsistent with strong ties between Israel and the United States, State Department spokeswoman Jen Psaki said.” Clearly his….
Israeli forces free recently detained Bethlehem woman
3/20/2014 – RAMALLAH (Ma’an) — Israeli authorities on Thursday released a Palestinian woman who was taken into custody a few days earlier. A statement by the Palestinian prisoner’s society quoted the group’s lawyer as saying Israeli forces released Nawal Ubayyat from Bethlehem. He highlighted that she is a cancer patient. [END]
5 Palestinian moms in Israeli jail on Mother’s Day
3/20/2014 – RAMALLAH (Ma’an) — As Palestinians prepare to mark Mother’s Day on March 21, five Palestinian mothers will be deprived of celebrating the occasion with their sons and daughters because they are jailed by Israel. The Palestinian prisoner’s society released a statement Thursday on the occasion of Mother’s Day to express solidarity with the jailed Palestinian women. Intisar al-Sayyad….
Fifth column: Christians and illusory promises of Israeli integration
3/20/2014 – Rifat Odeh Kassis is the general coordinator of the Palestinian-Christian activist group Kairos. – In any situation of oppression, some of the oppressed direct their anger toward the oppressors. But some do not. Instead, they channel their frustration toward their peers, their fellow oppressed. They try to erase their past, hoping that the future will bring them a better lot in life, a new reality — and….
Officials: 18 dead in Afghan attack including insurgents
3/20/2014 – JALALABAD (AFP) — A multiple Taliban suicide attack on a police station in the eastern Afghan city of Jalalabad Thursday has left 18 people dead, including 10 police officers, one civilian and the seven attackers, officials said.”Ten policemen, including the district police chief, were killed and 14 police were wounded,” deputy interior minister Mohammad Ayoub Salangi told AFP.”One civilian was also killed, and all….
Cross-border fire by Syria army ‘wounds 25’ in northern Lebanon
3/20/2014 – BAALBEK, Lebanon (AFP) — Cross-border shelling by the Syrian army wounded 25 people in northern Lebanon early Thursday, hours after twin air raids hit another border area, Lebanese security sources said. The flare-up came as Syrian troops backed by fighters of its Lebanese ally Hezbollah pressed offensives on the Syrian side of the frontier, prompting an exodus of both rebels and civilians. The artillery fire hit….
Lebanon MPs back cabinet to end deadlock
AlJazeera 20 Mar 2014 – MPs approve government policy statement, which stops short of outlining specific Hezbollah role in resistance of Israel.
International Solidarity Movement
15-year-old boy murdered by Israeli forces
3/20/2014 – International Solidarity Movement – International Solidarity Movement, Khalil Team, Hebron, Occupied Palestine – Early yesterday morning, 15-year-old Yousef Shawamri was shot dead by Israeli soldiers near the village of Deir Al-Asal al Fauqa. Yousef and two of his friends were trying to pass though a hole in a wire fence to reach Palestinian land that has been stolen by the Annexation Wall, in order to collect vegetables for their….
Israeli forces arrest and hold 13-year-old for seven hours
3/20/2014 – International Solidarity Movement – International Solidarity Movement, Nablus Team, Bruqin, Occupied Palestine – On Tuesday 18th March, Israeli forces entered the village of Bruqin and arrested†13-year-old Abdel Hafez Mohammed, holding him for seven hours before releasing him later in the day. Abdel Hafez Mohammed Samara was working on his land, picking “‹aqoub’ (a local plant), and allowing his sheep to grave, when an Israeli soldier and two security….
The remains of martyr Ahmad Saleh finally returned to family
3/20/2014 – International Solidarity Movement – International Solidarity Movement, Nablus Team, Asira al-Qibliya, Occupied Palestine – In June 2002, Israeli soldiers assassinated 18-year-old Ahmad Saleh from the village of Asira al-Qibliya after he entered the illegal settlement of Yizhar. Ahmad’s body was then convicted post mortem to be held for 20 years by the Israeli authorities. Today, twelve years later, the body was given back to the family and….
occupied Palestinian territory: Israel advances plans for 2,269 West Bank homes
Relief Web 20 Mar 2014 – Source: Agence France-Presse Country: occupied Palestinian territory 03/20/2014 17:03 GMT JERUSALEM, March 20, 2014 (AFP) – Israel has moved forward in planning for more than 2,000 new housing units in six West Bank settlements, an official said Thursday, which is…
Italy: Italy rescues 600 Syrian, Palestinian, Eritrean boat migrants
Relief Web 20 Mar 2014 – Source: Agence France-Presse Country: Eritrea, Italy, occupied Palestinian territory, Syrian Arab Republic 03/18/2014 09:10 GMT ROME, March 18, 2014 (AFP) – The Italian navy said on Tuesday it had rescued nearly 600 Syrian, Palestinian and Eritrean migrants crossing the Mediterranean…
occupied Palestinian territory: EU and UNICEF lay first stone of ¨ 10 million seawater desalination plant in Gaza
Relief Web 20 Mar 2014 – Source: UN Children’s Fund, European Union Country: occupied Palestinian territory Gaza, 20 March 2013 Today the European Union and UNICEF launched the construction of a major seawater desalination plant which will provide 75,000 Palestinians with safe drinking water in…
Guests unharmed as gunmen attack luxury Kabul hotel
The National 20 Mar 2014 – All four attackers killed in attack on the Serena hotel on the eve of celebrations of the Persian New Year.
Acclaimed Indian journalist and author Khushwant Singh dies at 99
The National 20 Mar 2014 – Former lawyer and diplomat was noted for his forthrightness and trademark wicked humour over six decades of penmanship.
Future of peace talks hinge on release of Palestinian leader
The National 20 Mar 2014 – Marwan Barghouti is serving life sentence for killings of Israelis but is seen as the potential next leader of the Palestinians.
Blood ties: the shadowy member of the Assad clan who ignited the Syrian conflict
The National 20 Mar 2014 – Atef Najib, a cousin of Bashar Al Assad, was chief of the secret police in Deraa – and is the regime apparatchik thought to have ignited the current Syrian conflict.
Mumbai court convicts four over photographer gang rape
The National 20 Mar 2014 – A Mumbai court convicted four men on Thursday over the gang-rape of a photographer on assignment in the city last year, a case that reignited nationwide anger over women’s safety.
