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Holocaust survivors and their many descendants celebrate life through song
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19.04.2018
The main headlines
A BDS movement protest against Israel in Melbourne, Australia. Credit: Mohamed Ouda via  Wikimedia Commons.
news
Winning some battles, but losing the war to spread BDS
Maayan Jaffe-HoffmanJNS
Are new tools being used by pro-BDS organizations putting anti-BDS legislation at risk?
Featured Column
Melanie PhillipsJNS
An open letter to the Muslim world
Heights Jewish Center Synagogue in University Heights.  A 23-year-old Cleveland man was arrested on April 17 for making threatening and anti-Semitic phone calls to the Heights Jewish Center Synagogue as well as other Jewish institutions in Ohio. Credit: Ed Wittenberg via Cleveland Jewish News.
news
Arrest made after series of harassing phone calls to Ohio Jewish institutions
Amanda KoehnCleveland Jewish News
The calls started back in January with language including “All Jews must die” and “Burn the Jews.” The suspect was identified through a phone-number search.
People watch the military air show during Israel's 70th Independence Day celebrations in Sacher Park in Jerusalem on April 19, 2018. Credit: Hadas Parush/Flash90
brief
Israel’s population tops 8.8 million on 70th anniversary
JNS
Having increased tenfold since 1948, it is expected to reach 15.2 million by the 2048 centennial, according to the Central Bureau of Statistics.
The Great Synagogue of Deventer. (Credit: Wikimedia Commons.)
brief
Dutch Jews fume over a plan to turn a historic synagogue into a restaurant
Israel Hayom
Tom Furstenberg, one of the leaders of the Beth Shoshanna community in the city of Deventer, said it would be “scandalous” if the idea was given a green light, as this would crush the hopes of restoring the site.
A view of University Tower, the tallest building in Durham, N.C., located outside of the downtown area. (Credit: Wikimedia Commons)
brief
Durham, N.C., becomes first American city to ban police training with Israel
JNS
In an unanimous 6-0 vote, the council “opposes international exchanges with any country in which Durham officers receive military-style training since such exchanges do not support the kind of policing we want here in the City of Durham,” said in a statement.
brief
Transitioning from mourning to celebration, Israelis kick off 70th-year joy in Jerusalem
JNS
The mega-Independence Day ceremony at Mount Herzl in Jerusalem on April 18, 2018. Credit: Hadas Parush/Flash90
newsAmid Independence Day celebrations, how Israel’s minorities view their status in the Jewish state
Ariel Ben Solomon
Some leading Israeli Arabs claim that Israel’s foundation was a disaster for their community. Druze and Christian representatives, however, say they are grateful for being Israeli citizens.
briefNetanyahu, Rivlin reflect on Israel’s 70th anniversary in video messages
“This year Israel celebrates its 70th anniversary. That’s 70 years of freedom, 70 years of democracy, 70 years of bettering the world,” said Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
Column70 years of miracles
Jonathan S. Tobin
The focus on Israel’s problems often obscures the astonishing nature of a historic turnabout for the Jewish people.
feature
Israelis and the Independence Day barbecue: Cooking up an annual tradition
Maayan Jaffe-HoffmanJNS
Israeli soldiers enjoy a barbecue prepared for them in honor of Israel's Independence Day in 2016 at the "soldiers corner," a place to rest and eat at the Gush Etzion junction. Credit: Gershon Elinson/Flash90.
Released Terrorist Welcomed by President Abbas, Received as Hero at West Bank

Released Terrorist Welcomed by President Abbas, Received as Hero at West Bank The Palestinian Authority TV aired on April 10 footage from a party held for released Fatah terrorist Rajaei Haddad, who was released from prison after serving 20 years for his involvement in the murder of Israeli citizen Gabriel Hirschberg in 1997. President Abbas held a one-hour meeting with Haddad, prior to the party. Jamal Muhaisen of the Fatah Central Committee, who participated in the party, said that “the message to the occupation is that the issue of the prisoners and of the martyrs is where we draw the line.”

