Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas today told the United Nations General Assembly that due to Israel’s violations of its agreements with the PLO, the Palestinian leadership does not see itself as beholden to those agreements.
Update: this action, now closed, ran from September-October 2015.
Only a negotiated agreement can end the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, but with Netanyahu leading Israel, there is currently no prospect for any such agreement. The Obama Administration needs to shift its focus from negotiations to action, including action to restore the credibility of its own policies and bolster the credibility of the two-state outcome.
APN today called on the Obama Administration to lead or co-lead action in the United Nations Security Council to resuscitate and re-accredit the two-state solution. APN President and CEO Debra DeLee issued the following statement:
“As a pro-Israel, pro-peace organization, we are committed first and foremost to Israel’s security and its survival as a democracy and a state with a proud Jewish character – things that only a two-state peace agreement can deliver. Regrettably, for his entire career – including his three previous terms in office as Prime Minister of Israel – Benjamin Netanyahu has demonstrated by his own actions that rather than seeking Israeli-Palestinian or Israeli-Arab peace, he is wholly supportive of settlements and an expansionist ‘Greater Israel’ agenda. And, in the last Israeli election campaign, Netanyahu proudly touted his pro-settlement credentials and unabashedly vowed that no Palestinian state would be established while he is in office.
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
APN's daily news review from Israel
Wednesday September 30, 2015
While News Nosh's Israel editor is on vacation during the holidays, we are publishing an abbreviated version
produced in Washington and therefore it may be sent later in the day.
Quote of the Day:
"Speeches are the most successful part of the current government’s term."
"The PA chairman can read the Bronx phone book or the menus of NY restaurants, and he will still gain the support of many of the General Assembly members."
-Quotes from Eitan Haber’s commentary in today’s Yedioth Ahronoth
"The PA chairman can read the Bronx phone book or the menus of NY restaurants, and he will still gain the support of many of the General Assembly members."
-Quotes from Eitan Haber’s commentary in today’s Yedioth Ahronoth
APN's daily news review from Israel
Sunday September 27, 2015
While News Nosh's Israel editor is on vacation during the holidays, we are publishing an abbreviated version
produced in Washington and therefore it may be sent later in the day.
Please note that News Nosh will not be sent Monday, September 28 and Tuesday,
September 29 during the holiday of Sukkot.
Quote of the Day:
"The secretary is interested in reengaging on the issue." "He is talking to a full range of experts and
stakeholders to better understand the options as part of our ongoing policy review."
-A senior US official told Ha’aretz, reported on 9-27
-A senior US official told Ha’aretz, reported on 9-27
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.