Friedman steps back from Israel lobby remark
New York Times columnist Thomas Friedman said that he should have used a more “precise term” when he wrote that congressional ovations for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu were “bought and paid for by the Israel lobby.” read more »
Israelis focus on Beit Shemesh violence aimed at women
For several years now, the Jerusalem suburb of Beit Shemesh has been the site of on-again, off-again religious violence. read more »
Formal ceremonies required for Israeli religious soldiers
Orthodox Israeli soldiers must attend formal military gatherings at which women sing, but can be excused from informal social gatherings read more »
Iran threatens to cut off Mideast oil at Hormuz straits
Iran will close the Strait of Hormuz if its oil exports are subjected to foreign sanctions, the Islamic Republic’s official news agency reported. read more »
Egyptian Islamist party says it will recognize Israel treaty
A radical Islamist party in Egypt said it will respect the country’s peace treaty with Israel. read more »
Israel orders end to Turkey pact
The Israeli government has ordered two national defense companies to cancel a more than $140 million contract with Turkey. read more »
Berlin extends payments
Germany has agreed to changes to one of its restitution programs that will add payouts of approximately $3,300 to some 10,000 Jews, the Claims Conference announced. read more »
N.Y. lawmaker quits over bribery charges
A New York lawmaker who had strong Orthodox Jewish backing because he rejected a gay rights initiative quit after pleading guilty to charges that he funneled bribes through his gay lover. read more »
Anthony Weiner becomes dad
Anthony Weiner, who resigned his Congress seat after lying about tweeting an illicit photo of himself to a 21-year-old supporter, has become a father. read more »
And not a moment too soon
Congress approved a requirement for the U.S. military to review World War I records to determine whether Jews who received decorations should be upgraded to the Medal of Honor. read more »
Presbyterian hits ‘Zionist lobby’
The head of the Presbyterian Church in Canada has blamed “Jewish and Zionist lobbies” for Israel’s mistreatment of Palestinians. read more »
Hitler book on U.S. Jews pulled from auction
A Manhattan auction house withdrew from auction a book from Hitler’s personal library the day it was set to be sold. read more »
Lawmaker apologizes for questioning Jewish ambassador’s loyalty
A British lawmaker apologized for suggesting that a Jewish ambassador to Israel is biased due to his religion. read more »
Israeli author booted from Marseilles panel
An Israeli author was kicked off a panel discussion in Marseilles at the request of the Palestinian poet Najwan Darwish. read more »
Sarkozy explains snipe at Netanyahu
French President Nicolas Sarkozy was quoted as calling Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu a “liar” after being sidelined on the Shalit deal. read more »
