Hate, courtesy of the UN

By Noga Gur-Arieh
Published on April 24, 2013

Palestinian prisoners in Israeli jails lauch hunger strike over dead inmate

Published on April 3, 2013

More than 4,500 Palestinian prisoners in Israeli jails have launched a hunger strike over the death of a Palestinian inmate from cancer.

Human Rights Watch: Palestinian terror groups in Gaza violated rules of war

Published on December 24, 2012

Palestinian terror groups in Gaza violated the rules of war by targeting civilians during last month's conflict with Israel, Human Rights Watch said. In a report issued Monday, the New York-based human rights organization said the Palestinian groups in Gaza violated international humanitarian law by firing some 1,500 rockets at Israel between Nov. 14 and Nov. 21.

At the behest of Jewish groups, Congress set to rid Russia of Jackson-Vanik restraints

Published on November 14, 2012

At the behest of leading U.S. Jewish groups, Congress is set to free Russia from the Jackson-Vanik restrictions, the Soviet-era law aimed at exerting pressure on Russia to loosen its emigration restrictions.

Leaving State Department’s anti-Semitism post, Hannah Rosenthal reflects on accomplishments

Published on October 16, 2012

Anti-Semitism overseas is being noted with increasing frequency by U.S. State Department human rights reports, and Hannah Rosenthal says that’s a good thing.

Jews, Korean-Americans talk human rights in Iran, North Korea

By Jonah Lowenfeld
Published on September 5, 2012

Two organizations of young professionals, two isolated nuclear (or near-nuclear) powers with terrible human rights records, one Beverly Hills living room.

Amnesty International report raps Israel for Gaza blockade

Published on May 24, 2012

Amnesty International blasted Israel for its blockade of the Gaza Strip in its annual report on the state of the world’s human rights.

Israel blasts inclusion on U.N. list of human rights violators

Published on April 30, 2012

Israel's Foreign Ministry criticized as "absurd" the country's inclusion on a list of countries that restricts the activities of human rights and advocacy groups.

Netanyahu calls Human Rights Council decision ‘hypocritical’

Published on March 22, 2012

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu lashed out at a U.N. Human Rights Council decision to investigate Jewish settlements, calling it "hypocritical" and detached from reality.

UN rights body launches probe into Israeli settlements

Published on March 22, 2012

The United Nations launched an international investigation on Thursday into Israeli settlements in the Palestinian territories, with the United States isolated in voting against the initiative brought by the Palestinian Authority.

Israeli citizenship law: Human rights vs. demographics

By Shmuel Rosner
Published on January 18, 2012

It was an important decision, and not a trivial one, when Israel’s Supreme Court upheld a law last week that prevents most non-Israeli Arabs who marry Israelis from living in Israel. The court was split almost in half: Six justices sided with the majority ruling, and five justices — Chief Justice Dorit Beinisch included — opposed the ultimate decision. The numbers reflect the magnitude of the dilemma, they reflect the fact that this could not be an easy decision for any country, and they reflect the delicate balancing act with which Israel has to live. Thus, it is good that five justices did not want to uphold the law, good to have a sizable opposition for such a ruling.

Bibi expresses pride in Israel’s rights record

Published on December 8, 2011

Ahead of international Human Rights Day, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu burnished Israel's credentials.

Human rights leader Jerome Shestack dies

Published on August 22, 2011

Jerome Shestack, a human rights leader and Jewish activist, has died.

Peres thanks Greek president for stopping flotilla

Published on July 11, 2011

Israeli President Shimon Peres thanked his Greek counterpart for his country's help in stopping a flotilla bound for Gaza.

Syria withdraws human rights council bid

Published on May 12, 2011

Syria withdrew its bid for a spot on the United Nations Human Rights Council. Syria's withdrawal Wednesday from the Asian group of nations comes as Western nations are working to convince the U.N. Security Council to condemn Syrian President Bashar Assad's violent campaign to stifle opposition to the Syrian government.

Now that Goldstone has changed his mind, what’s next?

Published on April 5, 2011

What happens now with the Goldstone Report may well be up to Goldstone. Richard Goldstone’s April 2 Op-Ed in the Washington Post disavowing his earlier assumption that Israel had committed war crimes and possibly crimes against humanity during the 2009 Gaza war has left pro-Israel activists wondering: What next?

Petition raps rabbis who support Katsav

Published on March 9, 2011

Hundreds of rabbis and Jewish leaders have signed on to an online petition by Rabbis for Human Rights denouncing rabbinical defenders of former Israeli President Moshe Katsav. Late last month, dozens of religious Zionist rabbis sent a letter of support to Katsav, who was convicted in December by a three-judge panel of “rape, sexual harassment, committing an indecent act while using force, harassing a witness and obstruction of justice.”

U.N. human rights chief Pillay must be held accountable

Published on March 8, 2011

The favorite word of Navi Pillay, the U.N. high commissioner for human rights, appears to be “accountability.” Yet with her own agency tainted by its longtime disregard of Libyan human rights violations -- and by apologists for Libyan strongman Muammar Gadhafi occupying key U.N. positions -- it’s high time for the high commissioner to prove that accountability begins at home.

