Meet the laser that guides the Iron Dome (soon to be made in the USA)

Published on May 21, 2013

Six months after the Iron Dome defense system rendered Hamas rockets largely ineffective during Israel’s Operation Pillar of Defense in Gaza, I got a tour of the factory that produces its most vital component: a laser.

Chabad center taking in Oklahomans displaced by deadly tornado

Published on May 21, 2013

A Chabad center in Oklahoma City opened its building as a shelter for those displaced by a deadly tornado.

Hezbollah in big Syria battle, Obama ‘concerned’

Published on May 20, 2013

Lebanese Hezbollah guerrillas have fought their biggest battle yet for Syria's beleaguered president, prompting international alarm that the civil war may spread and an urgent call for restraint from the United States.

What happened to Obama?

By David Suissa
Published on May 20, 2013

You know things are getting rough for President Barack Obama when even The New Yorker, that bastion of liberal thought, starts ridiculing him. Reacting to how the president is distancing himself from his administration’s three emerging scandals—the mishandling of the embassy attack at Benghazi, the targeting of a right-wing group by the IRS and press snooping by the Department of Justice -- the magazine’s resident humorist, Andy Borowitz, wrote a post on its Web site titled, “Obama Denies Role in Government.”

Erdogan says will go ahead with Gaza visit

Published on May 16, 2013

Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan said at the White House on Thursday that he intends to go ahead with a planned trip to the Gaza Strip next month despite pressure from the United States to delay it.

Turkey’s Erdogan to push Obama on Syria after bombings

Published on May 14, 2013

Turkey's prime minister will push President Barack Obama for more assertive action on Syria during a visit to Washington this week, days after car bombs tore through a Turkish border town in the deadliest spillover of violence yet.

Is Obama George W. — or even Nixon? The secrecy factor

Published on May 14, 2013

The Obama administration has in recent weeks suffered a 1-2-3 scandal outbreak.

Growing anger over American drones in Yemen

Published on May 13, 2013

"Mrs. Michele Obama: Tell us can your husband sleep after so many innocent people were killed by his drones?" read a banner held by a Yemeni activist at a recent rally to protest increasing American drone strikes in Yemen.

Confidence in Obama, Support for WOW: 3 Comments on 2 Polls

By Shmuel Rosner
Published on May 12, 2013

U.S. names 4 Iranian companies to sanctions list

Published on May 10, 2013

The Obama administration added the names of four Iranian companies and an individual to those sanctioned for assisting Iran's suspected nuclear weapons program.

Poll: Israelis much more confident in Obama than Palestinians

Published on May 9, 2013

Israelis by a 4-to-1 margin are more confident than Palestinians in how President Obama handles his foreign policy, a poll found.

U.S., Russia seek new Syria peace talks, rebels skeptical

Published on May 8, 2013

Russia and the United States agreed to seek new peace talks with both sides to end Syria's civil war, but opposition leaders were skeptical on Wednesday of an initiative they fear might let President Bashar Assad hang on to power.

Syrian wake-up

By Rob Eshman
Published on May 8, 2013

Yes, America, we’ve heard: You’re war-weary. It’s at least something our divided country can agree upon: Americans across party lines oppose sending troops, weapons or air support to the rebel fighters in Syria.

Reps. Royce, Engel talk Iran, Syria with Netanyahu

Published on May 2, 2013

The top Republican and Democrat on the U.S. House of Representatives Foreign Affairs Committee discussed the potential Iranian threat and instability in Syria with Israel's prime minister.

Kerry calls new Arab League peace stance ‘big step forward’

Published on April 30, 2013

Secretary of State John Kerry said on Tuesday the Arab League's acknowledgment that Israelis and Palestinians may have to swap land in any peace deal was "a very big step forward."

Obama: ‘Chain of custody’ needed for Syria action

Published on April 30, 2013

President Obama said he needs to have all the facts on who used chemical weapons in Syria before taking further action.

U.S. believes Syria used chemical weapons but says facts needed

Published on April 25, 2013

U.S. intelligence agencies believe Syria's government has likely used chemical weapons on a small scale, the White House said on Thursday, but added that President Barack Obama needed "credible and corroborated" facts before acting on that assessment.

Obama: ‘The entire country is behind the people of Boston’

Published on April 19, 2013

President Barack Obama called Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick and Boston Mayor Thomas Menino on Friday to offer ongoing federal help in the Boston bombing investigation, and to express condolences for a police officer killed in the search for suspects.

Marathon bomb suspect eludes police, hunt shuts Boston down

Published on April 19, 2013

Black Hawk helicopters and heavily armed police descended on a Boston suburb Friday in a massive search for an ethnic Chechen suspected in the Boston Marathon bombings, hours after his brother was killed by police in a late-night shootout.