Missing MH370: Bad weather hampers search for possible debris
The National 20 Mar 2014 – Two large floating objects spotted in satellite imagery of southern Indian Ocean lie about 2,500 kilometres south-west of Perth, Australian authorities said.
15 Israelis, 60 kilometers and a single Mount Everest to conquer – running
Ha’aretz – 21 Mar 2014
Hamas scoffs at Israel s claims of uncovering ‘new tunnel
Ha’aretz – 20 Mar 2014
Jewish groups blast Ya’alon s ‘absurd and over the top’ attack on Obama administration
Ha’aretz – 20 Mar 2014
More than 900 already killed as Qatar preps for World Cup
Ha’aretz – 20 Mar 2014
Mossad probe reveals: Eight Iranian Jews missing since 1990s killed en route to Israel
Ha’aretz – 20 Mar 2014
Jerusalem-area students spark controversy with KKK costumes on Purim
Ha’aretz – 20 Mar 2014
15th century Pentateuch up for $2m auction
Ha’aretz – 20 Mar 2014
HIV carrier in Haifa deliberately infecting sex partners
Ha’aretz – 20 Mar 2014
Netanyahu forced to cancel historic Latin America visit due to Foreign Ministry strike
Ha’aretz – 20 Mar 2014
Obama expands sanctions against Russia over Crimea annexation
Ha’aretz – 20 Mar 2014
Theresienstadt children s opera to be revived
Ha’aretz – 20 Mar 2014
Malaysia jet mystery unfolds as Asian air travel booms
Ha’aretz – 20 Mar 2014
From hocus pocus to open sesame to recognition as Jewish state: It s a kind of magic
Ha’aretz – 20 Mar 2014
Plan for 839 Ariel housing units approved by Civil Administration
Ha’aretz – 20 Mar 2014
Abbas receives hero’s welcome in Ramallah after White House meeting
Ha’aretz – 20 Mar 2014
Shame on the America-blamers
Ha’aretz – 20 Mar 2014
Israeli professor arrested over flashing two teens in Petah Tikva
Ha’aretz – 20 Mar 2014
Shimon Peres wishes Iranians a happy new year
Ha’aretz – 20 Mar 2014
Russia may be preparing further Ukraine incursion
Ha’aretz – 20 Mar 2014
Syria closes Lebanon border crossing amid heavy clashes
Ha’aretz – 20 Mar 2014
How to be really Jewish
Ha’aretz – 20 Mar 2014
For transparency, settlement body may become public authority
Ha’aretz – 20 Mar 2014
Minutes before surgery, operation nixed for lack of ‘right’ insurance
Ha’aretz – 20 Mar 2014
The search for missing Malaysia jet, in numbers
Ha’aretz – 20 Mar 2014
Malaysia search planes come up short, despite spotting of two objects
Ha’aretz – 20 Mar 2014
Two Palestinians arrested after clash with MK Feiglin on Temple Mount
Ha’aretz – 20 Mar 2014
Can’t get visa because of long lines? No penalty
Ha’aretz – 20 Mar 2014
Dimona wants to raise nuclear center s taxes 1,200%
Ha’aretz – 20 Mar 2014
With Syria strikes, Israel sending message to Assad: Rein in Hezbollah
Ha’aretz – 20 Mar 2014
The Western devil wears Prada
Ha’aretz – 20 Mar 2014
Lapid’s housing plan is unfair and unsound
Ha’aretz – 20 Mar 2014
Turning on the ‘Jewish state’
Ha’aretz – 20 Mar 2014
The Shin Bet in our beds
Ha’aretz – 20 Mar 2014
Bibi’s great escape from peace
Ha’aretz – 20 Mar 2014
Rabbis warn of impending disaster as conversion bill passes Knesset committee
Ha’aretz – 19 Mar 2014
Longtime Washington power broker Robert Strauss dies at 95
Ha’aretz – 19 Mar 2014
American Jewish Congress bestows lifetime achievement award on Hillary Clinton
Ha’aretz – 19 Mar 2014
The mystery of missing Malaysia Airlines Flight 370: Seven leading theories
Ha’aretz – 19 Mar 2014
Two senior Israeli army officers arrested in Harpaz affair
Ha’aretz – 19 Mar 2014
U.S. wants public apology from Israeli defense minister for verbal assault
Ha’aretz – 19 Mar 2014
We need to raise awareness of egg donation in Israel
Ha’aretz – 19 Mar 2014
Kerry s framework declaration is a bad idea
Jerusalem Post 20 Mar 2014 – Unfortunately, Washington seems to have lost patience with toughing it out the old-fashioned way.†
Ya alon just said what everyone else is thinking
Jerusalem Post 20 Mar 2014 – Aside from Ya alon s political orientation, was this really an extremist statement that is disconnected from reality?†
Haredi filibuster plan foils vote to increase female representation
Jerusalem Post 20 Mar 2014 – Shas and UTJ submitted so many reservations, it would have taken 35 hours to have speeches and votes on all of them.†
Fire the defense minister!
Jerusalem Post 20 Mar 2014 – When the defense minister of Israel admonishes, mocks, criticizes and insults the US twice within a few weeks, he must be fired.†
Ministry aims to reduce radiation in schools
Jerusalem Post 20 Mar 2014 – A direct, not wireless, cable connection has been encouraged in classes where computers are part of the lessons.†
MK Regev forms new Knesset panel headed by Henin to address Haifa Bay area pollution
Jerusalem Post 20 Mar 2014 – Subcommittee tasked with making recommendations for Haifa metropolitan region regarding pollution and planning in the Haifa Bay.†
Israel advances plan for 2,371 units in West Bank settlements
Jerusalem Post 20 Mar 2014 – The remaining plans for 839 new homes in Ariel, 350 in the Shevut Rachel neighborhood of Shiloh and 65 Shavei Shomron were all approved for deposit.†
Obama marks Persian new year with carrot on nuclear talks
Jerusalem Post 20 Mar 2014 – US president states: Iranians “deserve better” then the crippling sanctions on their economy.†
Netanyahu thanks Panama for positive role in Klos C interception
Jerusalem Post 20 Mar 2014 – PM’s trip to South America was to include Panama, is currently on hold due to Foreign Ministry strike.†
Jerusalem Municipality launches initiative to aid capital s 19,000 Holocaust survivors
Jerusalem Post 20 Mar 2014 – Approximately 1,400 volunteers to help survivors receive financial aid, welfare services and offer much-needed companionship.†
Savir’s Corner: Compromise
Jerusalem Post 20 Mar 2014 – Compromise with courage and flexibility provides for long-term dividends in the words of Albert Camus: Blessed are the hearts that can bend, they shall never be broken. †
Knesset winter session by the numbers: MKs prove to not very rebellious
Jerusalem Post 20 Mar 2014 – Parties voted as a unit at least 99% of the time; Shas’ Nissim Ze’ev is the least disciplined MK, going against opposition on 71 of 571 votes.†
Sinai Today: The great apartheid lie
Jerusalem Post 20 Mar 2014 – The apartheid lie is more than big enough it falsely, outrageously accuses the Jewish state of the one of the worst crimes against humanity.
