Americans for Peace Now: Recommended Readings Archives

Buildings for Ultra-Orthodox Jews in Jerusalem: More to Come

March 11, 2010 4:04 PM | No Comments

By Jo-Ann Mort, March 11, 2010

The announcement by Israeli Interior Minister that Israel is building 1600 more housing units in East Jerusalem made during VP Biden's visit was probably not an accident--hard to imagine otherwise. But, not simply because Eli Yishai, the Minister, wanted to embarrass the VP; also because he honestly has little interest in listening to any elected official--from his own Prime Minister to our nation's VP.

Continue reading Buildings for Ultra-Orthodox Jews in Jerusalem: More to Come.

Ha'aretz Editorial: "Editorial / U.S. is proving it wants Mideast peace - now it's Israel's turn"

March 8, 2010 1:40 PM | No Comments

"Israel is not entitled to simply shrug its shoulders at the revival of the peace process."

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The visit to Israel this week by U.S. Vice President Joseph Biden, along with American Middle East envoy George Mitchell's meetings here, testify to the United States' readiness to not miss the opportunity to advance the peace process.

Continue reading Ha'aretz Editorial: "Editorial / U.S. is proving it wants Mideast peace - now it's Israel's turn".

The Silwan/Bustan Drama - two new articles from the Hebrew press

By Lara Friedman on March 5, 2010 11:18 AM | No Comments

Earlier this week I blogged about Mayor Barkat's efforts to implement a grandiose settler-friendly development scheme in the Bustan area of Silwan (which Barkat calls the "Kings' Garden"). Today there are two important pieces in the Hebrew-language press today on Silwan/Bustan drama.

Continue reading The Silwan/Bustan Drama - two new articles from the Hebrew press.

Ynet (VIDEO): "Sheikh Jarrah Jews praise Baruch Goldstein on Purim"

March 4, 2010 1:08 PM | No Comments

Settlers Singing Praise for Goldstein Video 186x140.jpg

Residents of east Jerusalem neighborhood celebrate holiday with songs of praise for Cave of Patriarchs massacre. Left-wing activists plan protest

Continue reading Ynet (VIDEO): "Sheikh Jarrah Jews praise Baruch Goldstein on Purim".

Behind the Settlements by Daniel Kurtzer

February 26, 2010 12:41 PM | No Comments

From the March-April 2010 issue of the American Interest

Ariel Sharon was considered the godfather of the Israeli settlements movement. His ardent support of settlements construction and the legitimacy he lent to the strategic argument for settlements as a means of enhancing Israeli security were vital to the success of the enterprise, particularly in the years after he left the Israeli military for politics. Sharon's basic argument revolved around security. During my time as U.S. Ambassador to Israel, Sharon would often hold forth on the rationale for and his own role in the planning of new settlements.

Continue reading Behind the Settlements by Daniel Kurtzer.

Ynet Editorial: "PR website: Justifying state or government?"

February 21, 2010 1:27 PM | No Comments

We agree with Ministry of Information that we don't all ride camels, but political issues are more controversial. Settlements not obstacle to peace? Golan Heights crucial for security? Whose opinions are reflected by the website?

(go HERE to read an Op-Ed on this issue by Peace Now's Yariv Oppenheimer)

Continue reading Ynet Editorial: "PR website: Justifying state or government?".

Haaretz editorial: Badge of Terror

January 29, 2010 10:27 AM | No Comments

There is no way to describe the West Bank settlers' attack on the Palestinian village of Bitilu but as a well-planned terror attack. The settlers' "military" organization and violent resistance to the cabinet decision to destroy the illegal outpost of Givat Menachem, as described by Chaim Levinson in Haaretz yesterday, are no different from the activities of other terrorist organizations. This includes the incitement, ranting and raving preceding the act of vengeance on Bitilu, the attempt to set a house on fire, the injuring of villagers with stones, and the threat to continue these violent tactics.

Continue reading Haaretz editorial: Badge of Terror.

"Jerusalem: Going for the Gold" by Jo-Ann Mort

January 8, 2010 12:46 PM | No Comments

Published in Dissent Magazine

The mantra of the current Israeli government that Jerusalem is "the eternal, undivided capital of the Jewish people" does nothing to resolve the stalemate over the city's status. Nor does saying these words make Jerusalem truly undivided. The truth is that the city is divided both socially and culturally between west and east. And, as important, it is plagued by problems like poverty and sectarian division both within the Jewish community itself and on the Palestinian side--problems largely ignored because of the city's uncertain status.

Continue reading "Jerusalem: Going for the Gold" by Jo-Ann Mort.

The Jewish Chronicle: "Right-wing violence threat on the rise"

January 7, 2010 10:44 PM | No Comments

By Anshel Pfeffer, January 7, 2010

Senior Israeli security officials are warning of a drastic increase in the number of right-wing extremists prepared to use violent means to stop any attempt to dismantle settlements.

Continue reading The Jewish Chronicle: "Right-wing violence threat on the rise".

Ha'aretz: "Barak gets death threat over West Bank settlement freeze"

January 6, 2010 10:33 PM | No Comments

By Amos Harel, Haaretz Correspondent, and Haaretz Service

Defense Minister Ehud Barak has received a death threat, apparently from far-rightists who oppose his involvement in implementing the 10-month freeze in West Bank settlement construction, Channel 10 news reported on Tuesday.

"If you think of destroying the settlements, you are mistaken, and I will kill you," read part of the letter, which has been transferred to the Shin Bet Security Service for investigation, according to Channel 10.

Continue reading Ha'aretz: "Barak gets death threat over West Bank settlement freeze".