Israel

Tuesday, January 27th, 2009

James Besser in Washington

Former Sen. George Mitchell is getting a running start; only days after his appointment as special envoy to the Middle East, he is heading to the region for an eight-day getting-to-know-you session with leaders of several countries and with the men and woman vying to become Israel’s next leader after next month’s  elections.

Tuesday, January 27th, 2009

Poor BBC.

How ironic that the legendary British Broadcasting Corporation, reviled by many pro-Israel supporters for being so decidedly un-pro-Israel in its coverage, is being pilloried at home for refusing to air a three-minute appeal for young victims of the Gaza conflict.

Thousands of demonstrators rallied in London, and more than 11,000 complaints were filed with the publicly financed BBC after it explained the decision not to show the appeal, based on its goal of maintaining impartiality in the Arab-Israeli conflict.

Sunday, January 25th, 2009

James Besser in Washington

Update: I just read NY Times reporter Ethan Bronner’s interesting take on the different, seemingly irreconcilable narratives of Israelis and Palestinians, and the difficult of using “neutral” language in reporting on the conflict. Definitely worth a read. Get it here.

Friday, January 23rd, 2009

James Besser in Washington

Here’s a paradox for you: most leaders of major American Jewish groups believe there has to be a negotiated settlement of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, but many are very nervous about the appointment of former Sen. George Mitchell as the Obama administration’s special envoy in the region (Read the Jewish Week story here).  Why?

Thursday, January 22nd, 2009

James Besser in Washington

UPDATE: a longtime pro-Israel lobbyist saw the blog item on Norm Coleman and called with this analysis:

“He’s toast. You don’t take a job like this as a kind of temp.  This is the clearest indication yet he knows he’s not going back to the Senate.

Thursday, January 22nd, 2009

The two top headlines on The Jerusalem Post Web site this evening neatly summed up the dilemma of Israel’s 22-day military campaign in Gaza.

The first read: “Barak Declares Victory as IDF Completes Gaza Withdrawal,” noting that Israeli Defense Minister Ehud Barak said Hamas was dealt a serious blow and “will be quiet now for a long time.”

The next headline read: “Gaza Smuggling Routes Operational Again.”

Tuesday, January 20th, 2009

James Besser in Washington

It was a day of joyous celebration for the many thousands of African Americans who came to Washington to witness the inauguration of President Barack Obama, but Jews weren’t exactly slackers in the celebration department.

Inaugural events provided ample opportunity for Jewish machers to see and be seen – and for advocacy groups to display their political connections.

Monday, January 19th, 2009

James Besser in Washington

With just hours left in George W. Bush’s presidency, speculation is at flood tide about possible last-minute pardons and commutations.

Yesterday’s Politico took a look at some high-profile cases that could grab Bush’s attention as he packs his bags for Texas (read the story here) .

Friday, January 16th, 2009

James Besser in Washington

For pro-Israel groups that have been fighting the PR wars since the latest Gaza conflict began in December, the polling news has been mostly good, with indications Americans to blame the Palestinians for the current violence much more than they blame Israel.

What is unclear: just how high a priority the issue is with a populace that has its mind on other things, starting with their disappearing 401Ks an disappearing jobs.

Monday, January 12th, 2009

The New York State Board of Regents has approved the charter application for the Hebrew Language Academy Charter School, something that is bound to appeal to a great many Jewish parents.

The Hebrew Language Academy would initially enroll 150 kids and could eventually rise to some 675 K-8 students, with priority for residents of District 22 in Midwood, Mill Basin and Sheepshead Bay.