Netanyahu says he would put peace deal to referendum

Published on May 2, 2013

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Thursday he would put any peace deal with the Palestinians to a referendum, raising expectations that direct negotiations might soon resume following a two-year stalemate.

Religious “No!” to Proposition 8

Published on October 28, 2008

Proposition 8 is California ballot initiative that legally restricts marriage to only a relationship between a man and a woman, depriving gays and lesbians a state mandated constitutional civil right.  In opposing this ballot-measure, I know I am optimistically standing on firm religious ground. 

Abortion notification Prop. 4 draws opposition

By Lilly Fowler
Published on October 23, 2008

"This is not about abortion. This is about a woman's right to choose," Selvin said. "You don't take away rights in a constitution. That's where you safeguard rights."

Rabbis on anti-gay marriage Prop 8: Yes, no, maybe

By Tom Tugend
Published on October 10, 2008

Same-sex marriage is likely to remain a hot-button issue in the presidential race, with Prop. 8 backers looking to Sen. John McCain for ideological support, and opponents to Sen. Barack Obama.

Big Bay Area Jewish turnout for gay weddings

Published on June 22, 2008

As dozens of gay couples celebrated legal weddings at San Francisco City Hall, Jews representing numerous organizations set up a chupah, volunteers passed out plates of marble cake frosted with the phrase "Mazel Tov" and invited couples to partake in rituals.

Sharon’s Knesset Win Could Be a Loss

By Leslie Susser
Published on October 28, 2004

Tuesday, Oct. 26 may well go down as one of the more important, and bizarre, dates in the annals of Israeli politics.

Fate of Sharon, Gaza May Hang on Vote

By Leslie Susser
Published on October 21, 2004

With opposition mounting among settlers and in his own Likud Party, Ariel Sharon's political future and the fate of his plan to withdraw from the Gaza Strip and northern West Bank may be decided in the Knesset next week.

The Israeli prime minister hopes to win a decisive majority in the Oct. 26 vote on his disengagement plan, laying to rest the debate over its legitimacy and blocking growing pressure for a nationwide referendum. But a victory is not a foregone conclusion, and if he loses, it's difficult to see how Sharon can continue as prime minister.

Pullout Plan Sparks Clash on Legitimacy

By Leslie Susser
Published on September 23, 2004

As Prime Minister Ariel Sharon powers ahead with plans for disengagement from the Gaza Strip, charges are flying between proponents and naysayers determined to gain monopolies on legitimacy, each side accusing the other of trampling democratic norms.

One Voice Gets Alexander’s Vote

By Dina Kraft
Published on February 26, 2004

For Jason Alexander, best known as Jerry Seinfeld's hapless sidekick, George Costanza, a grass-roots peace initiative to promote Israeli-Palestinian peace is more than just "yadda yadda yadda."