American Taxpayers Subsidize Israel’s Prosperity

Israel’s Jerusalem Post newspaper recently published an article calling Israel “The New Golden Country” for young people from around the world. It reports that Israel boasts an ever-increasing GDP, a strong currency, and “a lower unemployment rate than the U.S.” The article fails to mention the well over $3 billion a year that American taxpayers … Continue reading “American Taxpayers Subsidize Israel’s Prosperity”

Whose Congress and State Department?

August is generally a quiet month for news, but riots in Britain, continuing conflict in Libya and Syria, and concerns that Israel and the United States might be preparing some military moves against Iran have generated a bit of unease. Israel has also decided to take advantage of the summer holidays to help along the … Continue reading “Whose Congress and State Department?”

Israeli Video Games in Gaza

He looks at the camera with bright eyes and the beginning of a smile, wearing a miniature dark blue zipper sweatshirt, the cuffs folded up a bit to make it fit. I can imagine his mother dressing him that morning, making sure he would be warm enough. I wonder if she’s the one who took … Continue reading “Israeli Video Games in Gaza”

The Return of the Generals

Since the beginning of the conflict, the extremists of both sides have always played into each other’s hands. The cooperation between them was always much more effective than the ties between the corresponding peace activists. “Can two walk together, except they be agreed?” asked the prophet Amos (3:3). Well, seems they can. This was proved … Continue reading “The Return of the Generals”

Dichter’s Law

“THE PEOPLE Demand Social Justice!” 250 thousand protesters chanted in unison in Tel Aviv last Saturday. But what they need – to quote an American artist – is “more unemployed politicians”. Fortunately, the Knesset has gone on a prolonged vacation, three months. For as Mark Twain quipped: “No man’s life or property is safe while … Continue reading “Dichter’s Law”

Israel Lobby Dominates Congress, Media Covers it Up

You might think that 20 percent of the American Congress going on all-expenses-paid, weeklong junkets to a foreign country — paid for by a lobby for that country — would be newsworthy, especially when the top congressional leaders of both parties are leading the trips. You would be wrong. Eighty-one congressional representatives from all over … Continue reading “Israel Lobby Dominates Congress, Media Covers it Up”

Palestinian Prisoners Languish in Administrative Detention

RAMALLAH — “I’m sick with worry about my daughter. I’m afraid of what they are doing to her. She has done nothing to deserve this. If they have anything against her, why don’t they bring her to trial?” Yehiya Al Shalabi asked IPS rhetorically. Hana Al Shalabi, 27, Yehiya’s daughter, has been languishing in Israeli … Continue reading “Palestinian Prisoners Languish in Administrative Detention”

Does AIPAC Have Only Two Major Donors?

A large congressional delegation is heading for Israel. During three weeks of recess, 55 Republicans and 26 Democrats will enjoy “educational” trips funded by the American Israel Education Foundation, a tax-exempt nonprofit located in the same Washington, D.C., building as the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC). Absent AIPAC’s influence on pro-Israel campaign contributors, members … Continue reading “Does AIPAC Have Only Two Major Donors?”