Obama administration rejects further consideration of U.N. Gaza report

June 24, 2015

WASHINGTON (JTA) — The Obama administration said it opposes any Security Council consideration of a United Nations report on last summer’s  Israel-Hamas war.

“We challenge the very mechanism which created it,” John Kirby, the State Department spokesman, said Tuesday, a...

Turkey confirms ‘secret’ talks with Israel

June 24, 2015

(JTA) — Turkey confirmed it is negotiating with Israel on a deal to improve relations between the two countries, which have been tense since 2010, when Israel raided the Mavi Marmara, a Turkish boat seeking to break the Gaza blockade.

Jewish Agency to create conversion courts

June 24, 2015

(JTA) — The Jewish Agency for Israel plans to establish special overseas courts for people wishing to convert to Judaism.

The group’s board of governors overwhelmingly voted in favor of the plan at a meeting in Tel Aviv on Wednesday....

Israel cancels Gazans’ entry permits for Ramadan following rocket attack

June 24, 2015

JERUSALEM (JTA) — Israel canceled the permits allowing some 500 Gaza Palestinians to enter Israel and pray on the Temple Mount for Ramadan following a rocket attack from the coastal strip.

The coordinator of government activity in the territories, Maj.-Gen....

OP-ED: Don’t whitewash Charleston’s troubled racial history

June 24, 2015

By ADAM D. MENDELSOHN

CHARLESTON, S.C. (JTA) — A prominent Jewish Charlestonian’s inspiring response to the massacre last week at the Emanuel AME Church has circulated widely in recent days. Robert N. Rosen’s essay points to the best traditions of...

REVIEW: Bronston’s ‘Walking New Orleans’ a welcome companion

June 24, 2015

By ALAN SMASON

Walking New Orleans by Barri Bronston (Wilderness Press, 2015) 238 pgs. Photographs by Donna Goldenberg and Barri Bronston. $18.95.

With an emphasis on being environmentally sensitive and as a means of promoting healthy living alternatives, “Walking New...

Carol Shear is buried in GA; memorial held here

June 24, 2015

CAROL ROSENTHAL SHEAR, a businesswoman, realtor, artist and teacher died June 5, 2015, after a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer.

Shear’s ever-present smile and dedication to her family and friends are among her most memorable charms.

Born in Savannah, she...

MENSCHKINS: The fringe benefits of being Jewish

June 24, 2015

Israeli, Turkish officials hold secret meeting to restore ties

June 23, 2015

JERUSALEM (JTA) – Israeli and Turkish officials reportedly met in secret in an effort to restore relations between the two countries.

The meeting reportedly was held Monday in Rome between Israel’s Foreign Ministry director-general, Dore Gold, and Feridun Sinirlioglu, a...

Rocket fired from Gaza lands near kibbutz

June 23, 2015

(JTA) — A rocket fired from the Gaza Strip landed in an open area near a kibbutz in southern Israel not far from the Gaza border.

No injuries or damages were reported from the rocket, which landed on Tuesday night,...