APN/ Peace Now in the News: February 13-17, 2017

The Palm Beach Post: February 17, 2017
Israeli Settlement Sees Friendly Face in Trump Ambassador Pick,” Peace Now reveals that Israel’s latest approved settlement plans were developed by Sukkat Ovadia Learning Center, a beneficiary of Friends of Beit El, an organization supported by David Friedman and his family.

i24: February 16, 2017
"Former ambassador calls Trump's Israel Envoy pick 'unqualified,' too 'extreme,'" APN among groups opposing confirmation of David Friedman as US ambassador to Israel.

The Forward (JTA Story): February 16, 2017
"Jewish Groups Slam 'Dangerous' Trump For Trashing Two-State Solution," quoted APN's statement in a story on US Jews' reactions to the Trump-Bibi meeting.

Haaretz: February 16, 2017
American Jewish Leaders Call Trump’s Ideas on Israel 'Terrifying' and 'Bizarre',” APN’s Ori Nir warned that the discussion of the possibility of a one-state solution undermines Israel’s chances for peace and its future as a democratic and Jewish state.

The Times of Israel: February 16, 2017
Trump’s Pick for Israel Ambassador Faces Dicey Senate Hearing,” APN, the New Israel Fund, and the National Democratic Jewish Council urge American Jews to call their senators to oppose David Friedman’s nomination.

Times of Israel: February 15, 2017
"Israel's envoy to apologize for calling liberal Jews 'kapos,'" APN among groups advocating against confirmation of David Friedman as ambassador to Israel.

Times of Israel: February 15, 2017
"For some left-wing groups, Trump-Bibi meet-up is not top protest priority," quoted APN's press release on the meeting: "Prime Minister Netanyahu knows what agenda he should advance in the White House if he wants to demonstrate true statesmanship and prudent leadership. If, however, he wants to continue importing Israel's petty politics to Washington - as he has been doing for years - he will be serving neither the interest of Israel nor that of the United States."

JTA: February 14, 2017
"Letters from rabbis, Holocaust survivors decry Trump Israel envoy pick David Friedman," APN and other groups supporting the two-state solution have been organizing the push to block Friedman's nomination as ambassador to Israel for his use of the term "kapo," among other reasons.

UPI: February 14, 2017
Donald Trump, Benjamin Netanyahu to discuss tough line on Iran,” APN’s Ori Nir said Trump will only get tougher on Iran after his meeting with Netanyahu earlier this week.

VOA: February 13, 2017
"Trump Interview in Israeli Press Renews Confusion Over US Mideast Policy," Ori Nir quoted saying "As a dealmaker, Trump should know that actions speak louder than words. If he really wants to make a difference and make a deal, he should resist being manipulated by Israeli, Palestinian, or other politicians and pursue what he knows best serves America's national security interests: a two-state solution based on guidelines set by consecutive U.S. administrations. This imperative should guide the president when he meets with Prime Minister Netanyahu next week."

The Arab Weekly: February 13, 2017
"Trump and Netanyahu to discuss tough line on Iran," Ori Nir quoted saying "Netanyahu will try to pocket some of the toughening in the US attitude towards Iran and present it as his own achievement. He really believes in getting tougher on Iran."

Haaretz: February 13, 2017
Over 600 Rabbis and Cantors Sign Petition Opposing David Friedman as U.S. Ambassador to Israel,” APN, in collaboration with other progressive Jewish organizations, helps collect signatures to petition Donald Trump’s nomination for David Friedman as US Ambassador to Israel.

APN/ Peace Now in the News: February 6-10, 2017

APN's Ori Nir in Haaretz: February 8, 2017
As Netanyahu Cozies Up To Trump, American Jews' Alienation From Israel Escalates

Israel’s newly adopted, patently unconstitutional “Regularization Law” further distances most American Jews from the government of Israel and the State of Israel.

It does so by further underscoring the similarities between Israel’s leadership and U.S. President Donald Trump’s campaign of constitutionally controversial executive orders. It thus further deepens the sense of dissonance in the minds of American Jews regarding the U.S.-Israel relationship. Continue Reading...