Netanyahu cancels planned trip to Latin America due to Foreign Ministry workers dispute
Jerusalem Post 20 Mar 2014 – The trip would have been the first ever by a sitting prime minister to South America, and is the biggest casualty so far due the workers’ sanctions.†
Mossad brings an end to the mystery of Iranian Jews missing since the 90’s
Jerusalem Post 20 Mar 2014 – The families of eight Iranian Jews who went missing while trying to escape Iran, notified that their relatives were murdered while attempting to immigrate to Israel.†
Report: Hezbollah sources claim responsibility for Golan attack
Jerusalem Post 20 Mar 2014 – Sources tell Arab paper that Israel already violated the rules of the game, and that Hezbollah is “ready for war.”†
Hamas militants deny Israeli claims that it uncovered tunnel
Jerusalem Post 20 Mar 2014 – IDF says tunnel discovery thwarted possible kidnapping of Israeli soldiers and citizens. This is the fourth major Gaza tunnel uncovered in the last year.†
WHO worried about growing resistance of TB strains to antibiotics
Jerusalem Post 20 Mar 2014 – In Israel, the disease is diagnosed mainly among foreigners or immigrants, but even here, bacteria are becoming more resistant to existing antibiotics.†
A culinary orchestra
Jerusalem Post 20 Mar 2014 – The name ‘Aria’ is originally an opera term and means a song to accompany a solo voice. Chef Gamzu is the conductor of flavors as Aria Restaurant and Bar.†
Russia hits back with sanctions against US officials, including John McCain
Jerusalem Post 20 Mar 2014 – After Obama sanctions Russian officials connected to annexation of Crimea, Putin hits back by targeting US lawmakers.†
Possible debris off Australia a ‘credible lead’ for missing Malaysia jet
Jerusalem Post 20 Mar 2014 – Malaysian officials “hopeful but cautious” about the Australian discovery, which officials said were spotted by satellite four days ago.†
Palestinians threaten to seek statehood at UN if prisoner release canceled
Jerusalem Post 20 Mar 2014 – Abbas returns to Ramallah from Washington, says he made no concessions in his talks with Obama.†
Israel looks to emigres in effort to settle periphery
Jerusalem Post 20 Mar 2014 – The government has stated that it expects to settle four hundred families of new immigrants and returning Israelis in the Galilee and Negev regions.†
Syria denies attacking IDF soldiers on border, says old landmine caused explosion
Jerusalem Post 20 Mar 2014 – Officials in Damascus file a complaint to the UN against Israel, claiming that the IDF strike on three of its outposts was unjustified; say Israel assisting “terrorist organizations” in the Golan Heights.†
WATCH: New ‘Lavi’ jet set to train Israel’s future fighter pilots
Jerusalem Post 20 Mar 2014 – The deal for procuring the Italian manufactured aircraft will also bring new opportunities for Israeli defense companies.†
Post-Purim reflections on women’s empowerment
Jerusalem Post 20 Mar 2014 – Since last year my costume for Purim was Queen Esther, I remembered how inspired I was from learning about this woman’s courage in one of the boldest biblical stories.†
Lebanon sentences 10 citizens to jail in absentia for allegedly spying for Israel
Jerusalem Post 20 Mar 2014 – In aftermath of Israelis strikes in Syria, local media report intense Israeli activity in the skies over southern Lebanon.†
Obama in holiday message to Iranians: There is chance for nuclear deal
Jerusalem Post 20 Mar 2014 – In video message to mark Iranian holiday Nowruz, US president aims to encourage Iranian people to welcome nuke accord with world powers.†
Israeli architecture association faces ban from international forum
The Guardian 20 Mar 2014 – Royal Institute of British Architects proposes boycott of Israeli Association of United Architects’ over Palestinian settlements Britain’s leading architectural association has called for its Israeli counterpart to be excluded from the International Union of Architects in…
At least 14 Iraq SWAT forces killed in explosives-rigged house
Daily Star 20 Mar 2014 At least 14 Iraqi SWAT forces were killed on Thursday when they entered a house rigged with explosives in the western province of Anbar, where the army is engaged in a near-three month conflict with Sunni…
Israel says 8 Iranian Jews missing since 1990s were murdered
Daily Star 20 Mar 2014 Israel declared dead on Thursday eight Iranian Jews who disappeared while trying to leave Iran in the 1990s, saying its Mossad intelligence service had proof that they had been murdered.
Settlement activity led peace talks to impasse: Palestinians
Daily Star 20 Mar 2014 US-sponsored peace talks with Israel have reached an impasse because of Jewish settlement activity, a Palestinian spokesman said Thursday, as plans for over 2,000 West Bank units were moved forward.
Saudi Arabia sentences 28 for backing militants
Daily Star 20 Mar 2014 A Saudi court has jailed 28 men for security offences including material support to wanted Islamist militants, aiding terrorism and helping young men go to Iraq, Syria and Afghanistan to fight.
Hundreds of Kurds in Syria flee after jihadist threat: NGO
Daily Star 20 Mar 2014 Some 600 Kurdish residents of villages in Syria’s Raqa province have fled after an ultimatum from the jihadist Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant, an NGO said Thursday.
Italy picks up 4,000 migrants at sea in 4 days
Daily Star 20 Mar 2014 Italian authorities say they have rescued more than 4,000 would-be migrants at sea over the past four days as the war in Syria and instability in Libya spawn new waves of refugees.
Israel advances plans for 2,269 West Bank homes
Daily Star 20 Mar 2014 Israel has progressed with plans for more than 2,000 new homes in six West Bank settlements, an official said Thursday, in a move likely to further endanger peace talks.
