On Sept. 20, the Schusterman Center for Israel Studies at Brandeis University brought a Board Director of the New Israel Fund, Prof. David Myers, to speak about the Arab-Israel conflict and who is responsible. Myers’ goal was to take a step back and analyze the events leading up to creation...
United Nations International Day of Democracy
Today is the UN’s International Day of Democracy. Israel was established as a parliamentary democracy, a state with fundamental democratic values. While much of the Middle East is hostile to democratic governments from forming, Israel strives to constantly develop as a democracy. Between rights for Palestinians, women, and members of the LGBTQ...
“Dodgin’ Bullets” – Matisyahu, Kosha Dillz and the BDS Movement
When reggae star Matisyahu took the stage at the Rototom Sunsplash Festival in Spain in August 2015, he faced a much different audience than he had in previous performances. He was confronted by a sea of Palestinian flags and extended middle fingers. Angry protesters chanted “Naziyahu!” and hurled a storm...
On Iran’s Nuclear Violations
Last year, a nuclear agreement was established between Iran and the United States. The agreement essentially stated that tough sanctions would be lifted off Iran in exchange for the country’s word to end its nuclear weapon development. Since the deal was passed the seas have been quiet but recently, things...
We’re Sending Iran the Wrong Message
On Tuesday, March 13th, Vice President Joe Biden was in Israel discussing prospects for peace with Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas who, in the classic fashion of Israel’s “partners for peace,” rejected all proposals. At the same time not too far away, Iran was busy test-firing ballistic missiles capable of...
UN-believable
If you think of the United Nations as a beacon of light and reasoning unto the nations of the world, perhaps you should think again. The UN recently positioned Saudi Arabia as the head of a Human Rights panel. Yes, Saudi Arabia. The nation rich in oil and just as...
Incitement Leads to Violence
On September 30th 2015, Mahmoud Abbas, President of the PLO, opened his speech to the United Nations General Assembly by ‘raising the alarm’ to the world and giving his version of the facts on the ground regarding the most disputed piece of real estate on Earth. He opened with his position on...
Letter to the Editor: Israeli and Palestinian leadership
These past few years, the Middle East has been exploding, figuratively and literally. But there is one country that has made news headlines since its foundation. Israel and her tumultuous relationship with her neighbors, especially Palestine, are at the forefront of the minds of most foreign journalists. Matti Friedman, former...
