Tag: settlers

Israel Creates First ‘Army-Owned’ University

Ehud Barak, Israel’s defense minister, approved last week the upgrading to university status of a college in a settlement located deep inside the West Bank, a move certain to further undermine Palestinian confidence in the peace process. The decision, authorizing the first Israeli university in Palestinian territory, is expected to entitle the college to significant … Continue reading “Israel Creates First ‘Army-Owned’ University”

West Bank Route May Open, but Not to Peace

ROUTE 443, Occupied West Bank – Just beyond the main Israeli checkpoint, 10 kilometers short of Jerusalem, a white Nissan station wagon is abruptly edging to the side of the road. It comes to a halt on the shoulder. Four Orthodox Jews clamber out and gather around the mound at the side of the road. … Continue reading “West Bank Route May Open, but Not to Peace”

Palestinian Children Face Daily Settler Attacks Getting to School

AT TUWANI – Being able to travel to school in relative safety is something children all over the world take for granted. But for Palestinian children living in the shadow of the ubiquitous and illegal Israeli settlements dotting the West Bank, simply walking to school can be a terrifying experience. "It is really scary walking … Continue reading “Palestinian Children Face Daily Settler Attacks Getting to School”

Israeli Peace Group Targets Settlements’ Charitable Status in US

Israeli peace activists are planning to ratchet up their campaign against groups in the United States that raise money for settlers by highlighting how tax exemptions are helping to fund the expansion of illegal settlements in the West Bank. Gush Shalom, a small peace group that advocates Israel’s withdrawal from the occupied territories, is preparing … Continue reading “Israeli Peace Group Targets Settlements’ Charitable Status in US”

Split ‘View of Zion’ in East Jerusalem

OCCUPIED EAST JERUSALEM – In the early morning sunlight, the smoky window of the plush new apartment reflects back a golden tinge from the Dome of the Rock that stands at the heart of Islam’s third holiest shrine. Down across the valley from the walled Old City, families have already started moving into some of … Continue reading “Split ‘View of Zion’ in East Jerusalem”

Israeli Settlers Push Palestinians to Sleep on the Street

EAST JERUSALEM – Israel’s continued policy of Judaizing East Jerusalem in order to establish facts on the ground before the future of that part of the city is decided has left dozens of Palestinians homeless and sleeping on the streets. Hundreds more are at risk, amid allegations of document forgery by Israeli settlers who have … Continue reading “Israeli Settlers Push Palestinians to Sleep on the Street”

Life in the Bubble: At Home in the Israeli Settler State

Given my Judeo-Christian roots, I’ve long wanted to visit “The Holy Land.” The U.S.-supported Israeli attack on Gaza this past winter lent urgency to that longing. In mid-May I joined a delegation going to Israel and the West Bank of the Israeli-Occupied Palestinian Territories. Altogether I spent a month experiencing those tense and militarized lands. … Continue reading “Life in the Bubble: At Home in the Israeli Settler State”

Showdown Looming Over Israeli Settlements

JERUSALEM – A showdown over Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank is looming between Israel and the United States barely a week after the encounter at the White House between U.S. President Barack Obama and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. What’s becoming increasingly clear is that the May 18 encounter was no friendly getting-to-know-you … Continue reading “Showdown Looming Over Israeli Settlements”