Pentagon to host Saudi deputy minister for talks
Daily Star 20 Mar 2014 The Pentagon was due to host Saudi Arabia’s deputy defense minister for talks Thursday as the two sides try to smooth over differences on US policy towards Iran and Syria.
Tunisia rapper freed from jail early in pot use case
Daily Star 20 Mar 2014 A young rapper whose song posted on YouTube stirred a sensation in Tunisia has been freed after spending almost nine months behind bars for cannabis use, his lawyer said Thursday.
Hungarian Jews mark 70th anniversary of Nazi Germany invasion
YNet News, 20 Mar 2014 – Memorial service outside Grand Synagogue in Budapest is first in series of events marking Holocaust, which claimed lives of some 600,000 of Hungary’s Jews. ….
Chief rabbi, Tzohar clash over conversion law†
YNet News, 20 Mar 2014 – While Rabbi Yitzhak Yosef declares Rabbinate will not recognize conversions performed under suggested law, moderate Religious Zionism rabbis say Knesset must ‘loosen the haredi suffocating grip which has taken over the conversion system.’ ….
From lovers to foes: Abbas and Dahlan continue to face off
YNet News, 20 Mar 2014 – Analysis: Behind the scenes of the power struggle over the Palestinian Authority: Accusations, interviews and egg-throwing. ….
Netanyahu cancels trip to Latin America due to Foreign Ministry strike
YNet News, 20 Mar 2014 – ….
Canada prime minister to visit Ukraine
YNet News, 20 Mar 2014 – ….
Turkish PM Erdogan threatens crackdown on Twitter
YNet News, 20 Mar 2014 – ….
Egypt sentences 17 people to long jail terms for protests
YNet News, 20 Mar 2014 – ….
Russia defense chief tells Hagel no plans to cross into eastern Ukraine
YNet News, 20 Mar 2014 – ….
Kerry s gift to Abbas
YNet News, 20 Mar 2014 – Op-ed: US secretary of state’s criticism of Netanyahu’s Jewish statehood demand is the real ‘mistake in the diplomatic process.’ ….
Lapid, enough with the gimmicks†
YNet News, 19 Mar 2014 – Analysis: A year into government’s term, it seems public is less fond of finance minister as a person but more appreciative of his ideas. ….
War between wars: New rules of engagement
YNet News, 19 Mar 2014 – Analysis: As part of what the IDF calls ‘war between wars’, Israel and terrorist groups and their state sponsors must play a very dangerous game, according to a new set of rules, while trying to create deterrence that doesn’t lead to an all-out regional conflict. ….
Germany arrests ex-Auschwitz medic, 93
YNet News, 19 Mar 2014 – Former SS member allegedly assisted in mass murder of prisoners who arrived on eight transports from Germany, Austria, France, Italy, Netherlands and Slovenia in September 1944. ….
Palestinian Information Center
Women stage sit-in outside Egyptian embassy in Gaza
PIC – Dozens of Palestinian women have staged Wednesday a sit-in outside Egyptian embassy in Gaza calling for the opening of Rafah crossing and ending Gaza siege.
Friends of Humanity International urges Abbas to release activist Qadah
PIC – Friends of Humanity International asked the Ramallah authority President Mahmoud Abbas and his Prime Minister Rami Hamadullah to release the human rights activist Wasef Qadah.
Injuries and arrests during settlers’ break-in into al-Aqsa
PIC – Israeli police stormed on Thursday morning al-Aqsa Mosque and attacked Palestinian worshipers. Three youths were arrested under the pretext of throwing stones at Israeli police forces.
Haaretz: Egyptian military delegation visited Tel Aviv last week
PIC – Israeli Haaretz newspaper reported that Egyptian army officers visited Tel Aviv last week with the aim of strengthening cooperation between Israel and the new regime in Egypt.†
IOF soldiers round up 26 citizens in West Bank
PIC – Israeli occupation forces (IOF) arrested 26 Palestinians at dawn Thursday in different cities and villages in the West Bank.
AOHR voices concern over Israel’s systematic killing of Palestinians
PIC – The Arab organization for human rights (AOHR) in London said it is deeply concerned over Israel’s unjustified killing of Palestinians in the occupied Palestinian lands.
Khuffash: 21 Palestinian women still detained in Hasharon prison
PIC – Director of Ahrar Center Fouad Khuffash said that the Israeli occupation is still holding 21 Palestinian women in Hasharon jail, under harsh detention conditions.
Premier Haneyya: Resistance will never forsake prisoners in Israeli captivity
PIC – Premier Ismail Haneyya reiterated that the Palestinian resistance would never forsake the Palestinian prisoners in Israeli jails and would keep working on liberating them by all means.
Aid supplies to Yarmouk refugee camp halted
PIC – Entry of aid supplies to Yarmouk refugee camp has been halted due to the outbreak of clashes between the Syrian opposition and armed groups belonging to the PFLP – General Command.
Jewish settlers seize more than 300 dunums of Palestinian land in Jordan Valley
PIC – A horde of Jewish settlers from Ro’i settlement appropriated more than 300 dunums of Palestinian-owned agricultural land in Samra area of the Jordan Valley, according to local sources.
Hamadalla: We Agreed to Foster Mutual Cooperation Based on Partnership
WAFA – 20 Mar 2014
Ashrawi: There is a Global Rule of Law, and Israel Must be Subject to it
WAFA – 20 Mar 2014
Abbas Reaffirms Commitment to Palestinian Fixed Principles
WAFA – 20 Mar 2014
EU and UNICEF lay first stone of ¨ 10 million seawater desalination plant in Gaza
WAFA – 20 Mar 2014
World Council of Churches Expresses Concern over Israeli Knesset Law
WAFA – 20 Mar 2014
Statistics Bureau: More than a Quarter of Water Purchased from the Israeli Water Company Mokrot
WAFA – 20 Mar 2014
Malignant Tumors and Disabilities Soar among Prisoners
WAFA – 20 Mar 2014
Minister of Agriculture: Farmers Compensations Estimated at $16 Million
WAFA – 20 Mar 2014
Palestinian Worshippers Expel Righ-Wing MK out of Al-Aqsa Mosque Compound
WAFA – 20 Mar 2014
Israeli Forces Arrest Six Youths in West Bank
WAFA – 20 Mar 2014
Ashrawi condemned Israel s latest prejudicial facts on the ground
WAFA – 20 Mar 2014
At War Blog: What s in Veterans Affairs $164 Billion Budget?
