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March 6, 2005
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Let Our Students Go!
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Israel Sees Peace with Lebanon after Syria Exit by Allyn Fisher-Ilan
Israel sees the prospect of making peace with Lebanon after Syria withdraws all troops from their shared neighbor, but said Damascus' pledge on Saturday to redeploy troops fell short of world demands for a total pullout. "Only full implementation of (UN Security Council) Resolution 1559 which means a full withdrawal of Syrian forces from Lebanon can mean full implementation," of the resolution, Foreign Minister Silvan Shalom told reporters. (Reuters)
Astronaut Ilan Ramon Diary Restored by Joel Leyden
A small heap of paper that survived the fiery disintegration of space shuttle Columbia, a 38-mile fall to Earth and two months of exposure to rain and sun in a Texas field has been painstakingly restored by forensic scientists in Israel, yielding the flight diary and notes of Israeli astronaut Ilan Ramon. (Israel News Agency)
Israeli Technology to Build Houses in Sri Lanka by Hiran H. Senewiratne
A local company has introduced for the first time in Sri Lanka an affordable, hassle-free convenient method of constructing houses, utilizing the latest technology from Israel. The panel technology being used for the construction of houses, could be built within 24-48 hours. The company expects to construct 25,000 houses in tsunami-devastated areas with the help of NGOs. (Sunday Observer-Sri Lanka)
Lynchburg Va. Police Chief Learns More than He Expected in Israel by Dionne Waugh
Lynchburg Police Chief Chuck Bennett went to Israel to study the country's police tactics on domestic terrorism. He didn't expect to have an epiphany. "The thing that made the strongest impression was the commitment of everyone over there to have a normal life," he said. "We have so much and take it for granted, yet there are people fighting and dying to try to have what we have every day." One aspect of Israeli policing that really struck Bennett was the mandatory military service of both men and women as well as the strong feelings of patriotism. (News Advance)
 In Withdrawal by Yossi Klein Halevi
Major General Elazar Stern, commander of the IDF's personnel branch, is one of the army's highest-ranking officers. And wears a knitted skullcap. Stern recently told cadets at the IDF's combat training school: "In this room are all the contradictions of Israeli society, secular and religious, new immigrants and veterans, Bedouins and Jews... The withdrawal presents us with conflicting values. But there's no such thing as one army that defends synagogues and another that defends discotheques; one army that eats kosher and one that doesn't; one that protects settlements and one that evacuates settlements. We've been in that story before. How long did [ancient] Jewish sovereignty last? Each camp then thought that its position was right. The result was two thousand years of exile." (The New Republic)
A Multi-Pronged Strategy to Defeat Hamas by David Makovsky
The key challenge is to stop those who oppose any peace agreement, such as Hamas, which is ideologically committed to Israel's destruction. Fighting Hamas with new Palestinian security forces is an obvious starting point, but that alone won't suffice. A political and financial strategy is also needed to neutralize them. It is also important to compete with Hamas in the economic sphere, since Hamas has a proven track record in providing essential social services that the Palestinians were not able to obtain from the government. (International Herald Tribune)
That Old Double-Standard by David J. Forman
Where do the Presbyterian Church and World Council of Churches stand on a Libya chairing the UN Human Rights Commission or a Syria holding the presidency of the Security Council or a China hosting the Olympics? Silence. Why not divestment from Egypt or Saudi Arabia and every other despotic regime the US props up? Are not China and Russia worthy of calls for divestment, or is it that their human rights record, compared to Israel, is so praiseworthy? (Jerusalem Post)
A World That Is About to Vanish by Daniel Ben Simon
The human drama is unfolding in Gush Katif. Many area residents still refuse to believe that within a few months they will be forced to uproot themselves from Gush Katif's soil. Over the past two months, 12 infants have been born in Kfar Darom, and another four are due shortly. "What does this mean, you might ask?" local resident Irit Kadmon asks rhetorically, answering, "When people bring babies into the world, it means they have not lost hope. It means they are optimistic about the future." (Ha'aretz)
Ben-Gurion: Israeli Doctor Leads War on AIDS in Africa by Allison Kaplan Sommer
When Dr. Michael Alkan received the invitation to join the front lines of the war on AIDS in Africa by setting up clinics in a remote village nestled in the desert plains of Botswana, the response of the Ben-Gurion University professor was immediate. "When does the next plane leave?" he asked. (Israel21c)
Brown: University Rejects Israel Divestment Proposal by Christopher Chon