Knesset passes civil union bill

Published on March 16, 2010

Israel's Knesset passed a civil union bill, although it is expected to help only a small percentage of Israelis who do not want a religious wedding.

The bill introduced by the Yisrael Beiteinu party passed its second and third readings during a midnight vote Monday. The lawmakers' vote was 56-4; lawmakers from the religious Shas and United Torah Judaism parties opposed the bill and did not attend the vote.

In Reversal, U.S. to Join U.N. Rights Council

Published on March 31, 2009

Call for Jews to shun China Olympics stirs opposition

By Ron Kampeas
Published on May 8, 2008

In an appeal issued April 30 and timed for the commemoration of Yom HaShoah, 185 Jewish leaders -- mostly clergy -- appealed to Jews not to attend the Beijing Olympics this summer as tourists.

Honoring Hatzolah, Anjelica Huston, Sheba

By Danielle Berrin
Published on April 4, 2008

Honoring Hatzolah, Anjelica Huston, Sheba

Photo exhibit highlights the human cost of our bounty

By Roberto Loiederman
Published on March 27, 2008

In the stark black-and-white photo, two small children play in and around water, as children anywhere might do on a hot day. But there's something odd about the image: it isn't the shore or a recreational pool they're playing in, but a concrete irrigation canal.

Congressman Tom Lantos left behind human rights legacy

By Ron Kampeas
Published on February 14, 2008

Obituary for Congressman Tom Lantos.

Sad encounter prompts sex trafficking docudrama

By Naomi Pfefferman
Published on November 22, 2007

The inspiration for "Holly," a docudrama about child sex-trafficking, came as Israeli-born producer Guy Jacobson inadvertently wandered into a notorious red light district in the Cambodian capital of Phnom Penh five years ago.

Good employment practices a sign for Israeli tourists

By Jeremy Wimpfheimer
Published on October 25, 2007

Yet, as a result of the efforts of Bema'aglei Tzedek, a Jerusalem-based nonprofit organization, consumers are now on the lookout for a second type of certificate indicating that the restaurant conforms to a completely separate set of kosher guidelines -- good employment practices and accessibility for the disabled. Called the Social Seal or tav chevrati in Hebrew, the certificate is now being prominently displayed in more than 300 Israeli eateries from Jerusalem to Tel Aviv and in various other locales. It was introduced by Bema'aglei Tzedek to combat what the organization's director, Asaf Banner, calls "an all too often ignored, yet deeply troubling, aspect of Israeli society."

Cluster Silence

By Rob Eshman
Published on October 26, 2006

Major Jewish groups haven't rushed to comment on Israel's use of cluster bombs in the war against Hezbollah. What a mistake.

Groups hope new U.N. Secretary General will be fairer toward Israel than Kofi Annan

By Ben Harris
Published on October 19, 2006

Jewish officials are greeting the selection of Ban Ki-moon as the next U.N. secretary-general with cautious optimism.

Anti-Israel UTLA committee gets sent to the corner for a time out

By Marc Ballon
Published on October 19, 2006

The United Teachers Los Angeles committee that came under intense criticism for planning to host a gathering calling for economic sanctions against Israel, including a boycott and divestment, has shut down its Web site and agreed to undertake a monthlong "self-evaluation."

United Teachers Los Angeles just says ‘no’ to Israel divestment push by union commitee

By Marc Ballon
Published on October 5, 2006

Under a tidal wave of pressure from the local Jewish community, the United Teachers Los Angeles (UTLA) has decided to deny use of its headquarters to a UTLA committee planning to host a meeting to discuss the launch of a local boycott of sanctions against and divestment from Israel.

Israel should probe accusations of war crimes

By Joseph M. Lipner
Published on September 28, 2006

‘State Department for Jews’ Hits 100

By Dina Kraft
Published on April 13, 2006

In a meeting room with gold silk curtains and tiled walls, a delegation from the American Jewish Committee (AJC) takes their seats at a long, glass-topped table facing Tunisia's foreign minister and his aides. Soon the questions begin: When will Tunisia resume official relations with Israel? What is the country's stance on Iran?

Israel Tames but Doesn’t Halt Torture

By Larry Derfner
Published on March 23, 2006

Last November, Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.), while campaigning to ban the U.S. government from using torture, told the "Today" show: "The Israeli Supreme Court outlawed torture, outlawed cruel and inhumane treatment. And I have talked to Israeli officials, and they say they do very fine without it."

The Circuit

By Norma Zager
Published on March 23, 2006

Superskater and silver Olympic medalist Sasha Cohen lit up the runway recently at the Rodeo Drive Walk of Style event in Beverly Hills. It was a night of chowing down on yummy foods and stargazing as the Rodeo Drive Committee celebrated the illustrious careers of costume designers Edith Head (posthumous), James Acheson and Milena Canonero.

U.S. Firms Kowtow to China Censorship

By Martin Kaplan
Published on February 9, 2006

If an American enters "Li Zhi" or "Shi Tao" in the search engine at Yahoo! News, more than 400 stories turn up, none of them flattering to Yahoo! But those articles won't appear if you search for those words, or countless others deemed subversive by officials, on a computer in China.

