Is “separate but equal” okay in Israel?

According to fast-breaking developments first reported this week by the Jewish Daily Forward and subsequently amplified in the New York Times, a compromise may be in the works that would allow women to lead services, carry Sifrei Torah (Torah Scrolls),…

Elliott Abrams, national security official to two presidents, comes to UCLA

Wearing a red tie, Elliott Abrams, the renowned American diplomat who served under Presidents Ronald Reagan and George W. Bush — most recently as Deputy National Security Advisor for Global Democracy Strategy — could be seen talking with a friend…

Ha’Am Winter 2013 Print Issue: A Look At Jewish Traditions at Home and Abroad

In case you missed Ha’Am’s Winter 2013 Print Issue, you can now read all the articles and see the complete PDF online. Enjoy!

Genocide of the soul: the new Jewish face of anti-Semitism

Anti-Semitism is still the greatest threat to the Jewish people, but the threat comes from within the Jewish state.   I was dismayed to read the news last week about the new Egyptian government’s cancellation of a screening of a…

Income inequality in Israel: neither capitalism nor Netanyahu are to blame

This article is in response to Miriam Pinski’s piece entitled “Income inequality in Israel: Netanyahu’s neo-conservative policies,” which was published in Ha’Am on Sunday, March 10, 2013. I would like to make it clear that I respect the writer of…

Income inequality in Israel: Netanyahu’s neo-conservative policies

In a state founded on principles of collectivism, social justice, and equality, today, Israel’s government espouses economic policies that are radically different from the original ideals, and the negative consequences are catching up. Prime Minister Netanyahu has consistently pushed for…

Rabbi Froman in memoriam: an Israeli settler and his drive for peace

As the exuberance of yet another AIPAC Policy Conference fades, the grimness of reality sets in. This year’s AIPAC conference featured such speakers as Vice President Joe Biden and outgoing Israeli Defense Minister Ehud Barak. But while this week’s headlines highlighted…

Israel at the Oscars

The 85th annual Academy Award celebration boasted some of Hollywood’s premier talent. While most viewers were closely attuned to the celebrity sightings, spectacular gowns, provocative host, show-stopping performances, and the major awards themselves, some of us with strong Jewish and…

Prisoner X information finally released

Following the release of a report delayed by two years, Israelis are angered by governmental censorship with respect to the Israeli prison system. Benjamin Zygier, previously identified as Prisoner X, was found hanging by a makeshift noose on the night…

Fatah squanders opportunity to encourage Palestinian rapprochement

Last night, the Jerusalem Post reported on Fatah officials’ “furious” reaction to news of the indirect negotiations currently taking place between Israel and Hamas in Egypt. Officials of the State of Israel and Hamas (the dominant Palestinian political party in…