Israel
Siege of Masada
I’m one of the least zealous of Jewish Zealots who’ve killed many Romans for attacking and forcing us out of Jerusalem and eventually onto this scorched rock plateau called Masada, leering down at the Dead Sea, in the Judean desert. I keep thinking I’m here about a century too late. Why can’t I be King…
Read MoreGeopolitics at the Tomb of the Virgin Mary
Visitors to the Tomb of the Virgin Mary, near Jerusalem, are doubtless humbled and excited by the opportunity to establish a physical connection, however mystical, to her son, Jesus Christ. According to the Sacred Tradition of Eastern Christianity, Mary died naturally and three days after being lain to rest was resurrected body and soul into…
Read MoreThe Mandate: Israel and Palestine Form One State
Really, I don’t like interceding. I would’ve preferred to continue my anonymous visits to this biblical land but, after decades of Israelis slaughtering as many as they dared and Palestinians wishing they could’ve killed more, I must no longer remain divinely detached. I naturally favor neither side; I embrace both. That many consider my embrace…
Read MoreJewish Film Festival in the Bay Area
Baghdad Twist Don’t ask my age. It’s none of your business, I told my son, and doesn’t concern people who’ll watch your documentary. No one’s going to see me in this film. They’ll only hear my voice. Better they look at black and white photos of me as a child in reasonably hospitable Iraq where…
Read MoreWhy Israel and Palestine Must Become One State
In April last year I wrote a column noting there will always be intolerable discord between Jews and Arabs until Israel helps Palestine build a free and independent state. This is not a fantasy…fantastic is the continuing belief that current trends will ever lead to peace. Growing numbers of Israeli Jews want Israeli Arabs to…
Read MoreHamas Leaders Debate their Historic Victory
Two high ranking Hamas officials yesterday debated the meaning of their party’s recent landslide victory over Fatah in the Palestinian elections. One of the officials is associated with the military arm of Hamas and the other is involved in social services. Both demanded anonymity. Military Official – Now the Israelis will have to yield to…
Read MoreWhy Israel Should Help Build an Independent Palestine
Last week in Texas, Prime Minister Ariel Sharon made simple statements that are simply incomprehensible: Israel will be withdrawing from Gaza this summer; but his nation must build new housing in the West Bank to establish an “unbroken presence” from Jerusalem to a community called Maale Adumim. Unfortunately, by so doing, Israel would be continuing…
Read More- « Previous
- 1
- 2