Moving to Israel

Israel was under the international microscope yet again last week as U.S. Vice President Joe Biden visited the area. However, it seems to be the post-visit that is really stirring things up as United States Secretary of State Hillary Clinton lashed out verbally at Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu on Shabbat, berating him for announcing building plans in Jerusalem during Biden’s visit. It’s been reported that Clinton told Netanyahu that the announcement, which Israel has said was not intentionally coordinated with the diplomatic visit of Biden, was embarrassing for the United States.  She said the incident may imperil a recent joint decision between the Arab League and the United States to reignite talks between Israel and the PA.

Being a U.S. citizen who moved to Israel some time ago it is often, as I have written about many times, difficult to defend my native home land against perceived injustices carried out against my adopted country and this occurrence is no exception. Clinton said the announcement “was embarrassing for the United States” and Biden said that “he condemns the decision by the government of Israel to advance planning for new housing units in East Jerusalem. The substance and timing of the announcement, particularly with the launching of proximity talks, is precisely the kind of step that undermines the trust we need right now and runs counter to the constructive discussions that I’ve had here in Israel.”

Such comments, against America’s truest friend and most trusted ally in the Middle East, smacks of such double standard that it is horrifying. To suggest that Israel is undermining trust, while conveniently forgetting to mention the reign of terror that the PA has unleashed on Israel these last two decades, is both degrading and insulting, not to mention a slap in the face to all the victims of the Arab murder machine.

Let’s hope that Israel has the pride and fortitude to call out the U.S. for this troubling event and help all the good citizens of America remember that, as the old saying goes, “If the Arabs lay down their weapons there will be no war. If Israel lays down their weapons there will be no Israel.” That often sums up the state of affairs in the Middle East very nicely.

Ari

As the relationship between the leaders of Israel and America is always considered important to the well being of Jews around the globe and the free world in general, the public looks on with great anticipation as Israel’s Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu gets ready to meet with the new American President Barack Obama next week in Washington, D.C.

While we hope for the best and pray that Bibi is ready to engage the new administration from a position of strength knowing he has G-d on his side, the unfortunate reality is that we’ve seen so many of these negotiations over the years and the Israeli side has frequently relented to many of the American demands for the “sake of peace.” David Wilder, who is always a fantastic read, provides a great break down and analysis on the eve of the latest round of Israel and American meetings.

Let’s hope Bibi is up to the task.

 Ari

Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu will recommend to the Board of Trustees of the Jewish Agency that Nathan Sharansky be appointed to head the agency in place of Zev Bielski, who recently resigned and was elected a Kadima Knesset Member.

This is important news for people considering making the move to Israel as the Jewish Agency, which was established in 1923 and served as a quasi-government of the Jewish population in Israel until independence was declared in 1948, has spent the past sixty plus years has focusing on bringing Olim (Jewish immigrants) to Israel.

Sharansky was a symbol of the struggle of Jews to make Aliyah (immigrate to Israel) from the Soviet Union and spent nine years in jail and in labor camps. Since being freed and coming to Israel in 1986, he has been extremely active in the political landscape of Israel, serving in the Knesset and taking various stands against the the planned withdrawal from Gaza and the uprooting of the Jewish communities there.

For those thinking of making the dramatic move of uprooting their lives and starting anew in Israel, it would be encouraging to see someone of such honor be appointed to this crucial post and help with the process of seeing other Jews making the final trip home.

Ari