Regarding the Ukraine crisis, of course.  As eager as I am to address other issues, I feel the need to focus first on news related to Ukraine – much of which impinges upon Israel, and Jews.  In many respects, we are deeply connected to these on-going events. ~~~ Natan Sharansky …

Rarely are crisis situations on the international scene simple to grasp. There are always different versions, different perspectives. Not to mention unsubstantiated rumors and propaganda. That said, I am finding the crisis situation in Ukraine more difficult to deal with than most others.  I take seriously the need to get …

Please!  Share this posting as broadly as you can. This past week, Natan Sharansky spoke at Sheva Brachot (a celebratory dinner in the week following a wedding).  And this is what he said: “When I was growing up in Ukraine, in Donetsk, there were many nations and nationalities. There were …

The horrendous Russian attack on Ukraine continues… Credit: CNBC I remain focused on what is going on in that part of the world and how it impinges upon Israel and Jews. Many of the images we are seeing evoke a very uneasy sense of déjà vu: It’s almost as if …

Everything else I had intended to write is set aside, as I examine the Russian invasion of the Ukraine and the multiple ways it affects us here in Israel.  It goes without saying that what I put out now may change within hours. The situation is enormously complex as it …

“This, We Must Win!!” We must secure our rights to our Land – our rights not only to possess the Land, but to live in it peacefully.  Nothing else can be tolerated.  We have not waited for 2,000 years to come home, prayed for 2,000 years to be here, only …

That is the simple truth of the matter, put boldly. It sucks because it demeans the appeasing party and puts it at greater risk. Appeasement strengthens the enemy. There was a time when I believed that our government understood this, albeit imperfectly – and in spite of bowing time and …

The world has turned upside down.  We see it every day in a dozen different regards. It leaves us aghast: the stupidity; the self-centeredness of putative leaders; the rejection of traditional values; the denial of Jewish rights in the Land; the encroaching threats of violence and war.    When my cat …

Baruch Dayan HaEmet. I begin by noting with sadness the passing of Esther Pollard, here in Jerusalem. She stood by her husband Jonathan through many incredibly tough years. A year ago they were finally permitted by the US government to make aliyah. A couple of weeks ago, Esther contracted Covid; …

Last I wrote, the negotiations between former Prime Minister Netanyahu, head of Likud and leader of the Opposition, and Attorney General Mandelblit regarding a plea deal were hanging by a thread. Now the negotiations have collapsed. ~~~ It is almost always the case that there is more to a story …

The shoulders of those Israelis who are true Zionists, and love our nation: who have been heartsick about the state of affairs here, and understand there is no time to be lost. Credit: Paolo Pellegrin/Magnum ~~~ I have been reporting on the situation in the Negev with the Bedouin; and …

That is, the possibility of negotiations between former Prime Minister Netanyahu and Attorney General Mandelblit regarding a plea bargain for Netanyahu reaching completion.  If it was not yet a sure thing, it was looking pretty good when last I wrote.  Now, the situation is reversed: it’s not definitely finished, but …

It’s past time to deal head-on with some harsh realities about the Bedouin Arabs in the Negev that have been ignored for a very long time.  These realities are extremely relevant to what’s going on today.  I will get to that, for it’s all interconnected. Credit: Moshe Milner/GPO But let’s …

Israel is a magnificent nation. Credit: Viator There is a body of Jews in Israel today that is devoted to our heritage, and committed solidly to our rights to this ancient Land. A body of Jews that is proud of who we are and determined to protect this state and …

If you believe this, then you might also believe the message from “armed factions in Gaza” that the two rockets launched at Israel about 7 AM on Saturday morning were “caused by weather conditions.” https://www.timesofisrael.com/explosions-off-central-israel-coast-idf-probing-if-rockets-fired-from-gaza/ There were no sirens because the rockets, aimed towards Tel Aviv, landed in the sea …

New Year’s Eve is on the secular calendar. My usual comment is that I pay scant attention to it – other than making sure I change the date on my postings. For me, new year is Rosh Hashanah, marked by contemplation and prayer. But this year I am paying attention. …

The world sure isn’t becoming kinder and gentler – or, how shall I say, more righteous. (That’s a rhetorical statement, dear readers, as you certainly don’t need me to tell you this!) The issue at hand for us, then, is our capacity to confront and surmount that adversity. Today I …

We are struggling with both here in Israel. Again. Still. “Don’t let Yehuda’s blood be spilled in vain,” cried Shlomi Dimentman, amidst sobs, at the funeral of his brother on Friday. “…rebuild the Homesh settlement and not just the Homesh Yeshiva. The ruins here are a black stain on the …

It had been my intention to begin this posting with a focus on Iran. And I will, indeed, get to it in short order. But another issue has made the press: It rankles, and it is elucidating. I want to deal with it first. ~~~ From different sources, we have …

Many of you will recognize this phrase from the saying attributed to Reb Nachman of Breslov: “All the world is a very narrow bridge. And the main thing is not to be afraid – not to be afraid at all.” Kol ha’olam kulo gesher tsar me’od. Veha’ikar – veha’ikar lo …