Archive for January, 2007

The ancient virus returns

Wednesday, January 31st, 2007

Alvin H. Rosenfeld included this quotation in his essay on “Progressive” Jewish Thought and the New Anti-Semitism (available from the American Jewish Committee):

Yet I have come to believe, these past few years, that the emergence of a new strain of the ancient virus is one of the most frightening phenomena of my lifetime – because it’s happened after sixty years of Holocaust education, antiracist legislation and interfaith dialogue. — Jonathan Sacks, UK Chief Rabbi

What does this teach us? Something about unintended consequences, something about our monumental lack of understanding of psychology — particularly of groups — or perhaps something about the true perversity and darkness of the human soul.

Boycotting Israel

Wednesday, January 31st, 2007

By Vic Rosenthal

Several organizations are sponsoring a boycott of the Israel Philharmonic orchestra, and will be picketing performances in Los Angeles in February. This is in the framework of a boycott of all Israeli products, services, artists, academics, athletes, etc.

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Did Israel ‘misuse’ American bombs?

Tuesday, January 30th, 2007

By Vic Rosenthal

The US State Department has said that Israel ‘probably’ misused cluster bombs in Lebanon last summer. The full report, sent to Congress Monday, is classified.

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Carter’s audience

Tuesday, January 30th, 2007

By Vic Rosenthal

Jewish critics of Jimmy Carter’s book who seek to discredit it by pointing out errors and omissions of fact, incorrect interpretations of UN resolutions, etc. may be missing the point.

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Solving problems the Palestinian way

Monday, January 29th, 2007

From the Memri Blog:

Palestinian Clerics in Right-of-Return Fatwa

The Palestinian Clerics Association has issued a fatwa banning relinquishing the right of return, accepting compensation in return for this right, or taking citizenship in another country.

Source: Al-Ayyam, Palestinian Authority, January 16, 2007

Those clever fellows, always thinking about possible solutions and how to forestall them.