International News

Pro-Palestinian Group In Canada Calls For Boycott Of Sears Over Israeli Products

02/24/2012

(JTA) -- A pro-Palestinian group in Canada has called for a boycott against Sears because it carries Israeli products.

Canadians for Peace and Justice in the Middle East asked Sears last month to drop its Israeli products, including Ahava cosmetics and Keter Plastic, the Canadian Jewish News reported.

The group said in a letter to then-Sears president and CEO Dene L. Rogers that many of the firms’ “products are sourced and manufactured in illegal colonies located in the occupied Palestinian territories,” the newspaper reported.

Wife Of Slain Iranian Scientist: His Goal Was ‘Annihilation Of Israel’

02/23/2012

(JTA) -- The wife of an assassinated Iranian nuclear scientist said that her husband’s “ultimate goal was the annihilation of Israel.”

Fatemeh Bolouri Kashani, the wife of Mostafa Ahmadi Roshan, told the Fars News Agency in an interview published Tuesday that her husband was highly supportive of individuals that fought for the rights of the Palestinians against Israel.

Roshan, a chemistry professor and deputy director of commerce at Iran’s Natanz enrichment facility, was killed by a car bomb in early January.

Still Behind Bars In Cuba

02/21/2012 | Ron Kampeas/ JTA

Washington — For the Jews of Cuba, it was the ultimate Internet connection.

The high-tech equipment that U.S. contractor Alan Gross brought with him to Cuba in 2009 to help connect local Jews to the Internet reportedly included a SIM card that makes it almost impossible to track satellite signals and is generally unavailable to civilians, even in the United States.

Demonstrators Protest Israeli Stand At Milan Tourist Fair

02/20/2012

(JTA) – Pro-Palestinian demonstrators staged a protest in front of the Israeli stand at an annual international tourist fair in Milan.

Video showed about 10 demonstrators dressed in keffiyas and holding the Palestinian flag passing out flyers and chanting anti-Israel slogans during the weekend protest at the Borsa International Tourism Exchange-BIT 2012 .

Police were called in to break it up.

Shalit And Parents Meet With Sarkozy In Paris

02/09/2012

PARIS (JTA) -- Former captive Israeli soldier Gilad Shalit and his parents met with French President Nicolas Sarkozy at the presidential palace in Paris.

“We are very happy to be here at the Elysee Palace,” said Noam Shalit, speaking to journalists Wednesday morning. “We are very touched.”

Hours later, Shalit's parents attended the annual gala hosted by the French Jewish umbrella group CRIF.

Kissinger, Others Honored By Israeli President

02/09/2012

JERUSALEM (JTA) -- Former U.S. Secretary of State Henry Kissinger was among the recipients of Israel's first President's Prize.

The new initiative, spearheaded by Israeli President Shimon Peres, honors individuals who have made a significant contribution to Israeli society and the country's global image.