Tag Archives: Middle East

But There is No Peace – Why the Mideast “Peace Process” Needs to End

Posted on March 12, 2012 by

It was at my Uncle Mark’s fourth grade parent-teacher conference in 1970 that my Bubbe and Grandpa began to solve the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Mark had brought home his Chapter 2 math test, pressed with a ripe, shiny “78%.” There had … Continue reading →

Posted in International, Israel, Middle East, National Security | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

When Jews Criticize Israel – Why Cautious Rebuke is a Mechanism of Defense

Posted on February 29, 2012 by

Earlier this month, the Jewish Journal of Greater Los Angeles ran an article entitled “Wolpe vs. Beinart.” The piece was Rabbi David Wolpe’s passionate and compelling response to an email Peter Beinart recently sent to supporters of J-Street. Beinart’s e-mail … Continue reading →

Posted in Israel, Journalism and Media, Judaism, Middle East, War | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

An Inarticulate Outcry – Occupy Wall Street’s Most Obtrusive Roadblock

Posted on October 9, 2011 by

Without scrutiny or much thought, I can tell you that the Civil Rights movement fought for socioeconomic and legal equality for African-Americans. I can also tell you that the Arab Spring was the mobilization of citizens of Middle Eastern countries … Continue reading →

Posted in Arab Spring, Eclectic Thoughts, Journalism and Media, Political Goings-On | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

Obama at AIPAC – The Speech that Worked (in Theory)

Posted on May 26, 2011 by

On Sunday morning, I arrived in Washington, DC with a medium-sized group of high school students for the annual AIPAC Policy Conference. AIPAC is the American Israel Public Affairs Committee – the United States’ pro-Israel lobby. My views don’t always … Continue reading →

Posted in International, Israel, Judaism, Middle East, National Security, Political Polarization, Unity, Youth | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 3 Comments

There Goes Democracy – What Happens Next?

Posted on February 9, 2011 by

In the heat of protest, the heavy weight of demand overrides reality. The incongruity of wants and desires outweigh what is within the realm of possibility. The whole event becomes more about the amount of protesters and signs than it … Continue reading →

Posted in Arab Spring, International, Islam, Journalism and Media, Libya, Middle East, War | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , | 3 Comments

Egypt’s Moment – The Value of Transition in a Chaotic World

Posted on January 31, 2011 by

Havdallah is the Jewish ceremony that marks the end of one week and the beginning of the next. Its rituals — lighting a candle, feeling its warmth, smelling a spice, sipping grape juice, hearing a melody — are intended to … Continue reading →

Posted in Arab Spring, Faith, International, Israel, Middle East, National Security, War | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 5 Comments

A Shattered Cultural Taboo

Posted on October 22, 2010 by

Left-wing political commentator Juan Williams was fired from his post at National Public Radio Wednesday night for a remark he made which was perceived by many to be insolent and politically incorrect. During an appearance on Bill O’Reilly’s show on … Continue reading →

Posted in Faith, Islam, Journalism and Media, Outrageous, Social Issues | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

60 Minutes: A Response

Posted on October 18, 2010 by

Several people have requested an article on Lesley Stahl’s 60 Minutes piece last night. The following is my response to the piece: Lesley Stahl’s reporting on the City of David during last night’s 60 Minutes was an almost-flawless example of … Continue reading →

Posted in Faith, Islam, Israel, Journalism and Media, Judaism, Middle East, Theology, War | Tagged , , , , , , , | 5 Comments

A Pragmatic Oath

Posted on October 17, 2010 by

Last Sunday, the Israeli Cabinet passed a law that requires all non-Jews who are seeking citizenship to recite and oath of loyalty to “the State of Israel as a Jewish and Democratic state.” (Cut to: broad array of angry and … Continue reading →

Posted in International, Israel, Judaism, Law, Middle East, Political Goings-On, Political Polarization | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

The High Road

Posted on September 26, 2010 by

Tonight, Israel faces a life-or-death decision. Throughout the past few weeks, representatives of several parties (including Israel, “Palestine,” and the United States) have met in an attempt to “get the ball rolling” on fresh Middle East peace talks. These talks, … Continue reading →

Posted in Islam, Israel, Middle East | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | 5 Comments