Haaretz: February 9, 2017
Trump's Israel Ambassador Linked to New Expansion of Radical West Bank Settlement,” Peace Now opposes Donald Trump’s pick for David Friedman as Ambassador to Israel and condemns the organization he heads, American Friends of Beit El, which funds construction of Israeli settlement homes on private Palestinian land.

The New York Times: February 7, 2017
Israeli Allies Condemn Settlement Law as Lawsuits Loom,” in light of Israel’s new law, retroactively legalizing settlements built on private Palestinian land, Peace Now’s spokesperson, Lior Amichai, declares their plans to challenge the law in court.

Haaretz: February 7, 2017
Explained: Israel's New Palestinian Land-grab Law and Why It Matters,” APN explains that the new law authorizes retroactive legalization for more than 50 outposts and settlements.

Haaretz: February 7, 2017
U.S. Jewish Leaders Come Out Against Land-grab Law: 'This Isn’t the Israel We Want to See',” Peace Now, alongside the New Israel Fund, J Street, American Jewish Committee, Rabbi Rick Jacobs of the Union for Reform Judaism, and the Anti-Defamation League, criticized the law for making theft “an official Israeli policy.”

The Boston Globe: February 7, 2017
Israel Passes Provocative Law to Retroactively Legalize Settlements,” Anat Ben Nun, Peace Now’s Director of External Relations, warns that the law is “deteriorating Israel’s democracy, making stealing an official policy and bringing us one step closer to annexation.”

Algemeiner: February 6, 2017
Jewish Leaders Denounce Palestinian Authority’s ‘Fort of Torture’,” APN’s Ori Nir disapproves of the Palestinian security services’ actions to torture detainees, despite any cooperation they might have with Israel in the battle to fight terrorism.

APN/ Peace Now in the News: January 30 - February 3, 2017

Fox News: February 3, 2017
"Trump to Israel: Settlements 'May Not Help' Achieve Peace in the Middle East," in the wake of Netanyahu's promise to build new West Bank settlements after the evacuation of Amona, Peace Now reports that Israel has not built new settlements since 1992, but has only expanded upon existing ones.

Deutsche Welle: February 2, 2017
"'Israeli Settlements are Not an Obstacle for Peace,'" Peace Now reports that more than 130 Israeli settlements and 909 outposts have been built without government approval in the West Bank since 1967, threatening the viability of two states living side by side in peace and security.

Washington Jewish Week: February 1, 2017
"Israeli peace camp must respond to people's fears, says Peace Now head," David Hozel features Avi Buskila, Peace Now's new director general, in a piece for the Washington Jewish Week.

Haaretz: February 1, 2017
"Amona Live Updates: After Years of Delay, Israel Evacuates Illegal West Bank Outpost," Peace Now condemns Netanyahu's decision to build new settlements in the West Bank for settlers recently evacuated from Amona.

CNN: February 1, 2017
"Israel to Build Entirely New Settlement in West Bank," according to Peace Now, Netanyahu's announcement of 2,500 new housing units marks one of the largest settlement expansions since 2013.

Agenzia Nazionale Stampa Associata: February 1, 2017
"Peace Now 'Alarmed' by 3,000 More Settler Homes in West Bank," Peace Now speaks out against Prime Minister Netanyahu's recent settlement expansion in areas not likely to be under Israeli jurisdiction in future agreements.

APN/ Peace Now in the News: January 23-27, 2017

APN's Lara Friedman in The Hill: January 27, 2017
"David Friedman is the wrong choice for US ambassador to Israel"

The nomination of David Friedman to be the next ambassador of the United States to Israel has stirred a fierce debate, focused primarily on Friedman’s well-documented bombastic rhetoric and his views on settlements, the occupation, and the Palestinians — views that are at odds with decades of bipartisan U.S. policy.

As the Senate gets ready to consider Friedman’s nomination, what has been largely overlooked is the fact that, based on his own very clear and public record, Friedman is by any objective standard disqualified from serving as America’s diplomatic envoy to any country, and especially to Israel. Continue Reading...

I24 News: January 26, 2017
No action after closed door UN Talks on Israeli Settlement Construction,” Peace Now says that Netanyahu is taking advantage of Trump’s recent election as President of the United States to appeal to Israel’s right-wing settler population.