Posted by The Middle East Media Research Institute (MEMRI) on Tuesday, 17 April 2018
brief
Released Palestinian terrorist welcomed by Abbas, received as hero in West Bank
MEMRI
Palestinian Authority TV aired footage from a party for Fatah terrorist Rajaei Haddad, who was released from prison after serving 20 years for his involvement in the murder of an Israeli citizen.
From left: Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) commander Ali Jafari and IRGC Qods Force commander Qassem Soleimani at the Ashoura mourning ceremony at Khamenei's home. (Source: Kayhan, Oct. 1, 2017: MEMRI)
news
Iran’s strategic decision: Responding to Israeli operations in Syria could lead to war
Yigal Carmon and A. SavyonMEMRI
Iran’s long-term goal in Syria is to expand militarily and economically, giving it control across the country, which will enable it, when the time comes, to act effectively and decisively against Israel.
Michael Steinhardt showing anti-Israel, anti-Birthright protesters what he really thinks. Source: Twitter photo capture.
brief
Birthright Israel founder flips ‘bird’ to protesters outside celebratory gala
JNS
Michael Steinhardt, founder and major support of the Birthright Israel program that has brought more than 600,000 young Jews to Israel, shows anti-Israel protesters exactly how he feels outside a gala dinner celebrating 18 years of the program in New York City.
briefTo celebrate Israel’s 70th year, Adelsons donate $70 million to Birthright program
Erez Linn and Israel Hayom staff
“I don’t want any kid to say they were too old or too sick to visit Israel,” says Sheldon Adelson at the 18th annual Birthright Israel gala.
Iraqi Shiite Militia Leader Aws Al-Khafaji: If the U.S. Attacks Syria, I Have a Religious and National Duty Not to Stand Idly By

Iraqi Shiite Militia Leader Aws Al-Khafaji: If the U.S. Attacks Syria, I Have a Religious and National Duty Not to Stand Idly ByIraqi Shiite militia leader Aws Al-Khafaji, Secretary-General of the Abu Al-Fadhl Al-Abbas Brigades, said on April 7, following the U.S.-led missile strike on Syria, that the U.S. and Israel were "the cause of all the problems of the region" and that "if they attack Syria, I have a religious and national duty not to just stand idly by." Defending the PMU's presence in Syria, Al-Khafaji said that if Iraqi PM Al-Abadi forbids us from fighting in Syria, "this would be a mistake of historic proportions" and that "the resistance does not need permission from anyone." The interview with Al-Khafaji aired on Dijlah TV.

