Category Archives: Israeli Society

They want to win. Do we?

Posted on May 9, 2019 by Victor Rosenthal

Earlier this week I wrote a long article explaining why dealing with Gaza is such a difficult task, and describing a solution in general terms (short answer: a massive blow to force Hamas to disarm, followed by a “light” military … Continue reading →

Posted in Israel and Palestinian Arabs, Israeli Society, Terrorism, War | 4 Comments

IRAC’s bridge too far

Posted on April 21, 2019 by Victor Rosenthal

The American Reform Movement, which believes that it has the right to dictate how Israel should deal with its most critical security matters, also wants to remake Israeli society in an American image. And not by imitating the best features … Continue reading →

Posted in American Jews, Israeli Politics, Israeli Society | 1 Comment

Israel loves its army

Posted on April 7, 2019 by Victor Rosenthal

When the body of Sgt. Zachary Baumel, missing for 37 years since the battle of Sultan Yacoub in the First Lebanon War, was returned to Israel, I first heard it on the hourly radio newscast. Almost the entire newscast was … Continue reading →

Posted in Israeli Society, War | 2 Comments

Don’t apologize

Posted on April 4, 2019 by Victor Rosenthal

Often I read “pro-Israel” articles, usually by American Jews, which include a statement like this: “Of course I disagree with many of Israel’s policies, but…” Or, “Of course, Israel treats the Palestinians badly, but…” Or, “Of course the occupation is … Continue reading →

Posted in Israel and Palestinian Arabs, Israeli or Jewish History, Israeli Society | Comments Off on Don’t apologize

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

Another battle in Israel’s culture war

Posted on November 25, 2018 by Victor Rosenthal

Tomorrow (Monday) Israel’s Knesset is expected to take the final vote on the so-called “Loyalty in Culture” bill introduced by Minister of Culture and Sport Miri Regev. Yes, the name of the proposed law (Hebrew text here), when translated into … Continue reading →

Posted in Israeli Politics, Israeli Society, Media | Comments Off on Another battle in Israel’s culture war

Jews, come home

Posted on October 26, 2018 by Victor Rosenthal

Author Naomi Ragen urges Diaspora Jews to “come home” to Israel, and describes her own feelings of the almost miraculous condition of being a Jew in the Jewish homeland: I was walking down Prophets Street (Rehov Hanevi’im) in Jerusalem, thinking … Continue reading →

Posted in Israeli Society, Zionism | Comments Off on Jews, come home

The One Speech Jacobs will Never Make to Israeli Jews

Posted on October 19, 2018 by Victor Rosenthal

Rabbi Rick Jacobs, president of the Union for Reform Judaism in the US recently published an op-ed in Ha’aretz entitled “The One Speech Netanyahu Will Never Make to Diaspora Jews,” a not-too-clever attempt to imagine what it would be like … Continue reading →

Posted in American Jews, Israeli Society | 1 Comment