The Jerusalem Post: January 26, 2017
Peace Now: Israel Begins to Act On 73% of the 2,500 Settler Homes,” Following the Housing Ministry’s approval of tenders for new housing units in the West Bank, Peace Now urges Netanyahu “to take responsibility for the future of Israel by halting settlement construction and assuring the future of Israel as both Jewish and democratic.”

Haaretz: January 24, 2017
Israel Approves Construction and Planning of 2,500 Settler Homes in West Bank,” Peace Now speculates that by approving construction of new settlement homes, Netanyahu is trying to appease the right in response to their criticism of his actions during Operation Protective Edge.

The Times of Israel: January 24, 2017
PA: Trump Encouraged Israel to Okay 2,500 Settlement Homes,” Americans for Peace Now says that the construction of 2,500 new settler homes may be the largest number approved since 2013.

VICE News: January 24, 2017
Israel Just Approved Construction of 2,500 Settlements in the West Bank,” Ori Nir, spokesperson for Americans for Peace Now, warns that moving the American embassy to Jerusalem would have “destabilizing repercussions in the region.”

APN/ Peace Now in the News: January 1-13, 2017

APN's Lara Friedman in the Huffington Post: January 6, 2017
"Think Trump's Policies On Israel-Palestine Have Nothing To Do With You?"

Back in 2012, I warned a friend who was working on international trade issues: pay attention to what’s happening with the Palestinians at the UN, because it could cause problems for the U.S. on a wide range of issues, including the ones you deal with. I recall clearly his response, mainly because it was so patronizing. In essence, he told me: “don’t kid yourself – nobody is going to let a boutique issue like Israel-Palestine harm truly important U.S. interests (like trade).” Continue Reading...

Jewish Exponent: January 12, 2017
"Jewish Groups Tussle over Friedman Pick," APN among Jewish groups opposing David Friedman as US Ambassador to Israel.

Globes: January 10, 2017
"How much do the settlements really cost?" Peace Now's research is featured in this story about the real cost of Israeli settlements.

The Arab Daily News: January 5, 2017
"A tribute to my friend Daniel J. Steiner," Arab American journalist and comedian, Ray Hanania writes a heartfelt and inspiring tribute to David, talking about their shared vision of peace and David's work with APN and his local community in Chicago.

APN/Peace Now in the News: December 10 – 16, 2016

NPR: December 16, 2016
Trump's Pick For Ambassador To Israel: 'End The 2-State Narrative,'” Several left-wing U.S. Jewish groups — among them Americans for Peace Now and J-Street — say they will work to defeat David Friedman’s nomination.

JTA: December 16, 2016
Jewish doves vow to lobby Senate to block Trump’s nominee for ambassador to Israel,” Americans for Peace Now called Friedman’s nomination “destabilizing.” “Friedman opposes the very essence of APN’s values and mission,” it said in a statement.

The Guardian: December 16, 2016
Donald Trump's Israel ambassador is hardline pro-settler lawyer,” Lara Friedman, of Americans for Peace Now, tweeted: “I don’t know about the Palestinians, but I know Jews who truly care about Israel’s security, democracy & place in the world are outraged.”

Times of Israel: December 16, 2016
Liberal Jewish groups rage against Trump’s Israel ambassador pick,” Lara Friedman, the director of policy and government relations for Americans for Peace Now, did not mince words either, tweeting: “I don’t know about the Palestinians, but I know Jews who truly care about Israel’s security, democracy & place in the world are outraged.”

New York Times: December 15, 2016
Hanukkah Event at a Trump Hotel Highlights a Rift Among Jews,” Ori Nir, the communications director at Americans for Peace Now, a group that declined an invitation to the event, said he and his colleagues initially thought the invitation was a hoax. The group wrote a letter to the Conference of Presidents expressing its concerns. “As members of the conference we try to be discreet,” he said. “But this time around it was so insensitive that it really merited a public expression.”

Jerusalem Post: December 14, 2016
Jewish groups opt for White House bash over Trump hotel Hanukkah party,” Americans for Peace Now among Jewish groups who stand against the Conference of President’s Hanukkah party at Trump hotel.

