Author Archives: Victor Rosenthal

Iran Strategy and “Newer Jews”

Posted on January 7, 2021 by Victor Rosenthal

I just watched an interview of the new Israeli Ambassador to the UK, Tzipi Hotovely. She was interviewed by Colin Shindler, a historian and professor at the School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS), University of London. Shindler, despite his … Continue reading →

Posted in Iran, The Jewish people, War | 4 Comments

The Netanyahu Tragedy

Posted on January 3, 2021 by Victor Rosenthal

Binyamin Netanyahu was one of Israel’s greatest leaders. No more. Within the past year he has begun to take decisions based on his personal interests, even when they may conflict with the needs of the nation. The last (unnecessary) election … Continue reading →

Posted in Israeli Politics | 2 Comments

Jonathan Pollard is a Litmus Test. But for What?

Posted on December 31, 2020 by Victor Rosenthal

The arrival of Jonathan Pollard in Israel 35 years after his arrest for espionage on Israel’s behalf has made me think about the position of the Jew in the diaspora, particularly in America. There are facts about Pollard’s case that … Continue reading →

Posted in American Jews, The Jewish people | 2 Comments

Israel’s Awful Electoral System

Posted on December 27, 2020 by Victor Rosenthal

Recently I’ve struggled with some technical issues on one of my computers. It’s always a similar process: there is a small problem, but there is supposed to be a solution. Unfortunately the solution doesn’t work, but there is a solution … Continue reading →

Posted in Israeli Politics, Israeli Society | 2 Comments

The Biden Administration and the “War of Return”

Posted on December 24, 2020 by Victor Rosenthal

Judging from the few public statements made so far and what is known about his appointees, the Biden Administration will take the same stance toward Israel and the Palestinians as the last Democratic administration, led by Barack Obama. That means … Continue reading →

Posted in 'Peace' Process, American politics, Israel and Palestinian Arabs, US-Israel Relations | 3 Comments

Birthright and Jewish Continuity

Posted on December 20, 2020 by Victor Rosenthal

Since 2009, the Jewish Futures Project at Brandeis University has been following participants in the Birthright Israel program to try to see how the program affected their Jewish identity. Since those who choose to take Birthright trips to Israel would … Continue reading →

Posted in American Jews, American society | 6 Comments

Are Israeli Jews “Betraying” Americans by Liking Trump?

Posted on December 17, 2020 by Victor Rosenthal

Here we go again. Another yawning gulf between Israelis and American Jews, “a rupture that threatens Jews everywhere, the trust between Jews in Israel and the Diaspora, and in the long run, Israel,” say Evan Morris and Dennis Jett. It’s … Continue reading →

Posted in American Jews, American politics | 4 Comments

Another Unfriendly Voice in American Politics

Posted on December 13, 2020 by Victor Rosenthal

On 5 January 2021 there will be a special election in Georgia for two senatorial candidates. This election is important, because if both Democrats win – and they are leading in the polls – the US Senate will be equally … Continue reading →

Posted in American Jews, American politics | 1 Comment