President Ruth Simmons accepted a recommendation of the Advisory Committee on Corporate Responsibility in Investing and rejected the proposal for divestment from Israel set forth by Anti-Racist Action and promoted by a coalition of groups at a protest Feb. 11. The ACCRI recommended that Simmons reject ARA's proposal for divestment from Israel, all Israeli corporations and any U.S. corporations doing business with Israel, according to a copy of the ACCRI's report provided. (Brown Daily Herald)
Case Western Ramps up Israel Advocacy Training by Ted S. Stratton
Case Western students and staff are promoting an Israel advocacy program that is one of the more unique in the country, mainly because it is spearheaded by graduate students. Started by Case Law School students, "Case For Israel" has become a force on campus, growing to 15 active members and adding undergraduates and non-Jews to their ranks. Last fall, they received a grant renewal from the Avi Chai Foundation for $7,500 to continue their pro-Israel education programs. (Cleveland Jewish News)
Chicago: Elshtein, Terror Victim Speak Out by Carl Pickerill
A terror attack victim, a famed author on the war on terror, and an attorney who represents terror victims came together to discuss terrorism in the Middle East last week. Prof. Jean Bethke Elshtein, discussed the moral aspects of the fight against terror. She spoke of the just war tradition of self-protection in engaging terrorism. Diana Campuzano, survivor of a 1997 Hamas attack in Jerusalem, gave a personal account of the horrors of terrorism. (Maroon)
Columbia: President Bollinger Seizes Chance to Remake Department by Liel Leibovitz
In the eye of the storm is Bollinger - stressed, yes, but seemingly calm. The crisis may be just the hammer he needs to break down what he perceives to be narrow teaching within MEALAC and remake it into a less overtly political department built around a more global view of the Middle East. In a wide-ranging recent interview with Bollinger acknowledged, albeit elliptically, that the Israeli-Palestinian conflict is not being taught in a balanced way that reflects the complexity of the region. (New York Jewish Week)
Harvard: Ross Cautiously Optimistic about Mideast Peace by Sam Teller
Ambassador Dennis Ross, who helped shape U.S. involvement in the Middle East peace process for more than 12 years, spoke about his experience as a negotiator with Israel, Palestine, Jordan and Syria. "As long as Arafat was there he was an impediment to change," Ross said. "Abu Mazen is someone who has always been against the violence." While Ross expressed tempered optimism about the prospects for peace, he said that Abbas lacks the authority that Arafat alone could wield. To succeed, "Abu Mazen has to show that his way works, that he's producing change on the ground," Ross said. (The Crimson)
Manchester University Hosts Israeli Diplomat by Geraldine Pugh and Nadia Ghani
Last week, we interviewed Israeli diplomat Dan Shaham, whilst he was visiting the University of Manchester to give a speech on the way forward for Israelis and Palestinians in the Middle East. "I think that the way forward is to embrace and follow the disengagement plan," Shaham said. "It offers the best opportunity for both sides to end the violence that is often portrayed in the media." (Student Direct)
Queens: Black Jews Shed New Light by Warren Woodberry, Jr.
Jewish students at Queens College learned that Ethiopian Jews living in Israel are not much different from themselves - other than the color of their skin. Law students Aviva Cohen and Nevo Vandimo, along with lawyer Abaynesh Tessema, spoke with Queens students as part of a U.S. tour in celebration of Black History Month. (New York Daily News)
San Diego State: Students Rally for Studying in Israel by Paul Filice
"Let my students go," is what political science senior Michael Baum is telling San Diego State and the California State University administration. Baum hosted a rally yesterday afternoon along with the Jewish Student Union-Hillel, Jewish Student Life-Chabad House and Alpha Epsilon Pi fraternity to plead to students and faculty to reinstate a study abroad program to Israel for the 2005-06 academic year. (Daily Aztec)
South Florida: Palestinian Terrorist Leader Was Ex-British Student and USF Lecturer by Uzi Mahnaimi
Ramadan Shallah, 47, the head of Islamic Jihad, is accused by Mossad of ordering last week' terrorist attack in Tel Aviv by telephone from Damascus. Shallah moved from a British university to the University of South Florida in Tampa, where he taught Middle Eastern studies and headed the World and Islam Studies Enterprise, a think tank affiliated to the university. His academic life came to an abrupt end in 1995 with the assassination of his friend, Fathi Shiqaqi, the head of Islamic Jihad. Leaving behind his comfortable life in Florida, Shallah took his place. (Times-UK)
Texas: Hillel-Sponsored Israel Block Party Draws Crowd by Adrienne Lee
The smell of falafel and a blue and white arch of balloons greeted visitors as they entered the campus block party. As students went to and from classes, they stopped to see a miniature version of modern-day Israel. The event lasted six hours and brought in a crowd of at least 3,000. People were able to create their own bumper stickers read a selection of Israeli stickers. One person wrote, "Pro Israel, pro people, pro democracy." Another bumper sticker read, "Shalom please." (Daily Texan)