The Jewish Week: December 14, 2016
Ellison Acceptable,” J Street and Peace Now are two of the most pro-Israel pro-peace groups . . . If J Street and Peace Now support Ellison it shows that he is responsive to our concerns about the peace process and Israeli occupation.

American Prospect: December 14, 2016
The Last Thing Netanyahu Wants to Say is ‘Annexation,’” according to Hagit Ofran of Peace Now, 41 families are still living in Amona in mobile homes and the grace period has ended.

Times of Israel: December 11, 2016
Ministers back bill barring national service volunteers from B'Tselem,” the Ministerial Committee for Legislation gave the go-ahead for a bill barring national service volunteers from working with organizations that get most of their funding from foreign sources – this bill is seen as targeting human rights groups like B’Tselem and Americans for Peace Now.

i24 News: December 11, 2016
Bill barring completion of Israeli national service at B'Tselem heads to Knesset,” the bill was initiated by Amir Ohana of the ruling Likud party after human rights NGOs B’Tselem and Americans for Peace Now testified against Israel's West Bank settlement building policies at a United Nations Security Council forum in October.

The Hill: December 10, 2016
Jewish groups divided over Hanukkah party at Trump hotel,” Americans for Peace Now among the progressive Jewish organizations objecting to the Conference of President’s Hanukkah party at Trump hotel with the Republic of Azerbaijan.

APN/Peace Now in the News: December 5 – 9, 2016

Times of Israel: December 5, 2016
Attorney General Says Outpost Bill Still Illegal, Even Without Amona”  Peace Now warns that regardless of whether or not settlements in the West Bank were built in “good faith,” the Regulation Bill still legalizes outposts and Israeli settlement expansions on privately-owned Palestinian land.

Arutz Sheva: December 5, 2016
Regulation Law Passes Preliminary Reading” Justice Minister Ayelet Shaked sardonically thanks Peace Now and other left-wing organizations for unwittingly enabling the Regulation Law to pass during its preliminary reading.

Ynet New: December 7, 2016
Regulation Bill Passes First Knesset Reading” Restating Shaked’s remarks, HaBayit HaYehudi party leader and Education Minister, Naftali Bennett, gives thanks to Peace Now for helping the Regulation Law pass as a bill.

Times of Israel: December 7, 2016
Four Liberal Jewish Groups Join Call on Trump to Nix National Security Adviser Choice” Americans for Peace Now, J Street, T’ruah, and the National Council for Jewish Women urge President-elect Trump to revoke his appointment of Mike Flynn as the next National Security Advisor.

Haaretz: December 7, 2016
Four Jewish Groups Join 53 Organizations Calling on Trump to Rescind Michael Flynn's Nomination” Americans for Peace Now signed a letter condemning Trump’s appoint of Gen. Michael Flynn to National Security Advisor, arguing that his explicit malice towards Muslims and Islam and his retweeting of an anti-semitic tweet renders him unfit to represent the country.

The Jewish Week: December 7, 2016
Battle Over Ellison Heats Up As Some Dems Warn Party” Americans for Peace Now and other American Jewish organizations reaffirm support for Keith Ellison amidst a series of attacks on his Israel platform, citing him as a progressive ally towards brokering a peace deal between Israelis and Palestinians.

Jewish Telegraphic Agency: December 7, 2016
8 Liberal Jewish Groups to Skip Conference of Presidents Party at Trump’s DC Hotel” Americans for Peace Now, in partnership with 7 other liberal Jewish members of the Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations, will not attend its Hanukkah Party at the Trump International Hotel on December 14, maintaining that the venue location misrepresents the interests of most American Jews.

The Yeshiva World News: December 7, 2016
Yair Lapid To Peace Now: Where Is A Minimum Of Respect For The Dead?” Yesh Atid party leader, Yair Lapid, calls upon Peace Now to support an extension for the destruction of a memorial for two fallen IDF soldiers that was built on private Palestinian-owned land in the West Bank.

