A Glass Tribute

{image_1} Much has been written about the contributions Jewish people worldwide have made in cultural, scientific, and technological fields in modern times. It has been noted that though they only comprise 0.25% of the world’s population, they make up 22% of all Nobel Prize winners. Their contribution has also impacted the arts, and one of today’s greatest contributors is Dale Chihuly, a world renowned glass artist. In December, he opened a four-month long exhibit in Tel Aviv, featuring about 100 of his works, 10 of which were created specifically for that exhibit.

Below the Lines

{image_1} The need for potable water has reached critical proportions in Israel because of a seven-year drought, as reported in the February Dispatch. Internet sites record every millimeter of rain that falls on a daily basis. However, that information can be somewhat difficult to comprehend, especially those for the Sea of Galilee (or Kinneret). What are the two “red lines” often referred to? And what about the “black line”? How much water is needed to get from one to the other, and what are the consequences of falling below any one or all three lines?

The Culture of the Bible

{image_1}In my role as International President and CEO of Bridges for Peace, I travel to various places around the world. It is fascinating to visit other countries and absorb the local culture, tasting new foods, learning a bit of the language, enjoying the mannerisms and clothing, and visiting spots of beauty and history. What is ordinary and well understood by those within the culture seems exotic, strange, and unique to me. Outward differences can be readily seen in how we greet one another, how we dress, how we speak, but other differences go much deeper.

“Palestine Is Big”

Palestinian TV, which is owned by the Palestinian Authority (PA, Fatah) and operated under the auspices of Mahmoud Abbas's office, frequently presents Palestinians with a world without Israel, which is the most explicit non-recognition. Following are instances from three recent programs.

Abbas’s Contradictory Statements

{image_2} Palestinian Authority Chairman Mahmoud Abbas has made contradictory statements concerning violence and war against Israel.

US, Britain’s Destiny Worse than Hitler’s

{image_1}“The American, British and Zionist regimes are the three sides of the evil triangle of warmongering and terrorism in the world.”

Netanyahu Speaks

…on Egypt

{image_1} “Israel believes that the international community must insist that any Egyptian government maintain the peace treaty with Israel.”

The Muslim Brotherhood

{image_1}As turmoil continues in the Middle East, one organization whose name has surfaced often is the Muslim Brotherhood. Some in Western media describe the Brotherhood as a moderate organization that eschews violence and stands on a platform of humanitarianism and democracy. Others portray the group as radical and militant, with a history of violence and a very political agenda. In the final analysis, perhaps there is some truth in both views.

Gas Find Could Bring Peace or Conflict

{image_1} For years, it seemed that Israel was the only Middle Eastern nation lacking in oil and natural gas. More recently, however, Israel has gone from pauper to prince in the energy field in a short time, with large natural gas discoveries in the Mediterranean Sea inspiring dreams of energy independence, increased revenues, and perhaps even energy exports. But there is more potential to Israel’s energy discovery than just dollar signs. In a world where Israel’s friends seem to be shrinking in number, the Jewish state’s newly found resources offer the potential for political breakthroughs.

Israel’s Biblical Zoo

{image_1}Anyone traveling to the Holy Land and visiting Jerusalem will find an amazing commemoration of two biblical events at Israel’s 62-acre (25-hectare) zoo: creation and Noah’s ark. Both of these events have something in common—animals. Situated amidst the bustling, modern neighborhood of Manahat, the Tisch Family Zoological Gardens, or better known as the Jerusalem Biblical Zoo, is an ideal picture of God’s love for creation. Here, the theme of creation and the miraculous account of the ark are beautifully woven together.

Forbidden Fruit?  Apple Cake

{image_1} The question has been asked time and time again: Was it really an apple back there in the Garden? When Eve fed Adam that single bite that would change the world, was it the sweet, crunchy fruit we have all enjoyed since childhood or was it, in fact, something else?

Faith: Belief or Action?—Emunah

{image_1} I’ll never forget the conversation I had with Dr. Bernard Resnikov, who at the time was the Director Emeritus of the American Jewish Committee. I knew him as Bernie, a warm grandfatherly man, who had an incredible way of communicating. Bernie was talking with me about the importance of interfaith dialog between Christians and Jews. I knew that he participated in many such gatherings, even sponsoring some of them.