New York Times 20 Mar 2014 – The secretary of veterans affairs wants the spending to expand health care access and other benefits to veterans, to clear a still-extensive backlog of disability claims and to end homelessness among veterans.†
A Ship Being Built in Iran Looks Awfully Familiar to the U.S.
New York Times 20 Mar 2014 – Iran is building a nonworking mock-up of an American nuclear-powered aircraft carrier that United States officials say may be intended to be blown up for propaganda value.†
Syria Delivers Another Shipment of Chemical Weapons for Disposal
New York Times 20 Mar 2014 – The shipment to the port of Latakia was the third delivery in a week, further evidence that Syria has stepped up the pace of its efforts.†
Robert S. Strauss, Presidential Confidant and Deal Maker, Dies at 95
New York Times 20 Mar 2014 – Mr. Strauss was an influential Washington insider and lobbyist, who led the Democratic Party and hopscotched among White House posts.†
Cut in Energy Subsidies Will Only Add to Iranians Economic Pain
New York Times 20 Mar 2014 – Confronted with a lack of funds, President Hassan Rouhani has little option but to take steps that will increase the pain for the voters who put him into office.†
Second Round of Iran Nuclear Talks Ends With Optimism
New York Times 19 Mar 2014 – Both sides described the negotiations over Iran s nuclear program as useful and substantive, and talks will resume in April.†
Elbit Systems wins $290m Asian tank upgrade
Globes Main News – The company will provide the tanks with night operation capabilities.
Russia holds the aces
Globes Main News – The hypocrisy aside, the West’s moves on Crimea are ludicrously feeble.
Treasury opposes IEC reform recommendations
Globes Main News – The Yogev Committee will hire an auditor at the insistence of the accountant general.
C’tee seeks to cut top-up health insurance cost
Globes Main News – The German Committee is considering triple-layered public health insurance.
Samsung loses dominance in Israeli smartphone market
Globes Main News – The leader’s share of the rapidly growing market fell 22% in 2013.
TASE board appoints Amnon Neubach chairman
Globes Main News – Neubach has served on several company boards and in prominent public sector posts.
Now the US is trying to delegitimize Israel s defense minister
Mondoweiss – Moshe Ya alon with Pam Geller, in 2006,† from Wikimedia commons Have you followed the latest flap over Israel s rightwing defense minister? He s attacked the U.S. and had to apologize, after the matter became an international incident, thanks in part to Matt Lee of the Associated Press…
Lapid: VAT exemption for middle class not economists
Globes Main News – Minister of Finance has slammed the critics of his plan to exempt first-time homebuyers from VAT.
Hapoalim set aside NIS 440m for streamlining in 2013
Globes Main News – Despite the early retirement expense, the bank’s profit rose slightly.
Coming out in support of SJP, Northeastern NLG concerned school unduly influenced by wealthy donors vocal in their support for Israel
Mondoweiss – The Northeastern University School of Law chapter of the National Lawyers Guild (NUSL NLG) supports the Northeastern chapter of Students for Justice in Palestine (SJP) and formally opposes the administration s decision to suspend the group and sanction its members. NUSL NLG is committed to the protection…
D.C. Metro ads target US aid to the Israeli occupation
Mondoweiss – American Muslims for Palestine sent out the following press release:† The American Muslims for Palestine (AMP), a national education and advocacy group, is using the beloved Cherry Blossom Festival to attract attention to its message: US aid to Israel has got to stop. The ad, which…
SimilarWeb buys start-up TapDog
Globes Main News – Both companies deal in monitoring and analysis of Internet traffic.
Randi Zuckerberg to headline event for new AIPAC technology division
Mondoweiss – Randi Zuckerberg, sister of Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg, will be helping AIPAC promote its new Technology Division at a March 31st New York City†event hosted with the New York Observer . While the invite above promotes it as an exclusive gathering, the AIPAC website promises a more…
Ululating at Vassar: the Israel/Palestine conflict comes to America
Mondoweiss – Vassar College seal Two weeks back, Jill Schneiderman, a professor of Earth Sciences at Vassar College,† put up a post on her blog about an angry meeting at the liberal arts school the night before: last night I was knocked off-center by a belligerent academic community…
In Abbas meeting, Obama dropped formula about recognizing Israel as Jewish state
Mondoweiss – All the Obama administration s talk about the Palestinians needing to recognize Israel as a Jewish state? Well, last week John Kerry tacked sharply , saying that the† demand was a mistake †and seemed to blame Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for putting his spoke in the wheels….
U. Mich student government move to table divestment resolution sparks uproar
Mondoweiss – A sign at a student sit-in calling for the University of Michigan to divest from corporations that work with the Israeli military. (Photo: Students Allied for Freedom and Equality/Facebook) The campus battle over Israel and the boycott, divestment and sanctions (BDS) movement made a splash in…
Netanyahu s map of Israel annexes West Bank, leaves out Gaza
Mondoweiss – Netanyahu promotionof Israel Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu s announced a video celebrating the accomplishments of his first year in office on his† twitter feed on March 18 : WATCH: Israel s 33rd Government, headed by PM Netanyahu the First Year in Office (English subtitles available)†http://t.co/DfHxTBw4vk† …
Israel Chemicals sues for concession violation
Globes Main News – Dead Sea Works claims the government’s Sheshinski Committee violates its concession agreement.
Time for BDS to target Britain s Israel-first MPs†
Sabbah report 20 Mar 2014 – In the coming months will the combined BDS movement strike at Westminster’s writhing snake pit? Continue reading í! Read More: Time for BDS to target Britain s Israel-first MPs . Sign up for our FREE newsletter!