Muslim Brotherhood-linked mosque’s imam replaced as speaker at service for Boston Marathon attack victims

Published on April 19, 2013

The imam of a mosque that is managed by the Muslim Brotherhood-founded Muslim American Society (MAS) was initially invited to speak at Thursday’s interfaith service in Boston to honor the Boston Marathon attack’s victims, but that invitation was later rescinded by Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick’s office, JNS.org has learned.

The ultimate school test

By Raphael J. Sonenshein
Published on April 18, 2013

The political struggle over school governance is now the most significant internal conflict in the Democratic Party, at the city, state and national levels. With gun control, gay marriage and immigration now uniting Democrats as never before, education reform remains a main dividing line.

Obama in Boston vows U.S. will find perpetrators of bombings

Published on April 18, 2013

President Barack Obama told a memorial service for the Boston bombing victims that "we will find" whoever carried out the attack that killed three people as investigators search for two men seen on a video of the scene shortly before the blasts.

P.A. Prime Minister Fayyad offers resignation, sources say

Published on April 10, 2013

Palestinian Authority Prime Minister Salam Fayyad offered his resignation to P.A. President Mahmoud Abbas on Wednesday following a rift between the two men over government policy, two sources told Reuters.

In Iran talks, North Korea parallel goes only so far

Published on April 9, 2013

If you have nuclear weapons, all sorts of bad behavior will be tolerated.

Turkey, Israel reconciliation far from fact

Published on April 9, 2013

Just before President Barack Obama boarded Air Force One to leave Israel on a windy Friday afternoon last month, he made a dramatic announcement.

Obama in Yom HaShoah message cites commitment to combat intolerance

Published on April 8, 2013

President Obama in his Yom HaShoah message recalled his recommitment in Israel last month to combating anti-Semitism and intolerance.

Suckers at the Casbah

By David Suissa
Published on April 8, 2013

Apparently, there are smart people out there who still believe it’s up to Israel to revive the dead Middle East peace process.

Sequester cuts White House Jewish heritage reception

Published on April 4, 2013

The White House will not hold a Jewish History Month event this year because of the sequester.

Did Bashar Assad use chemical weapons?

Published on March 28, 2013

Ahmad Jabir gesticulated wildly when he heard the news. “This regime is crazy,” the 24 year old rebel fighter shouted. “When will the international community realize it will kill us all with gasses like the chemical weapons it fired today?”

Cyprus verdict could inhibit Hezbollah operations in Europe

Published on March 28, 2013

The conviction in Cyprus of a Hezbollah operative plotting to attack Israelis could undercut efforts by the terrorist group to carry out additional attacks outside the Middle East.

Obama’s Middle East visit: 50 shades of gray

By Shmuel Rosner
Published on March 27, 2013

On March 21, four days before Pesach, Sarah Chazizza was at home in Sderot, doing what people do before Pesach. She was cleaning. It was still early in the morning, but the weather was getting warmer and the windows were wide open to let the dusted furniture breath.

Is DOMA doomed? Supreme Court indicates it may strike down marriage law

Published on March 27, 2013

Several Supreme Court justices on Wednesday indicated interest in striking down a law that denies federal benefits to legally married same-sex couples, presenting the possibility of a major change in a few months in gay marriage law.

Obama quotes Hatikvah in Passover message

Published on March 27, 2013

President Obama cited the Israeli national anthem's invocation of an ancient Jewish longing for a homeland in his Passover message.

Leader of the free word

By David Suissa
Published on March 22, 2013

Words matter, especially when spoken by people of power. I once read a book that dissected the 271 words of President Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address. Would that speech have become historic if, instead of phrases like “a new birth of freedom,” he had used phrases like “a reaffirmation of our values”?

A reaction to Obama’s speech in Jerusalem

Published on March 22, 2013

This morning, as I listened to President Obama’s speech to students in Jerusalem, I was filled with frustration and mortification. I was watching the speech at the gym and read the words as they crossed the TV screen.

‘Put yourself in their shoes’

By Rob Eshman
Published on March 21, 2013

It’s been just two days since President Barack Obama touched down in Israel, and no doubt you’ve probably read and heard it all by now. The ribbing banter with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, his Best Frenemy Forever.

Did Obama’s charm offensive in Israel work?

Published on March 21, 2013

President Obama had three goals for his first presidential trip to Israel.

President Obama appeals to Israelis to make peace with Palestinians

Published on March 21, 2013

In an emotional speech to hundreds of university students, President Obama urged young Israelis to push their government to re-launch peace talks with the Palestinians, arguing it is the only way to ensure the future of Israeli democracy.

President Obama: ‘People deserve to be free in a land of their own’ [FULL SPEECH]

Published on March 21, 2013

Shalom. It is an honor to be here with you in Jerusalem, and I am so grateful for the welcome that I have received from the people of Israel. I bring with me the support of the American people, and the friendship that binds us together.

Obama gift tree to Peres won’t be uprooted

Published on March 21, 2013

The magnolia tree gifted from President Obama to Israeli President Shimon Peres will not have to be uprooted for approval by Israel's Agriculture Ministry.

