FROM THE EDITOR:

As Yom Ha-Atzma'ut (Israel’s 61^st Independence Day) approaches, the excitement of last year’s landmark 60th anniversary is missing.  On-going issues such as the army’s performance in Gaza persist, along with mounting apprehension over Iran’s nuclear development, and the direction of the relations between new administrations in Israel and the United States.

The Durban debacle in Geneva is addressed in eye-witness accounts of the students’ wonderful "clown show" (1), while Jerusalem Post editor David Horovitz reflects on its meaning (2). 

Controversy over the Israel Defense Force’s behavior in Gaza continues, with no end in sight.  The IDF released findings of a multifaceted investigation conducted by five widely respected officers which held that the operation proceeded in accordance with international law (3).  But human rights groups in Israel and Israel’s enemies abroad dismissed it as a whitewash.  One suspects that the same reaction will greet anything short of an unambiguous condemnation of the IDF.  Rabbi David Forman, recently returned from a lecture tour in the United States, argues that a media blitz is required to counter Israel’s adverse public relations (4).  Meanwhile, the IDF is studying its tactics (5). 

The distinguished journalist Aluf Benn speculates on what might happen during the first Netanyahu-Obama meeting (6).  And Ari Shavit suggests a way for resolving a major obstacle to Israeli-Palestinian peace (7). 

To mark Yom Ha-zikaron (Israel’s Memorial Day for its Fallen Soldiers), Stewart Weiss, whose son died in battle, writes a very moving account of the songs soldiers sing (8).

And those with time and interest to read a lengthy article from Azure Magazine will find a thesis that some may find disturbing (9).  It is the policy of ARZA E-Alerts to publish articles representing all spectra of Israeli and world Jewish opinion.

Finally, despite all the unanswered questions on the Israeli landscape, all of us should be sure to take a moment on this Yom Ha-atzmaut, to appreciate the miracle of Israel, and the enormous privilege we enjoy in living during a time of national Jewish sovereignty after two millennia of exile.

Chag Sameach,

Rabbi Ira Youdovin

1. An Eye-Witness Account of the Durban “Clown Show”
2. David Horovitz in Durban
3. IDF Finds No Guilt in Gaza
4. David Forman Calls for an Israeli Public Relations Blitz
5. Ya’akov Katz on Gaza
6. Aluf Benn on Netanyahu and Obama
7. Ari Shavit Proposes a “Two Nation Solution”
8. Stewart Weiss on the Songs Israel’s Soldiers Sing
9. Roger Scruton on “Islam and the West”

Weekly E-Alerts are a new service ARZA provides.  Its purpose is to convey a selection of news and opinion columns to American Reform Jews who may not havetime to read the full spectrum of the Israeli and Anglo-American Jewish press. If you would like to receive a weekly copy, sign up now at arzanewsalerts@arza.org!For an archive of past editions click here.