Israel’s Aid Package Likely To Stay Around $3B†
The Foward Breaking News 20 Mar 2014 – The United States will continue providing Israel with defence aid after a current package worth some $3 billion a year expires in 2017, and the grants are unlikely to wane despite Washington belt-tightening, two U.S. senators said on Thursday. Click here for the rest of the…
U.S. Ambassador for Women’s Issues to Meet With Israeli and Palestinian Women†
The Foward Breaking News 20 Mar 2014 – The U.S. ambassador for women s issues is traveling to the Middle East in part to discuss the role of women in the Israeli-Palestinian peace process. Click here for the rest of the article…
Shimon Peres Wishes Iranians ‘Year of Peace’ In Conciliatory New Year Address†
The Foward Breaking News 20 Mar 2014 – Israeli President Shimon Peres wished Jews and Iranians a year of silence and peace on the occasion of Nowruz, the Iranian New Year. Click here for the rest of the article…
Israel approves construction of more settler units†
Palestine Solidarity Project 20 Mar 2014 – Israel approves construction of more settler units † †19 March 2014 Israel has approved plans to build more illegal settlement units in East al-Quds (Jerusalem). International Middle East Media Center reported on its website on Tuesday, the Israeli authorities have given the green light to the…
Benjamin Netanyahu Plans Landmark Visit Down Under†
The Foward Breaking News 20 Mar 2014 – Benjamin Netanyahu is set to become the first Israeli prime minister to visit Australia while in office. Click here for the rest of the article…
The satirist and the anti-Semites†
BBC 20 Mar 2014 – Egypt’s ‘Jon Stewart’, plagiarism, and the anti-Semitic Twitter storm
Egypt: Egypt’s Ambassador Denounces Insults to Palestinian President†
allAfrica.com†20 Mar 2014 – [Egypt Online]Egypt’s Ambassador to Palestine Wael Attia denounced the insult to Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas through a private Egyptian satellite channel. Any insult to President Abbas is an insult to Egypt, he stressed.
Egypt: UN Permanent Delegates Meet UN Chief Over Israeli Violations in Quds†
allAfrica.com†20 Mar 2014 – [Egypt Online]Egypt’s permanent representative to the UN Moatez Ahmedeen was among a number of delegates who met UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon over Israeli violations in East Jerusalem, especially al-Haram al-Sharif.
‘Half’ Syria’s chemical arms removed†
BBC 20 Mar 2014 – Almost half of Syria’s declared stockpile of chemical weapons has now been removed, the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons says.
Why Isn t Aelia Capitolina On Your Map? †
The Magnes Zionist 20 Mar 2014 – In May 1948, a minority of Palestinian residents, mostly recent settlers from Europe, declared an independent state against the wishes of the majority. This was the latest in a series of inter-communal disturbances that had followed the passage of the UN Partition Plan, and one which…
Israel s War on American Universities | Common Dreams†
Global BDS 20 Mar 2014 – The banning of Students for Justice in Palestine (SJP) at Northeastern University in Boston on March 7, along with a university threat of disciplinary measures against some of its members, replicates sanctions being imposed against numerous student Palestinian rights groups across the country. The attacks, and…
Royal Institute of British Architects backs Israel boycott motion†
Global BDS 20 Mar 2014 – The Council of the Royal Institute of British†Architects has voted to call on the†International Union Of Architects to exclude the†Israeli Association of United Architects over its refusal to oppose Israel s construction of illegal settlements on occupied Palestinian territory. Abe Hayeem, RIBA member and chair of Architects…
Motion passed by Royal Institute of British Architects†
Global BDS 20 Mar 2014 – The following motion was passed by the†Royal Institute of British Architects on March 19 2014. Continue to Condone? As seen in the world media in the past few months, there is increasing concern and condemnation worldwide over the illegal settlement-building by the Israelis to house nearly…
Assassinating Palestinian futur†
Palestine Solidarity Project 20 Mar 2014 – Assassinating Palestinian future, Fascist Israeli occupation forces executed today morning in cold blood the 15 years old Palestinian boy Yousef Shawamrah (15 years) from Dura city south Hebron, Yousef was killed while he was collecting Gundelia tournefortii plant near the apartheid wall (fenced) built illegally on…
VIDEO: Syria rebels ‘free prison inmates’†
BBC 19 Mar 2014 – Rebel fighters have taken control of a jail outside the city of Daraa near the border with Jordan, according to Syrian activists.
Egyptian priest digitally unwrapped†
BBC 20 Mar 2014 – Sweden digitally unwraps an Egyptian priest
VIDEO: Iraq unlawful killing claims dropped†
BBC 20 Mar 2014 – A public inquiry into whether UK soldiers unlawfully killed Iraqi civilians in 2004 has heard their relatives do not believe there is enough evidence to back the claims.
Iraq unlawful killing claims dropped†
BBC 20 Mar 2014 – Claims UK soldiers unlawfully killed Iraqi civilians in 2004 have not been supported by evidence heard during an inquiry into their deaths, family lawyers say.
