Tonight, with a one-minute siren, Yom Hazikaron, Israeli Memorial Day, will begin. This is a time during which we honor the memories of those who have died in defense of the Land of Israel since 1860—the year that the first Jewish settlers left the secure walls of Jerusalem to build …

It has been my practice each year to share some of the painful stories of the Holocaust: It is forbidden to forget what happened, and I have sought to honor those who lived through the horror by recognizing them. ~~~ But this year is different.  I am so alarmed by …

There are not a whole lot of people within the Israeli political system that I’m pleased with at the moment – and that is a polite understatement of major proportions. What evolved yesterday was the final stage of a process of wheeling and dealing that has been destructive for the …

Madness aside for the moment, I begin on a high note, with a hope that all who celebrated Pesach found joy and meaning within the celebration, and a wish that my Christian friends now celebrating Easter are also uplifted. We need all of the uplift we can get!! ~~~ The …

Here we are, at the end of Pesach, with the final day coming on Shabbat here in Israel, and also on Sunday, outside. This is a time for learning the lessons of our people, for rejoicing in all that we have become since the Almighty brought us out of Egypt. …

“Chik-Chok” is a commonly used Hebrew slang expression that roughly means speedily – one, two, three quick.  One might say, no frills.  And that, my friends, is what this posting will be, because Pesach approaches and there is much to be done. But…we did have an election on Tuesday and …

A harsh indictment of America, I realize, but one much deserved. I have watched, aghast and pained, as US citizens have caved in large numbers to what is essentially a Marxist ideology designed to take America down. ~~~ Recently I watched an excellent Webinar by Americans for Peace and Tolerance, …

Before I return to the convoluted saga of the Gulf States and what may be coming down the road, a bit of good news that is part of the story of shifting dynamics: Last month, Israel and Kosovo formally established diplomatic relations via video conference. At that time; at that …

We here in Israel knew we were doing very well with regard to corona, as compared with the rest of the world. And there were reports of Pfizer using Israel as a testing ground. Now it is all officially reported. “Albert Bourla, CEO of Pfizer revealed [Thursday night] why Israel …

If we let them.  And so the ultimate question is where Israel stands. When I speak of “them,” I am referring to national and institutional entities that are anti-Zionist. Unfortunately, there are many. ~~~ A major concern for Israel is the readiness of the European Union (EU) to support and …

In his book, “Blink,” pages 107 -108, Malcolm Gladwell discusses the modern approach to warfare. After Desert Storm [waged against Iraq in 1990], the Pentagon became convinced that conventional war would soon be an anachronism. “Conflict in the future would be diffuse. It would take place in cities as often …

This past Shabbat – the Shabbat before Purim – was Shabbat Zahor, during which we read from a Torah portion (for maftir) that commands the Children of Israel to remember what Amalek did: “how he confronted you along the way, and smote the hindmost among you, all that were enfeebled, …

That’s me, my friends. I am hard at work on a posting about enemies Israel faces: An important posting that will come out very shortly.  It is material I am eager to share. At the bottom of that posting I intended to provide a response to a handful of readers …

At last, within the American political scene, at least one reason for gladness: The Senate has acquitted President Trump of the charges of “incitement of insurrection” leveled in his second impeachment trial.  Not only has a patriotic American who was not remotely guilty of these ludicrous charges been absolved, further …

But it hardly does justice to the situation to say that what we are facing is not a pretty picture. What I want to touch upon today are some of the situations we are confronting that, if truth be told, tend to generate nightmares. ~~~ Let us begin with a …

I am ever mindful of the blessings that are ours, and would never, ever suggest that hope be abandoned. Jews survive on hope, on faith in a better tomorrow. And yet, it is exceedingly important not to be naïve, not to insist on a positive perspective – because that feels …

First order of concern: We must stay in touch with news of significance, even – or especially – if it is unsettling or worse. There is no way I will ignore the situation in the US; I will continue to deal with it going forward, as I see the need. …

The Jewish tradition warns strongly against baseless hatred (sinat chinam) and its dire consequences. Now we are watching it destroy a once great nation. This didn’t happen all at once, of course. When Donald Trump came into the White House there was determination from the get-go to take him down. …

It is almost upon us now: Joe Biden’s inauguration day. Whatever the grief, the incredible frustration, the conviction that this should not be happening, as far as I can tell, it will be happening. Which means the beginning of the “reset.” There is a great deal that terrifies. Biden will …

Perhaps I should title this “An UnAmerican Tragedy,” for this is what it really is. Had someone described to me, just months ago, what is going on now in the US, I would have scoffed and said it was unreal, impossible.  But it is possible: we are seeing it unfold …