After Israeli backslapping, Obama faces Palestinian discontent

Published on March 20, 2013

President Barack Obama faces a stony reception when he travels to the West Bank on Thursday for talks with Palestinian leaders who accuse him of letting Israel ride rough-shod over their dream of statehood.

As trip begins, Obama and Netanyahu are all smiles

Published on March 20, 2013

President Obama and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, it’s safe to say, haven’t always been the best of friends.

Obama, Netanyahu convey broad agreement on Iran, Syria, two state solution

Published on March 20, 2013

President Obama and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu conveyed broad consensus on Israel’s top security priorities in a statements following a meeting in Jerusalem.

President Obama will reiterate where he stands

Published on March 20, 2013

President Obama will be making an historic trip to Israel in which he will meet with Israeli officials, see a number of important Zionist sites, and receive the Presidential Medal of Distinction from Israeli President Shimon Peres.

Obama says U.S. firm in commitment to Israel’s security [VIDEO/SLIDESHOW]

Published on March 20, 2013

U.S. President Barack Obama said at the start of his first official visit to Israel on Wednesday that the U.S. commitment to the security of the Jewish state was rock solid and that peace must come to the Holy Land.

Poll: More Israelis viewing Obama favorably, though trust is an issue

Published on March 19, 2013

More Israelis are seeing President Obama as friendly toward the Jewish state, but still many don't trust the U.S. leader, according to a new poll.

In Iranian New Year message, Obama warns Iran of isolation but not strikes

Published on March 18, 2013

President Obama warned Iran of further isolation but stopped short of threatening military action should the country not cooperate with the international community on its nuclear program.

Obama: ‘Bibi and I have a terrific, businesslike relationship’

Published on March 14, 2013

President Obama said he and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu have "a terrific, businesslike relationship."

Israel’s emerging new government

Published on March 14, 2013

Barring a last minute glitch, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is set to sign coalition agreements that will give him a new government just two days before the deadline, and less than a week before President Barack Obama arrives in Israel. The new government will have a total of 68 seats in the 120 seat parliament.

Israel and the Palestinians gearing up for Obama visit

Published on March 13, 2013

Preparing for a US presidential visit is a huge job. Preparing for a US presidential visit the week before Passover is an almost insurmountable task.

Lots of listening, no grand initiatives expected on Obama’s Mideast trip

Published on March 12, 2013

When President Obama visits Israel next week, Gavriel Yaakov wants him to jump-start the peace process.

World Bank: Palestinian economy in decline

Published on March 12, 2013

During President Obama’s visit to Israel and the Palestinian Authority (PA) next week, he will visit the West Bank towns of Ramallah, where he will meet PA leader Mahmoud Abbas, and Bethlehem, to see the Church of the Nativity. A new report by the World Bank says he will see an economy that is in steady decline and losing its competetiveness.

Obama tells Arab-American leaders trip will show commitment to statehood

Published on March 11, 2013

President Obama told Arab-American leaders that his trip to Israel and the Palestinian areas would demonstrate U.S. commitment to partnering with the Palestinian Authority to bring about a state.

Israel releases tentative Obama schedule

Published on March 11, 2013

Israel released a tentative itinerary for President Obama's visit to Israel and the West Bank.

Is Obama bringing a peace plan?

Published on March 11, 2013

Over and over, American officials insist that President Obama has no new Israeli-Palestinian peace plan hidden in his pocket, ready to be whipped out during next week’s meetings with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas.

Obama to Jews: Peace is essential but prospects are bleak

Published on March 7, 2013

President Obama believes prospects for Israeli-Palestinian peace are “bleak,” but he still will urge both sides to avoid unilateral actions that might further damage a process he hopes will be back on track within a year.

Obama meets with Jewish leaders to prepare for Israel trip

By Rob Eshman
Published on March 7, 2013

Some 20 Jewish leaders met privately with President Barack Obama at the White House on Thursday morning, March 7, in what one participant called “an honest and substantive exchange” concerning the President’s upcoming trip to Israel and the Palestinian territories. The source asked that his name not be used because participants were told the meeting was to be strictly off-the-record.

U.S., Israeli officials: Obama visit is on

Published on March 6, 2013

U.S. and Israeli officials said President Obama would not delay his trip to Israel in the event that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is unable to form a government.

AIPAC makes its voice heard in Washington

By Shmuel Rosner
Published on March 5, 2013

It was a surprisingly sunny day Tuesday, ahead of an expected snowstorm, when the 12,000 or so AIPAC delegates concluded the three-day annual “policy conference” in Washington this week, ready to move on to Capitol Hill to lobby their representatives.

Kerry: Obama would prefer to ‘avoid considering’ Iran strike

Published on March 5, 2013

Secretary of State John Kerry said President Obama would prefer to avoid considering military action against Iran, but Iran's failure to seriously negotiate makes "confrontation more possible."