Al-Monitor: December 8, 2016
Israel's Controversial Settlement Bill Provokes Palestinian Blitz” Peace Now expresses concern over Israel’s Regulation Law that would retroactively legalize at least 55 outposts and 72 settlements in the West Bank, enabling the government to expropriate nearly 8,000 dunams of Palestinian land.

The Forward: December 9, 2016
Like Houdini, Netanyahu Is a Great Escape Artist — Just Look at His Contortions On Settlements” Recalling Peace Now and other organizations’ lawsuit brought against Amona’s construction in 1995, the Regulation Bill’s support for outposts and settlements on Palestinian property may trigger actions from the Obama Administration and the UN Security Council.

APN/Peace Now in the News: November 14 – 25, 2016

Newsweek: November 23, 2016
With the election of Donald Trump, the two-state solution is at stake” Peace Now's Anat Ben-Nun discusses the imminent threats to the two-state solution posed by the Trump Administration

Times of Israel: November 18, 2016
Illiberal Support for Israel: Antithetical to Jewish Values & Israel’s Interests” APN's Lara Friedman challenges the actors within the American Jewish community that are prioritizing land over peace, security, and core Jewish and American values

Haaretz: November 24, 2016
Five Tips for Jewish Resistance: How to be Bannon’s Worst Nightmare,” Bradley Burston’s op-ed lists Americans for Peace Now among the American Jewish groups engaging in active resistance against Bannon.

Hawaii News Now: November 23, 2016
Trump win could give Israel freer hand with Palestinians,” cites Peace Now data projecting that the settlement housing construction started during Obama’s term will exceed that of George W. Bush’s presidency.

Jewish Telegraph Agency: November 22, 2016
Jewish groups fret as Republicans retreat from two-state solution,” in contrast to AIPAC’s removal of a reference to the two-state solution, Americans for Peace Now and other pro-Israel groups remain outspoken in advancing two states.

The Washington Post: November 20, 2016
Even Israel says this Jewish settlement is illegal – now comes the showdown,” Amona settlers claim “Palestinians never would have made a peep of complaint, were it not for left-wing Israeli activists, from groups such as Peace Now and Yesh Din, who supplied the lawyers.”

Haaretz: November 19, 2016
Jewish Leaders Across America Deliver Warning Letter to Trump: We Will Not Sit Idly By,” Americans for Peace Now and other American Jewish organizations sent a letter to President-elect Donald Trump denouncing the anti-Semitism surrounding his campaign, expressing concern for the plight of minorities, and urging the new administration to uphold the two-state solution.

Times of Israel: November 19, 2016
Liberal Jewish groups to Trump: Condemn anti-Semitism, dump Bannon,” in a letter from J Street, New Israel Fund, and Americans for Peace Now, among others, the President-elect is urged to back two-state solution.

Jewish Telegraph Agency: November 18, 2016
Right-wing critics take aim at Keith Ellison’s Israel record, Jewish left-wingers rally to his defense,” Americans for Peace Now, among other Jewish groups, have defended Keith Ellison, particular from attacks from the Zionist Organization of America for his support for a cease-fire in 2014 and putting pressure on Israel to loosen the blockade on Gaza in 2009.

Ynet News: November 16, 2016
Regulation Bill draws protests outside Bennett’s home,” dozens of Peace Now activists demonstrated outside Education Minister Naftali Bennett’s home in protests against the Regulation Bill, which aims to legalize outposts in the West Bank built on privately owned Palestinian land.

Jewish Press: November 14, 2016
Peace Now Against Amona Bill,” Peace Now plans to petition the High Court against the Amona Regulations Bill, denouncing it as illegal.

Al Jazeera: November 14, 2016
Israeli committee approves bill legalizing outposts,” Peace Now denounces the approval of the Regulations Bill, which could retroactively legalize 2,000 settlement homes.

APN/ Peace Now in the News: October 15-21, 2016

APN's Lara Friedman in Haaretz: October 21
My UN Speech Reflected Love for Israel, Truth About Settlements

Last Friday, the UN Security Council held a meeting organized under the title “Illegal Israeli Settlements: A Threat to Peace and the Two-State Solution.” Americans for Peace Now proudly took part in that event, offering testimony grounded in love for Israel and expressing an unwavering commitment to Israel’s security and its survival as a democracy and a state rooted in the Jewish values expressed in its Declaration of Independence. Of course, that testimony also dealt with the settlements, explaining why they are detrimental to the cause of Israeli-Palestinian peace and therefore to Israel’s national security interests.
Continue Reading...