Old-Fashioned Solution to Iran Problem

By Saul Singer
Published on January 26, 2006

John McCain, Republican senator from Arizona and presidential hopeful, is absolutely right about the gravity of the threat from a nuclear Iran.

Letters

Published on October 27, 2005

Before we are relegated to yet another historical reference on the Canter's mural, let's hope the community mobilizes to at least make enough of an effort to slow down the gentrification of the area.

Nazi Hunter Wiesenthal Dies at 96

By Jewish Journal Staff
Published on September 19, 2005

Simon Wiesenthal, a Holocaust-survivor-turned-Nazi hunter who always spoke of justice, not vengeance, is dead at 96.

Wiesenthal died in his sleep at his home in Vienna, his office announced Tuesday. Working with a small staff from his cramped three-room office, Wiesenthal sifted through tens of thousands of documents and followed countless leads, compiling archives that helped bring some 1,100 Nazi criminals to justice.

Concern Grows on Iran Abuses

By Nooredin Abedian
Published on January 6, 2005

Concern is growing among circles of Iranian nationals and expatriates that European countries are turning a blind eye to the regime's human rights atrocities in exchange for trade benefits.

Late last year, the U.N. General Assembly approved a resolution criticizing Iran for human rights violations. It cited new restrictions on freedom of expression and the persecution of political and religious dissenters.

A Peek Behind the Curtain of Oz

By Helen Epstein
Published on November 25, 2004

Since 1968, when his novel "My Michael" -- exquisitely narrated by a despairing young wife in Jerusalem -- mesmerized thousands of readers, Amos Oz has been recognized as one of Israel's most gifted and prolific authors. He has produced 22 books -- 11 novels, three collections of stories and novellas, one children's book, and seven books of articles and essays -- that have been translated into 35 languages. His work is his autobiography, and until now Oz had been reticent about his own life.

Anti-Semitism Finds Fertile Soil in Russia

By Yosef Israel Abramowitz
Published on September 30, 2004

Last week, Russian president Vladimir Putin sought to consolidate his long, successful and bloodless search for centralized authoritarian rule by proposing to cancel citizens' right to elect their local and regional officials, nominally as a countermeasure to terrorism -- a dangerous as well as counterproductive move.

From Durban to Beersheba

By Harold Brackman
Published on September 30, 2004

The horrid bus bombings in Beersheba on Tuesday, which claimed the lives of 16 Israelis, including a 3-year-old boy, are grim reminders that the war on terror continues to rage in Israel.

Local Iranians Counsel Congress

By Karmel Melamed
Published on August 19, 2004

As Iran's fundamentalist regime has increased its persecution of Jews and become a major sponsor of terrorism in the Middle East, local Iranian Jewish leaders have stepped up efforts to inform U.S. officials of the increasing danger posed by the Islamic nation.

World Briefs

By JTA Staff
Published on May 6, 2004

World Briefs

We Must Work to Free Today’s Slaves

By Charles Jacobs
Published on April 8, 2004

Last week, I stood on stage at Milken Community High School with an escaped Sudanese slave, Francis Bok. We had come out to Los Angeles from Boston to thank the school's students for their help in our abolitionist campaign and their continued commitment to make a difference.

Drive Opens to Free 11 Jews Held in Iran

By Tom Tugend
Published on December 11, 2003

Babak Tehrani was 17 years old in June 1994 when he hugged his parents and two younger brothers, left his home in Tehran and, guided by a well-paid smuggler, tried to slip across the rugged mountains from Iran into Pakistan.

College Ad Misses the Point

By Susannah Heschel
Published on October 24, 2002

As a historian of Jewish-Christian relations in Germany, and as a professor who has taught at several German universities, hostility toward Jews and Judaism in university settings is certainly nothing new to me.

Swiss Attack Jewish Ritual

By Fredy Rom
Published on January 10, 2002

The Swiss government has launched a campaign to end a century-old law barring Jewish ritual slaughter.

Freedom for Lori Berenson

By Murray Polner
Published on September 21, 2000

Franklin Roosevelt's remark that Dominican dictator Rafael Trujillo "may be an SOB, but he's our SOB" is a reminder that defending universal human rights may be a good American party line, but it is somewhat tainted by the support given to loathsome regimes in Chile, Guatemala and South Africa. It's Lori Berenson's singular achievement that she has unwittingly injected Peru's Alberto Fujimori into that mix.Fujimori had crushed the Shining Path terrorists (not to be confused with Tupac Amaru) and destroyed the Peruvian drug trade. Yet his government has been sharply criticized by human rights organizations as well as by the State Department.

‘Shiraz 10’ Update

By Michael Aushenker
Published on July 20, 2000

In response to recent human rights violations perpetrated by the Iranian government, the House of Representatives passed an amendment brought to the floor by Congressman Brad Sherman during consideration of the foreign aid bill for fiscal year 2001. The amendment seeks to cut World Bank funding by $10 million to the Islamic Republic of Iran.