Posted by The Middle East Media Research Institute (MEMRI) on Wednesday, 18 April 2018
brief
Iraqi Shi’ite militia leader: ‘If U.S. attacks Syria, I have a duty not to stand idly by’
MEMRI
Aws Al-Khafaji, secretary-general of the Abu Al-Fadhl Al-Abbas Brigades, said on April 7, following the U.S.-led missile strike on Syria, that if the Iraqi prime minister forbids fighting in Syria, “this would be a mistake of historic proportions.”
brief
Israel honors the fallen on Yom HaZikaron, Israel’s Memorial Day
JNS
An Israeli soldier sits next to grave of fallen soldier at the Mount Herzl military cemetery in Jerusalem during Israeli Memorial Day, which commemorates the deaths of Israeli soldiers killed in wars since 1860, as well as Israeli victims of terror. April 18, 2018. Photo by Miriam Alster/Flash90
featureFor Israelis, Memorial Day is personal
Alex Traiman
Israel and the U.S. share many values and traditions—including holding national days of commemoration for fallen soldiers. Yet there are sharp cultural differences marking the Memorial Day observances in each nation.
feature
The Israeli air force legend that influenced generations
Yaakov LappinJNS
Lt.-Col. Ohad Shadmi's family. Credit: Courtesy.
featureWalking in the footsteps of those who battled in 1948
Yaakov Lappin
Participants in joint military-civilian tours of War of Independence sites learned about acts of bravery that turned events around and left a mark on Israeli history.
feature
College parties like no other, bringing Israel into the mix
Eliana RudeeJNS
Students attend Israel's 70th Independence Day Celebration at University of California, San Diego on April 10, 2018 in La Jolla, United States. Credit: Randy Shropshire/Getty Images for AEPi.
“Seventyfor70” Knesset Picture. Credit: World Mizrachi Movement
feature
Putting the Zionism back into Religious Zionism for Israel’s 70th
Eliana RudeeJNS
Through the Mizrachi World Movement and the Religious Zionists of America, inspirational rabbis, academics and other leaders from Israel hope to bring the spirit of Israel to Diaspora communities.
brief‘Am Yisrael Chai’ permissible on Temple Mount, according to Jerusalem court
Attorney and activist Itamar Ben Gvir called his court victory “a gift to the Jewish people on the eve of Israel’s 70th Independence Day.”
feature
Lone Soldiers
Embassy of Israel in Washington, D.C.
New immigrants arrive in Israel, many coming alone to serve in the nation's military. Photo courtesy of Nefesh B'Nefesh.
featureU.S. Veterans
Embassy of Israel in Washington, D.C.
(42 of 70) JNS is proud to partner with the Embassy of Israel in Washington, D.C., to celebrate 70 of the greatest American contributors to the U.S.-Israel relationship in the 70 days leading up to the State of Israel’s 70th anniversary.
featureRobert Kraft and Myra Hiatt Kraft (1942–2011)
Embassy of Israel in Washington, D.C.
(41 of 70) JNS is proud to partner with the Embassy of Israel in Washington, D.C., to celebrate 70 of the greatest American contributors to the U.S.-Israel relationship in the 70 days leading up to the State of Israel’s 70th anniversary.
Link#Honoring 70 years of U.S.-Israel relations
Embassy of Israel in Washington, D.C.
JNS is proud to partner with the Embassy of Israel in Washington, D.C., to celebrate 70 of the greatest American contributors to the U.S.-Israel relationship in the 70 days leading up to the State of Israel’s 70th anniversary. Click here to see all the honorees recognized so far.
feature
‘Betsy Ross of Israel’ flag donated to archives at Ben-Gurion University
Andrew LavinBen-Gurion University
An Israeli flag created by Rebecca Affachiner, often called “the Betsy Ross of Israel,” donated to the Ben-Gurion Archives at the university’s Sde Boker Campus. Credit: American Associates, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev.
Palestinian protesters demonstrate and burn tires near the border with Israel in the Gaza Strip, as seen from the Israeli side of the border, on April 13, 2018. Credit: Sliman Khader/Flash90
news
Pro-Palestinian NGOs offer support for Gaza-border rioters
NGO Monitor
NGO Monitor provides a comprehensive list tracking the responses of supposed human-rights NGOs, following 'March of Return' riots on the eve of Passover in which approximately 30,000 Gazan protestors, organized by Hamas, violently stormed the Gaza-Israel border.
briefGazans use kites to set fire to fields, forests in Israel
Israeli farmers near the border are being urged to be on the alert for suspicious flying objects and to alert firefighters, if necessary.
An Israeli jet flying during an Israeli airshow. Credit: Flash90.
brief
IDF official confirms Israel struck Iranian base in Syria
Israel Hayom