Haaretz: October 21
Yes, Israelis, We Must Wash Our Dirty Laundry in Public,” Zeev Sternhell’s op-ed argues APN is worthy of support for appearing before the UNSC.

Jewish Telegraph Agency: October 20
With UNESCO vote, Palestinians’ bid for attention backfires,” APN among those criticizing UNESCO for one-sided resolution.

Haaretz: October 20
Americans for Peace Now, You Made a Mistake in Appearing Before the UN,” Rabbi Eric Yoffie’s op-ed says that “while APN’s presentation was a compelling one, it should not have been given to that audience at that time.”

Al-Monitor: October 19
Why human rights NGOs are losing support of Israeli public,” Peace Now’s Avi Bouskila says Peace Now opted to not participate in UNSC discussion on Israel-Palestine so as not to alienate the Israeli public.

Ynet News: October 19
US again expresses support for Israeli far-left NGOs,” US Ambassador to the UN thanks APN for sharing expertise on West Bank settlements.

Israel National News: October 18
Washington ‘grateful’ to B’Tselem,” State Department says it’s grateful for APN and B’Tselem’s efforts.

Ynet News: October 18
US State Department ‘grateful” to B’Tselem,” State Department Spokesman says US is grateful for organizations like Peace Now and B’Tselem.

The Forward: October 17
If Israel Lets in Palestinian Refugees, Will it Lose its Jewish Character?” Op-ed praises APN’s Lara Friedman for UNSC speech.

Haaretz: October 15
Netanyahu Slams Humn Rights NGO B’Tselem for Joining ‘Chorus of Slander’ Against Israel,” Netanyahu slams APN and B’Tselem for appearing before UNSC regarding West Bank settlements.

Times of Israel: October 15
Netanyahu vows to bar national service volunteers from B’Tselem,” Netanyahu lashes out against APN and B’Tselem for their testimony on Israeli settlements before the UNSC.

i24 News: October 15
Netanyahu attacks ‘ridiculous’ NGO B’Tselem over UN comments,” Netanyahu attacks APN and B’Tselem for UNSC testimony regarding West Bank settlements.

ABC News (AP story): October 15
Israeli Rights Group Urges UN to End Palestinian Occupation,” APN takes part in UNSC special session on West Bank Settlements

APN/Peace Now in the News: October 9-14, 2016

Times of Israel: October 14
B’Tselem under fire for planned UN presentation on settlements,” discusses the criticism that the testifying organizations and their representatives, such as APN’s Lara Friedman, are receiving.

Israel National News: October 14
MK Kish: Time to Disconnect from B’Tselem and Peace Now,” Knesset Member Yoav Kisch (Likud) spoke out against B’Tselem and Peace Now for being invited to the UN Security Council Session, “Israeli settlements as an obstacle to peace and the two-state solution.”

San Francisco Chronicle: October 14
Palestinians push for UN membership and against settlements,” discusses Palestinian initiatives at the UN in the context of the UN Security Council session on Israeli settlements, which APN will participate in.

Haaretz: October 13
Israeli NGOs to Address Special UN Security Council Session on Settlements,” APN will address the UN Security Council on West Bank settlements after Peace Now decided not to.”

Jerusalem Post: October 13
B’Tselem, Peace Now to speak to UNSC against settlements,” APN’s Lara Friedman to address the UN Security Council regarding settlements.

The Jewish Week: October 13
’Here To Stay’ in Shilo,” quotes Hagit Ofran, director of Peace Now’s Settlement Watch program, saying the new housing proposed for land near Shilo, including 41 apartments earmarked for residents of Amona, an unauthorized outpost slated for destruction by Dec. 31, would be the start of a new settlement, not an expansion of an existing settlement.

Daily News (AFP story): October 9
Netanyahu speaks to Kerry to calm US over settler plan,” Peace Now says new construction in the West Bank amounts to the establishment of a new settlement.

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