Erdogan: “We will wipe out Twitter”†
Al-Akhbar News 20 Mar 2014 – Turkey’s anti-Internet Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan vows to eradicate Twitter, two weeks after threatening to ban Facebook and YouTube. (Photo: AFP – Adem Altan) Turkey’s anti-Internet Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan vows to eradicate Twitter, two weeks after threatening to ban Facebook and YouTube. (Photo:…
UN condemns “arbitrary” detention of “UAE 94″†
Al-Akhbar News 20 Mar 2014 – The United Nations condemned the “arbitrary” detention of 94 citizens by the United Arab Emirates, calling for the release of 61 of them, a document revealed on Wednesday. The UN Working Group on Arbitrary Detention deemed that the breaches of the rights to freedom of opinion…
Israel moves forward with plans for 2,269 settler homes†
Al-Akhbar News 20 Mar 2014 – Israel has moved forward plans to build more than 2,000 new housing units in six West Bank settlements, a defense official told AFP Thursday. Guy Inbar, a spokesman for the defense ministry unit responsible for civilian affairs in the Palestinian territories, said a ministry committee at…
EU urges Israel to release Palestinian prisoners†
Al-Akhbar News 20 Mar 2014 – An European Union parliamentary delegation on Thursday urged Israel to release long-term Palestinian prisoners. “We believe that the release of prisoners… is central to the peace process,” said Emer Costello, who headed the EU delegation on a three-day fact-finding mission on Palestinian prisoners held in Israeli…
Gunmen shoot dead three Turkish forces near Syria†
Al-Akhbar News 20 Mar 2014 – Two soldiers and a police officer were shot dead Thursday in southern Turkey when assailants carried out an attack that a top official said may be linked to events in Syria. Using long-range rifles, they fired from a truck after being ordered to stop at a…
Syria: Opposition reporters and clandestine networks†
Al-Akhbar News 20 Mar 2014 – A rebel fighter holding a camera walks in a street of the northern Syrian city of Aleppo on January 10, 2014. (Photo: AFP-Mohammed Wesam) A rebel fighter holding a camera walks in a street of the northern Syrian city of Aleppo on January 10, 2014. (Photo:…
Aoun-Geagea: Back to classic presidential face-offs†
Al-Akhbar Opinion 20 Mar 2014 – MP Michel Aoun (L) and head of the Lebanese Forces, Samir Geagea (R), during the formulation of the Doha Agreement in 2008. (Photo: Bilal Jawiche) MP Michel Aoun (L) and head of the Lebanese Forces, Samir Geagea (R), during the formulation of the Doha Agreement in…
Iraq s post US-invasion laws: Death knell for women s rights†
Al-Akhbar News 20 Mar 2014 – An Iraqi woman walks near debris in the aftermath of an explosion in the Ur district in eastern Baghdad, on February 18, 2014. (Photo:AFP-Ahmed al-Rubaye) An Iraqi woman walks near debris in the aftermath of an explosion in the Ur district in eastern Baghdad, on February…
Israel extends ban on Palestinian family unification†
Al-Akhbar News 20 Mar 2014 – Israeli police check ID’s of Palestinians on a checkpoint in an alleyway leading to the al-Aqsa Mosque compound on March 16, 2014, in the Old City of Jerusalem. (Photo: AFP – Ahmad Gharabli) Israel s parliament voted on Wednesday to extend a law that prevents Palestinians from…
Over 300 dead this month as Iraq marks US invasion anniversary†
Al-Akhbar News 20 Mar 2014 – Wrapped in the Iraqi flag, police and security gather along Street 60 after the southern districts of the city of Ramadi, the capital of the Anbar province, were recaptured by government forces from militants, on March 16, 2014. (Photo: AFP – Azhar Shallal) Wrapped in the…
A cry for justice from inside Bahrain s prisons†
Al-Akhbar Politics 20 Mar 2014 – Women protest in Bahrain. (Photo: AFP/ Mohammed al-Sheikh) Women protest in Bahrain. (Photo: AFP/ Mohammed al-Sheikh) The Bahraini regime still refuses to allow UN special rapporteur on torture, Juan Mendez, from visiting Bahrain. Mendez has been repeatedly blocked from entering Bahrain and yet the world remains…
Interactive: Lebanon under Syrian rocket fire†
Al-Akhbar Politics 19 Mar 2014 – Lebanese women inspect a damaged house after a rocket fired from Syria hit the village of Britel in Lebanon’s eastern Bekaa Valley on February 28, 2014 in an attack claimed by the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria. (Photo: AFP) Lebanese women inspect a damaged house…
Articles
The loaded terms Israel uses to justify its inflexible stance†
James Zogby, The National†3/15/2014
††††† While reviewing polling data on Israeli and Palestinian attitudes towards the peace effort, what comes through clearly is the obvious disconnect between the views of both groups and the extent to which this divide is driven by the Israeli-centric language used in framing many of the issues.
†††† The same is true of US policy discussions about the prospects for Middle East peace. For example, when American analysts present the issues to be addressed in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, they often use terms and accept assumptions that are seen as part of the natural order of things. I am speaking of terms like settlement blocs , land swaps , incitement , references to Jerusalem neighbourhoods , and the Jewish state .
†††† While Israelis and Americans simply see this language as descriptive of givens , Palestinians view them as loaded terms that serve to mask injustice. And then when Palestinians reject these assumptions, it is interpreted as evidence of their lack of commitment to peace.
†††† Benjamin Netanyahu said as much recently when he noted that Palestinians will never recognise a Jewish state and will never give up the right of return … I will not bring an agreement that would not cancel the right of return and the Palestinian recognition of a Jewish state. These are basic justified conditions as far as the state of Israel is concerned . Mr Netanyahu concluded that because the Palestinians would not accept his terms, they are showing no sign that they intend to reach a practical and just agreement . In other words, in Mr Netanyahu s mind if you want peace you will accept my terms and assumptions and reject your own. If you insist on adhering to your own narrative and reality, then you aren t serious about peace .
†††† In the same vein, look at how Israeli settlement blocs in the West Bank are now accepted realities ….†more..†e-mail
New Palestinian campaign to support Druze conscientious objectors†
Budour Hassan, Middle East Monitor (MEMO)†3/20/2014
††††† The snow storm that hit Palestine was at its peak on 17 December 2013, but that did not prevent dozens of Palestinian youth from climbing up Carmel Mountain to protest in support of imprisoned Druze conscientious objectors.
†††† While most Palestinians who hold Israeli citizenship are exempt from serving in the Israeli occupation army, compulsory military service has been imposed on young Palestinian Druze men since 1956 following an agreement between a few un-elected leaders of the minority Druze community and the Zionist State.
†††† The week leading up to the December action was exceptional, as four young Druze publicly announced their refusal to enlist in the Israeli army. Among them were musician Omar Saad, Mahmoud Saad, Seif Abu Seif, and Nizar Abu Hammoud, who were simultaneously imprisoned alongside other Druze refusers who chose to remain anonymous. Detained in Atlit military prison south of occupied Haifa, the refusers managed to hear the chants of the demonstrators who stood for hours in the freezing cold.
†††† “Their presence and support give me strength and protection. I felt that I was not alone,” said 18-year-old Seif Abu Seif from the Galilee town of Shafa’Amr. At the time of the protest, Abu Seif was held in solitary confinement as punishment for refusing to cut his hair for religious reasons. He is not the first member of his family to be imprisoned for refusing to participate in the oppression of his own people – both his father and brother also spent time in jail.
†††† The December 17 protest, like a plethora of other actions aimed at providing legal and moral support for conscientious objectors and their families, was organised by a group against military service that is made up by Palestinians from all sects, not just Druze. The group started meeting in 2010, and after over three years of discussing and organising, finally decided to start a new, public initiative to oppose compulsory military conscription and support the objectors. The initiative is called “Refuse and your people shall protect you!”†more..†e-mail
British architects call for world boycott of Israeli counterparts†
Editor, Redress†3/20/2014
††††† Britain s Zionophile prime Minister, David Cameron, might be spellbound by Zionism and Israel, but back in the real world things are moving in the opposite direction.