The New York Times quotes an unnamed military official as confirming Israel hit T-4 air base in Homs. “It was the first time we attacked live Iranian targets, both facilities and people,” he says • Iran’s Feb. 10 drone incursion “opened a new period,” he says.
briefSyrian state media claims it shot down missile attack on bases, US denies involvement
One of the bases was targeted by American forces last year following a chemical-weapons attack by Syrian President Bashar Assad’s forces in Khan Shaykhun.
briefBracing for Iranian counterstrike, Israel exposes Iran’s air defenses in Syria
Israel Hayom
The deployment of Iranian air defenses and drone units in Syria is personally directed by Quds Force commander Maj. Gen. Ghasem Soleimani, IDF says. Iran's military support of Syria, to the tune of $6 billion a year, delivered under the guise of "humanitarian aid."
news
Analysis: Russian deterrence limited allied strike in Syria
Yaakov LappinJNS
Russian President Vladimir Putin and French President Emmanuel Macron in Versailles, France on May 29, 2017. Photo by www.kremlin.ru/Wikimedia Commons
newsUS, UK and France launch airstrikes on Syria over use of chemical weapons on civilians
“A short time ago, I ordered the United States armed forces to launch precision strikes on targets associated with the chemical-weapons capabilities of Syrian dictator Bashar al-Assad,” US. President Donald Trump said in an address on Friday night to the nation.
An Israeli soldier pictured in 2006 at a tunnel uncovered during an Israeli counterterrorism operation designated to thwart weapons-smuggling from Egypt to Gaza. Credit: Israel Defense Forces.
brief
IDF destroys ‘long, high-quality’ Hamas terror tunnel reaching into Israel
JNS
The Israel Defense Forces indicated that the tunnel, which allegedly connects to a larger underground network, was filled with concrete. It marks the eighth one discovered and destroyed in just a few months.
newsStuck in strategic stalemate, Hamas uses Gaza border protests to pressure Israel
Israel Kasnett
The so-called “return” marches, which despite their billing as “peaceful” have been associated with violent behavior, have served to place the Palestinian issue back on the world stage. But the Jewish state is standing fast, with some Middle East countries even standing with them.
briefRioters, summoned by Hamas, attack Gaza border fence for third week
The demonstration is the third in a series of “March of Return” assemblies, each of which has been marked by Palestinians throwing stones, Molotov cocktails, burning tires and trying to create a smokescreen to breach the security fence.
The Iranian Central Bank in Tehran. Credit: SA Ensie & Matthias, Flickr.
news
Iran’s plummeting currency reflects country’s economic, military concerns
Sean SavageJNS
Most observers are pointing to corruption, political infighting and fear of a collapse of the Iranian nuclear deal as major factors in the rial’s fall.
newsDevelopments in Iran’s nuclear program deviate from deal
A. Savyon and U. Kafash MEMRI
A number of disturbing issues arise, including the fact that Iran is taking the first practical step to eliminating its fundamental obligation not to enrich uranium above 3.67 percent.
Anne Frank Credit: Collectie Anne Frank Stichting Amsterdam.
brief
Agreement gives all proceeds of Anne Frank diary sales to New Israel Fund
JNS
The announcement was made the day before Holocaust Remembrance Day, and just days after Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu railed against the organization for thwarting Israeli policy and trying to erase Israel’s Jewish character.
newsAnne Frank House initially bars (then allows) Jewish employee from wearing a ‘kipah’
Israel Hayom
“Here of all places, where Anne Frank was forced to hide because of her identity, I have to hide my Jewish identity?” asks Barry Vingerling, an employee at the Anne Frank House.
ColumnThe universalist impulse and Anne Frank
Jonathan S. Tobin
The alliance between her family’s foundation and the New Israel Fund calls to mind the debate over the actual diary and the “non-Jewish” play adapted from it.
feature
Five biblical concepts that relate to the Land of Israel
Maayan Jaffe-HoffmanJNS
A chart of cities in Israel on the top of mount Nebo. Mount Nebo is where the Hebrew prophet Moses was given a view of the promised land that God was giving to the Jews. 
Credit: Matanya Tausig/Flash90
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0 WORDS

Holocaust survivors and their many descendants celebrate life through song

Some 600 Holocaust survivors, their children and grandchildren sing in a moving tribute to the power of life and good over evil. The project was organized by Koolulam and filmed at Jerusalem’s Beit Avi Chai center, and time to Holocaust Remembrance Day.
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(April 12, 2018 / JNS)

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