Author Archives: Victor Rosenthal

American Jews and Israel: Can this marriage be saved?

Posted on January 18, 2019 by Victor Rosenthal

A great deal has been written lately about the problematic relationship between American Jews (the non-Orthodox majority) and Israel. Everyone wants to get into the act. I don’t have any magic bullets. But as an American-Israeli I can’t help thinking … Continue reading →

Posted in American Jews, Israeli Society, US-Israel Relations | 1 Comment

Ben-Gurion, Zionism, and democracy

Posted on January 13, 2019 by Victor Rosenthal

During the acrimonious debate over the Basic Law: Israel as the Nation-State of the Jewish People, opponents claimed it was defective because it didn’t mention “democracy” or “equality,” concepts that are found implicitly or explicitly in Israel’s Declaration of Independence, … Continue reading →

Posted in Israeli or Jewish History, Israeli Politics, Zionism | 1 Comment

Silent Ben and Pragmatic Bibi

Posted on January 11, 2019 by Victor Rosenthal

Benny Gantz wants to negotiate a two-state solution with the PLO and divide Jerusalem. No, wait, he wants to annex Area C and offer the Palestinians autonomy in less-than-a-state enclaves. Who knows? Nobody, because Gantz won’t say. But more important, … Continue reading →

Posted in Israeli Politics | Comments Off on Silent Ben and Pragmatic Bibi

The first Palestinian-American in Congress

Posted on January 10, 2019 by Victor Rosenthal

Rashida Tlaib is being called the first Palestinian-American woman elected to Congress. There have also been several congressmen claiming Palestinian descent: Justin Amash who represents Michigan’s 3rd Congressional District, and John E. Sununu, who served in the House from 1997-2003. … Continue reading →

Posted in American politics, Israeli or Jewish History | Comments Off on The first Palestinian-American in Congress

To our Arab citizens

Posted on January 6, 2019 by Victor Rosenthal

Dear Arab citizens of Israel (or “Israeli Arabs” or “Palestinian citizens of Israel,” if you must): Zionism is a problem for you. I understand that. Zionism implies that all or part (I admit to being one of those who believe … Continue reading →

Posted in Israeli Arabs, Zionism | 2 Comments

It’s my party…

Posted on January 4, 2019 by Victor Rosenthal

As everyone knows, Israel has way too many political parties. In the last election, ten parties made it past the 3.25% cutoff into the Knesset. In all, twenty-five parties contended for the 120 seats in our parliament, and some of … Continue reading →

Posted in Israeli Politics | 3 Comments

Israeli politics just got more complicated

Posted on December 30, 2018 by Victor Rosenthal

Two Israeli politicians, Ayelet Shaked and Naftali Bennett, announced yesterday that they will leave the party they have led for the past six years and form a new party, called Hayamin Hehadash (The New Right). Recent polls say Shaked, who … Continue reading →

Posted in Israeli Politics | 3 Comments

Our Iranian War

Posted on December 27, 2018 by Victor Rosenthal

Tuesday night Israel hit several locations in Syria, assumed to be weapons depots which possibly contained a shipment of Fajr-5 rockets from Iran. But it’s also being reported that “senior Hezbollah personnel” were hit, shortly after boarding a plane for … Continue reading →

Posted in Iran, Terrorism, War | 3 Comments