Yossi Alpher is an independent security analyst. He is the former director of the Jaffee Center for Strategic Studies at Tel Aviv University, a former senior official with the Mossad, and a former IDF intelligence officer. Views and positions expressed here are those of the writer, and do not necessarily represent APN's views and policy positions.

This week, Alpher discusses why it is still so easy for Palestinians to enter Israeli illegally and even work there for prolonged periods of time; why PM Netanyahu abruptly and publicly canceled his trip to Washington, his speech to AIPAC and his meeting with President Obama this month; how to explain that the Syrian ceasefire appears to be surviving beyond the most optimistic predictions; each principal or coalition and their calculations: the American-led coalition opposing the Islamic State, the Russian-led coalition, the opposition to the regime, and whoever is left; and where Israel is in all this.

Not all of Shalom Achshav’s activities make news. Some of them go under the radar. To learn about some of Peace Now’s recent activities, we called Maya Glassman, Peace Now’s activities coordinator. Maya (27) grew up in Haifa, served in the IDF as an instructor at a missile unit, and then graduated from Ben Gurion University in Beersheba with a degree in political science and public administration. On campus, she was a leading political and feminist activist. Maya joined Peace Now a year ago. Maya narrates this slideshow.

Dan Kurtzer on APN briefing call: no alternative to two states (New Jersey Jewish News, 3/9/2016) 

Peace Now: Despite promise made following last Biden visit's fiasco, Netanyahu continues construction in Ramat Shlomo (Jerusalem Post, 3/8/2016)

Peace Now: Construction in Ramat Shlomo continues, despite promises made to Biden during his past visit (Arutz 7, 3/8/2016)

Right-wing politicians attack Peace Now for exposing ongoing construction in Ramat Shlomo (Jerusalem Post, 3/8/2016)

APN's Rabbi Alana Suskin op-ed: Don't Give up on Israel! (Jerusalem Post, 3/2/2016)

News from Peace Now's (Israel) Settlement Watch:

The Army radio exposed today that on March 10, 2016, during Vice President Biden’s visit to Israel, the Civil Administration’s Head of the Government Property signed a declaration according to which 2,342 dunams (580 acres) south of Jericho are now government property. This declaration of state land comes two months after the Minister of Defense approved a declaration of 1,500 dunams as state lands in an area south of Jericho. It appears that the January approval by the MoD permitted the land declaration which is now being implemented. However, the size of the land declared is larger than what was published in January and includes 2,342 dunams. The declaration, which is in fact a confiscation, was meant for the expansion of nearby settlements as well as for trade and tourism projects operated by the settlers. This is one of the largest declarations in recent years, and it is another illustration of the government’s policy of land confiscation, including those far beyond the green line and the separation barrier.

 
Peace Now: This declaration is a de-facto confiscation of Palestinian lands for the purpose of settlement. Instead of trying to clam the situation, the government is adding fuel to the fire and sending a clear message to Palestinians, as well as to Israelis, that it has no intention to work towards peace and two states. Netanyahu proves yet again, that settler pressure is more important to him than the deteriorating security situation.

I am excited to attend my third study tour with Americans for Peace Now this November 2016. 

Each time I attend with the study group I not only learn more about this ever so difficult conflict that the world has to fully understand, but sadly how many still do not realize the consequences if we do not achieve a peaceful two state solution between the Israeli and Palestinian people.  The possibilities are still very real, but the window is closing if we cannot have an clear dialogue of what is at stake for everyone involved, Jew, Muslim and Christian alike.

The study tour has given me a great opportunity to meet so many amazing, yet diverse groups of people who want to understand and share the same goal for this ever so complex part of the world. Israel along with Palestine is an amazing place to visit, my most favorite in the world without question.  When I arrive I am excited of what I will see, learn and experience as each time is a new experience as if I have never been there before.  It is a privilege to meet the people who are the heart and soul of the peace movement and run Peace Now in Tel Aviv.  

These are difficult times for the people of Israel when it comes to security concerns, and the Palestinian people whose future often looks bleak.  The study tour gives a rare insight to what is happening through a dinner or lunch conversation with people you would not have a chance to meet, or at places a tourist may not attend on their own. The meetings and conversations are well coordinated with those who share the same peaceful and non violent views as we do in our group. 

If you have the time and want to invest in a worthwhile cause with an amazing group of people who want to make humanity that much better for all, please join us this November.  If you have any personal questions about the experience itself from someone who has been twice before on this study tour, reach out to me and I would be happy to discuss it with you!

Peace,

David Edelman

Photos - Top Right: Our group during a tour in Hebron; Above Left:  Me with Orly Halpern, Israeli journalist and APN News Nosh editor; Bottom Right: US Ambassador Dan Shapiro, APN Chairman Jim Klutznick, and APN Founder and Tour Leader Professor Mark Rosenblum

 Rabbi Esther L. Lederman is Director of Communities of Practice at the Union for Reform Judaism.  She previously served as the associate rabbi at Temple Micah in Washington, DC.

As children, we were given a sanitized ending:  Queen Esther and Mordecai save the Jews from destruction at the hands of Haman and his minions.  Much merriment ensues, with food and drink. Mishloach manot (gifts of food) are sent to neighbors and friends as a way of offering thanksgiving for being saved from the gallows. 

Our rabbis, teachers, and parents didn’t want us to know how it really ended.  The truth was kept hidden.