UC-Irvine: Israel Needs U.S. Support Now More Than Ever by Alex Chazen
It is becoming evident that support for Palestine is much louder than support for Israel. Anti-Israel rallies are becoming more prevalent in the United States, and it is up to the supporters of Israel to show how they are just as committed, if not more committed to supporting Israel than those who hate a beacon of democracy in the Middle East are to obliterate it. It is time for supporters of Israel to be louder than extremists who want to see it destroyed. (New University Paper)
Columbia Implodes! by Nat Hentoff
I have covered a number of dysfunctional college and university administrations around the country. But the handling of this controversy by Columbia's president, Lee Bollinger, and provost Alan Brinkley is a model of how to confuse and worsen a situation while trying to resolve its core problems. Bollinger appointed a special committee to investigate the charges by students. This is largely a rigged rather than an objective committee. (Village Voice)
Iowa State: Palestinians Want Destruction of Israel, Not Peace by Noah Stahl (pictured)
The terrorists declare that they will only stop their attacks once Israel stops defending itself. They state that the only way they will obey the rule of law is if justice is ignored and criminals are set free. These are not pleas for "peace" or formulas for "coexistence." There is one, and only one, possible outcome if the demands of the Palestinian terrorists are met: continued violence and death. In the schoolyard, everyone knows it is folly to believe the bully when he says he will stop trying to beat you up if you just quit running. (Iowa State Daily)
Montana: Modern Israel Survives in Volatile Mideast by Bob Brown
It is said that stability is necessary for democracy. Israel is in the world's toughest neighborhood, surrounded by authoritarian dictators and monarchs little more enlightened than the caliphs and sultans of the Middle Ages. Yet, remarkably, Israel has labor unions, chambers of commerce and intensely competitive political parties. Bob Brown is a senior fellow at the University of Montana's Center for the Rocky Mountain West. (Billings Gazette)
USC: Recent Attack Proves that Violence is Far From Over by Eduardo Bialostozky
There was little room to be optimistic about the recent developments, even before this latest terrorist attack happened. As history has shown us, every time that a peace accord is signed or about to be signed between the Palestinians and Israelis, there is an increase in terrorist attacks within Israel. Therefore, when people call this a "cycle of violence" I wonder if they care to see who instigated the violence, and I also wonder how they think Israel should react when a suicide bomber kills its civilians. (Daily Trojan)
Wisconsin: Reinstated Israel Program a Great Experience for Students by Seth Feldman and Abbie Steiner
Israel's universities are the only universities in the Middle East where Arabs and Jews study together - anything from economics to the origins of Islam to biblical historiography. Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas and Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon's discussions over the past weeks have added a new hope for change and stability. Their negotiations mark the first time in four years that representatives from Palestine and Israel have met to work for a genuine peace. (Daily Cardinal)
Wisconsin: Divestment Not for UW System by Josh Moskowitz (pictured)
While a select few in our student body have focused on directing their energies towards perpetuating anti-Israel rhetoric and sentiment throughout the state, it is reassuring to know that their fallacious claims have largely gone unheeded. With the implications for peace between Israelis and Palestinians gaining ground every day, now is the time to invest in joint Israeli-Palestinian business enterprises, spurring economic growth and participation in the region. (Badger Herald)
Columbia: Top Finish on Ambassadors Show a Reality for Student by Jennie Morgan
Eytan Schwartz, GS '01, never thought he would want to be on a reality TV show. But when he heard that "The Ambassador" did not involve creatures, ex-girlfriends, or random roommates, he quickly changed his mind. Schwartz is currently preparing to claim his prize, a year in New York working for Israel at Heart. The organization sends young Israelis around the world to answer questions and to represent Israel's policies at churches, synagogues, schools, and university campuses. (Columbia Spectator)
St. Louis: Ohanon says SLU has Been Good Home by Stu Durando
By the time he arrived at St. Louis University, Izik Ohanon had taken the first step in adapting to life in the United States by simplifying his given name, Izchak. He seemed comfortable with living 6,400 miles from home in Israel before his first line-dancing experience with teammates in 2002. Nearly three years later, Ohanon played his final home game when the Billikens beat Memphis 70-61 in a critical Conference USA matchup at Savvis Center. He was honored before the game. (St. Louis Today)
Israeli Rapper Takes U.S.