†††† The Guardian newspaper reports that the UK s top architectural body has called for its Israeli counterpart to be excluded from the International Union of Architects (IUA) in protest at Israel s occupation and colonization of Palestine.
†††† In what the paper described as a further indication of the growing momentum of the boycott Israel movement, the Royal Institute of British Architects (Riba) has demanded the suspension of the Israeli Association of United Architects (IAUA) from the international body on the grounds that it is complicit in the construction of illegal Jewish squatter homes and colonies in the occupied West Bank and East Jerusalem, and other violations of international law.
†††† The Guardian quoted Riba s president, Angela Brady, as saying at a meeting of the the body s council on 19 March that failure to support the motion would send a clear message to the world that we as an institution turn a blind eye or by inaction support what s going on land grabs, forced removals, killing the state and human rights, and reinforcement of apartheid .
†††† The motion backed by 23 votes to 16, with 10 abstentions was welcomed by the Palestinian BDS (Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions) movement.
†††† Architects and planners are central to Israel s colonization of Palestinian land and the forced displacement of Palestinian people, Rafeef Zaidah, of the Palestinian BDS national committee, said. Given the complicity of the [IAUA] in Israel s construction of illegal Israeli settlements, it is only right that it is excluded from international forums, he added, according to the Guardian.†more..†e-mail
Fifth column: Christians and illusory promises of Israeli integration†
Rifat Odeh Kassis, Ma an News Agency†3/20/2014
††††††Rifat Odeh Kassis is the general coordinator of the Palestinian-Christian activist group Kairos.
†††† In any situation of oppression, some of the oppressed direct their anger toward the oppressors. But some do not. Instead, they channel their frustration toward their peers, their fellow oppressed.
†††† They try to erase their past, hoping that the future will bring them a better lot in life, a new reality — and often, in the process, becoming more racist than their most bigoted neighbors.
†††† Nonetheless, history reminds us that these projections will never truly help the oppressed. Their oppressors will continue to see them as strangers — or, at best, as a fifth column, a group used to undermine their own country without ever gaining the respect of those who seek to serve them.
†††† On February 24 of this year, the Israeli Knesset passed a bill that creates a legal distinction between Christians and Muslims, categorizing Christians as non-Arabs. Israel actively seeks to make Palestinians forget that they share a history, a community, and a struggle, and is increasingly implementing legislation to make this aim a reality.
†††† The international media, unfortunately, has aided in this process through their simplistic, biased, and at times outright untruthful coverage of the issues facing Christian Palestinians with Israeli citizenship.
†††† Michele Chabin’s article “Israeli Christians seek integration, including army service” published on Mar. 14, 2014 in USA Today, is a good example of this kind of coverage. The article focuses on certain Christians’ decision to participate in activities run by the Israeli state, on different public responses to that decision, and on the Israeli government s direct recruitment of Christians for the Israeli army and other bodies. — See also:†The Fifth Column: A Response to Michele Chabin s Article in USA Todaymore..†e-mail
India and Palestine: connected by struggle
Electronic Intifada: 20 Mar 2014 – Although Ariel Sharon considered New Delhi a strategic partner, India s independence movement was strongly critical of Israel.†more..
Interviews with Iymen Chehade, class canceled at Columbia College for screening docoumentary
In Gaza: 20 Mar 2014 – Collection of print and radio interviews with and on Iymen Chehade s struggle for academic freedom at Columbia College Chicago: petition: Respect Academic Freedom! forum: Why†is†Palestine†taboo†at†Columbia†College Interviews with Professor Iymen Chehade : Corbett Report, with James Corbett:†Iymen Chehade Fights For Academic Freedom, Mar 13, 2014 (radio) Voice of Palestine , with Hanna Kawas, Mar 19, 2014 (radio) [click here for direct link to mp3 ] Unusual Sources, with Doug Brown, CFMU McMaster University Radio 93.3fm, Mar 19, 2014 (radio) Why is Palestine taboo at Columbia College?: Eric Ruder reports on an effort to defend academic freedom for a Columbia instructor, Mar 11, 2014 Administrators against justice in Palestine: Eric Ruder examines the anti-Palestine backlash orchestrated by pro-Israel groups, Mar 18, 2014 Mondoweiss (print) [link to follow] Electronic Intifada (print) [link to follow] Real News Network (video) [link to follow] Ya Hala (radio) [link to follow] Revolution News with Haitham al Khatib (Bil in journalist) and…more
Palestinian Authority: Israel s Doppelg‰nger
Palestine Chronicle: 20 Mar 2014 – By Vacy Vlazna In popular idiom, doppelg‰nger hails from the German, meaning look-alike in behaviour or physical appearance. The frontline of Palestinian non-violent resistance in the West Bank of the State of Palestine, is not in Ramallah, the seat of the Palestinian Authority (PA), the PLO and the Palestinian National Council (PNC), but in the many villages, like Bill in, Nil ilin, Nabi Saleh, Kufr Kaddum, Al Maasara, Hizma, Al Walaja, Bab Al Shams, Burin, Budrus, that the PA supposedly is meant to represent and protect. Village heroes and heroines courageously and willingly battle, in the name of justice and freedom, toxic fumes from high velocity Israeli teargas projectiles, Israeli live ammunition, Israeli rubber-coated steel bullets, Israeli tenacious skunk water, Israeli stun grenades, arrests, torture in Israeli detention, all of which tragically ends for many in death or maiming. Given every week Palestinian villagers put their lives directly on the front line,…more
Counterproductive Reactive Saudi Policies
Palestine Chronicle: 20 Mar 2014 – By Nicola Nasser Writing in The Washington Post on February 27, 2011, Rachel Bronson asked: Could the next Mideast uprising happen in Saudi Arabia? Her answer was: The notion of a revolution in the Saudi kingdom seems unthinkable. However, On September 30 the next year, the senior foreign policy fellow at the Saban Center for Middle East Policy Bruce Riedel concluded that the revolution in Saudi Arabia is no longer unthinkable. To preempt such a possibility, the kingdom in March 2011, in a military move to curb the tide of the Arab popular uprisings which raged across the Arab world from sweeping to its doorsteps, the kingdom sent troops to Bahrain to quell similar popular protests. That rapid reactive Saudi military move into Bahrain heralded a series of reactions that analysts describe as an ongoing Saudi-led counterrevolution. Amid a continuing succession process in Saudi Arabia, while major socioeconomic and political…more
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