Signs of the Times

Russian Lawmakers: Outlaw All Jewish Organizations

Moscow (AP)—A group of nationalist lawmakers is calling for an investigation aimed at outlawing all Jewish organizations in Russia, accusing Jews of fomenting ethnic hatred and provoking anti-Semitism. In a letter dated January 13, about 20 members of the lower parliament house, the State Duma, asked Prosecutor General Vladimir Ustinov to investigate their claims and, if they are confirmed, to launch proceedings “on the prohibition in our country of all religious and ethnic Jewish organizations as extremist.” Arguing that Jews were to blame for anti-Semitism, the authors of the letter want Jewish groups outlawed based on legislation against extremism and fomenting ethnic discord.

PA TV Cultivates Culture of Terror and Death

The promises of Palestine Liberation Organization chief Mahmoud Abbas (Abu Mazen) notwithstanding, official Palestinian Authority (PA)-controlled television continues to encourage Arab males to seek death while attacking Jews, and their mothers to rejoice in their demise. “Creating a supportive social environment for terrorists has been a critical factor in the Palestinian Authority’s successful promotion of suicide terrorism,” wrote Palestinian Media Watch director Itamar Marcus in March.

Lebanese President- “We Want Peace With Israel”

Senior diplomatic officials, who met with Lebanese President Emile Lahoud late last year, quoted him as saying, “We want peace with Israel, and we object to the firings of Katyusha rockets [from Lebanon] to its territory.”

Jew Hatred on the Rise Down Under

Attacks on Jews in Australia have surged to record levels, due in part to the growing use of the Internet by anti-Semitic groups, a report released by the Executive Council of Australian Jewry has found.

In its annual report on anti-Semitism in Australia, Australian Jewry’s umbrella organization said there were 50% more anti-Jewish attacks between October 2003 and September 2004 than the average recorded over the past 14 years.

Israelis on Evolution

The Israeli edition of National Geographic magazine commissioned a poll to determine how Israelis view evolution. The results: More than 42% of Israelis believe God created man, while 31% believe that man was the product of evolution.

Israel’s Economic Comeback

After the worst recession in the country’s history, Israel is staging an economic comeback. A rise in global demand and dramatic improvement in the security situation helped real gross domestic product to grow by about 4% in 2004. And prospects for 2005 look equally good.

A 20% jump in exports led the 2004 recovery. Gains were especially strong in high-tech gear, such as software and semiconductors, which account for half of Israel’s industrial exports. Tourism, private consumption, and construction also added to growth.

Poverty Is Not the Cause of Terrorism

{image_1} A new study by a Harvard University professor has found that terrorism is not caused by poverty-thus further undermining the main premise behind international aid to the Palestinian Arabs of Judea, Samaria, and Gaza.

“Do you ever go to bed hungry?”

One in Five Israeli Children Go To Bed Without Supper

Jerusalem Goes Wireless

As promised, Jerusalem is now wireless. The new Unwire Jerusalem program, which provides free, wireless Internet access in selected public places, was launched in November 2004 at a ceremony at City Hall.

Iran Successfully Tests “Strategic Missile”

{image_1} TEHRAN, Iran (AP) — Iran added a “strategic missile” to its military arsenal after a successful test, and the defense minister said in September that his country was ready to confront any external threat. The report by state-run radio did not say whether the test involved the previously announced new version of the Shahab-3 rocket, capable of reaching Israel and United States forces stationed in the Middle East, or a different missile.