Israeli rapper Subliminal made his U.S. debut last week in Los Angeles, but his presence has already been felt around the world. Known as a right-wing Zionist, the hip-hop star - whose latest album went gold on its first day in stores and who will team with Wyclef Jean, Ashanti and Miri Ben-Ari for his next one - has incited demonstrations from France to Canada. (Rolling Stone)
Lasalle: Israeli Fashion Touches Down on Montreal Soil
Hillel Montreal and Centre Hillel hosted "Fashion for Passion" last week. Through the mediums of fashion and dance, Fashion for Passion aimed to stimulate senses and open minds. The event featured Israeli and Montreal fashion against the backdrop of Mediterranean culture and music. The idea for Fashion for Passion originated from Lasalle student Hilary Ludwick. "After coming back from a mind-expanding Birthright Israel experience, I wanted to create a unique way of highlighting Israel's diverse culture while simultaneously giving back to the Jewish community," says Hilary. (Canada Newswire Group)
Mehereta, Symbol of Ethiopian Pride by Hilary Leila Krieger
Mehereta Baruch, who came in second on the reality TV show "The Ambassador," has soared to the top of the list of most recognizable Ethiopian-Israelis. "She changed what Israeli society thinks about the Ethiopian community," said Nurit Tezazu, media coordinator for the Israel Association for Ethiopian Jews. Baruch is being credited with shattering stereotypes, inspiring a new generation, and redefining Israeliness. (Jerusalem Post)
Krav Maga Teaches Practical Self-Defense
Krav Maga, a self-defense system first developed to train Israeli soldiers, is now making its way into fitness centers and martial arts studios across the U.S. Krav Maga is Hebrew for "contact combat." Krav Maga instructors now train more than 300 federal, state, and local law enforcement departments. There are now about 180 training centers around the country. The biggest school is the Krav Maga National Training Center in Los Angeles, which boasts about 2,000 students. (AP/USA Today)
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 - What Should Israel Do with Jews' Homes in Gaza? | Why We Should Not Destroy the Houses by Ephraim Sneh
- The drama that the worlds' television viewers see over a period of weeks will feature an Israeli bulldozer "shaving" attractive homes just so they won't be used by the Palestinians. This, to put it mildly, will not improve Israel's image in the world.
- Destruction of the houses will also bring about destruction of their surrounding infrastructure.
- It will be more difficult to develop and build up the area following the widespread destruction of some 1,500 homes. Israel has a justified interest in Gaza being built up and developed economically, thereby enhancing Gazans' lives and wellbeing.
- There is no better way to combat terrorism and religious extremism than economic development. Hence Israel must find every way to accelerate development in Gaza following the withdrawal.
- Still another reason is economic and ecological. In accordance with international law, Israel will be obliged to remove to its territory about one million cubic meters of building waste created by the destruction of the houses. This will cost around $18 million, and Israel will still have to dispose of huge quantities of waste - a difficult environmental challenge.
- The hothouses are another issue. The Gaza settlements today comprise 4,000 dunams (1,000 acres) of hothouses. If, instead of being destroyed, they are used after the withdrawal, many thousands of Palestinians will be able to work and support themselves.
- It would be a great pity if we miss this opportunity to provide work for thousands of Gazans. As someone who is searching today for constructive solutions to these problems, and as an Israeli interested in the economic development of Gaza, I have learned that there are many technical problems that require rapid solutions before we can turn over the hothouses successfully. (Bitterlemons)
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Regrettably, Destroy the Houses
by Yossi Alpher
- There remain good reasons why the preservation and purchase of private settler homes - as opposed to greenhouses, roads, electric and water infrastructure, industrial facilities and institutional buildings, which should be left intact - still makes no sense.
- First and foremost, Palestinian city planners don't want these one or two storey single family dwellings; the buildings take up valuable space housing relatively few people, whereas the urgent housing needs of Palestinians in Gaza dictate that the settlements be largely razed and replaced by high rise apartment houses.
- Where previously some 8,000 settlers dwelled, Palestinian planners will house hundreds of thousands of needy Palestinians. After having imposed the settlements on the Palestinians for some three decades, the least we can do is heed their wishes.
- Secondly, the departing settlers' emotional plight is going to be traumatic enough without exacerbating it by leaving their homes in place.
- Some of the Palestinians who would eventually live in the settlers' homes might have personally attacked Israelis. If Israel wants to continue with further redeployments after Gaza, it must do everything possible to help the uprooted settlers resume their lives inside Israel with a minimum of anguish.
- Further, the ongoing existence of their former homes just across the border in Gaza, in some cases visible through binoculars from Israel, would inevitably serve as the objective of irredentist claims and longing by the former settlers.
- Israel should be absolutely certain that the vast majority of the actual dwellings, along with synagogues and other sensitive buildings, will indeed be quickly destroyed and not grabbed by squatters.
- Otherwise, the IDF will have no choice but, for the good of all concerned, to destroy the dwellings and truck away the wreckage. (Bitterlemons)
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