The recent Iran nuclear agreement is tangible evidence that determined diplomacy, backed by international cooperation, resolute leadership, and concrete, sustained engagement, has the potential to overcome and resolve even the toughest challenges in the international arena. Now, with the Iran deal having survived the Congressional review period, the Obama Administration – together with its allies in the international community – must return their focus and efforts to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, which represents a far more existential threat to Israel that Iran ever did – putting at risk its future as a democracy and a Jewish state.

Barbara Green has been a volunteer for Americans for Peace Now for many years.   She lives in Washington, DC.      

 

"Kol ha-hatchalot kashot," as every Israeli school child learns, means "All beginnings are hard."  We know this to be true in our everyday lives but the Torah gives new meaning to the concept.  

            God  gave us the ultimate new beginning when he created the world, but within 3 short chapters the inhabitants of Paradise were expelled and in the next chapter we have the world's first fratricide. Before long God realizes He made a major mistake when His creation scheme included human beings.  He vows to end the entire enterprise.

This week, Alpher discusses whether there is even the possibility of progress regarding Syria at the UN; how to characterize Putin’s “take” on the region; how this approach contrasts with Obama’s; assuming Russia and the US do not join forces in Syria, what Russia’s military options are; where Israel is in this picture

Although the High Holidays have concluded, we have an obligation to continue reflecting on our thoughts, words and actions - not just as individuals, but as a Jewish community. I hope that during this time of continued contemplation, we can take an honest accounting of the current state of the land of Israel - not only its many accomplishments and gifts, but its frightening move towards intolerance and violence. Former APN chair, Martin Bresler, has eloquently made the case for this self-examination in his essay below; APN makes the case every day for the imperative to act against this danger. We ask that during this holiday season you support our critical work. It's not about right and left, it's about right and wrong.

B'Shalom,
Debra DeLee, President and CEO, APN

Professor Gerald Bubis ("Jerry"), an APN founder, long-time Board Member and former National Co-Chair, passed away on August 21 of this year at age 91.  He will be deeply missed and remembered.

This annual event, established in his honor by the APN Board of Directors in 2011, is co-sponsored with Valley Beth Shalom in Encino, CA, and the fifth annual will be this October 20 with special guest speaker from Israel, Gershom Gorenberg.

Event information is below, and RSVP requested to apnwest@peacenow.org or 323-934-3480.

Peace Now among Israeli groups working to end the occupation (Gulf News, 9/12/2015)

Peace Now Secretary General Yariv Oppenheimer steps down (i24 News, 9/21/2015)

Peace Now's Oppenheimer to step down as Secretary General (Arutz 7, 9/21/2015)

A rabbi and an imam: The story of Isaac and Ishmael can be a source of hope (Washington Post, 9/21/2015)

APN among handful of Jewish groups that did not sign joint statement on Iran threat (The Forward, 9/24/2015)