OK...looks like the groundhog might be right after all...our snow is melting, the rain is falling, the temperatutes are a little warmer...hey a guy can hope, can't he?
The weather is always the common denominator...easy to discuss, non-controversial, something everyone can talk about and have a non controversial opinion about.
So unlike so many other topics: religion, politics, money.
Yet there is so much to talk about that we need to talk about but choose not to, because it easier not to.
Almost everyone has an opinion about how our community operates. And we would love to hear what you think-the good the bad and the ugly. Lets open up that topic and see what you have to say.
Friday, February 25, 2011
Friday, February 18, 2011
Communication
Who would have thought that facebook, smartphones, tweeting and the internet would be having such a profound effect on how nations are being altered. The Arab world is in turmoil as these new immediate ways of communicating have taken over. Information is free flowing and uncensored. For populations that have never known freedom, this is truly a revolution.
Locally, we are trying to communicate through our social networking site www.jewishcentral.org
Hopefully this is just the beginning. Communication must be swift, immediate and meaningful.
Any suggestions....let us know!
Locally, we are trying to communicate through our social networking site www.jewishcentral.org
Hopefully this is just the beginning. Communication must be swift, immediate and meaningful.
Any suggestions....let us know!
Friday, February 11, 2011
Middle East Uncertainty
It's never easy to decipher developments in the Middle East.
Cetrainly, one thing is certain and should be very evident to all, including all of Israel's detractors in the world:
The only true democracy in the Middle East is Israel.
We might all have our opinions on how the Israeli electoral system works. We might have concerns about how a small group can influence political decisions in a widely diverse politic. We might vehemently support or oppose political, social and religious decisions made by the Israeli Knesset or Parliament. But one thing remains perfectly evident: Israel is the beacon of democracy and freedom in the entire Middle East. Freedom of the press,freedom of assembly, active opposition parties, an unencumbered judiciary are all hallmarks of Israel's democracy.
Political leaders are brought to trial and judged based on evidence...A flourishing human rights infrastructure guards against real and/or perceived injustices: Arab and Jew alike.
As I watch developments unfold in Egypt, I am ambivalent. It makes me angry that the Egyptian government does not understand that the movement towards freedom stems from the frustration that most Egyptians have felt since Gamel Abdul Nasser was president. He led Egypt into a disastrous war with Israel which became known as the 6 day war.
His successor, Anwar Sadat saw the ills of his predecessor's way and realized that the enemy was not Israel and was bold enough to sign the first Arab peace treaty with Israel. How triumphant he was upon his arrival in Israel and how jubilant was the entire Israeli nation. Yet, the peace treaty was his ultimate undoing and he was assassinated. Hosni Mubarak took over and declared martial law, ruling with emergency powers until this day. In spite of the cold peace that has existed between Israel and Egypt over the past 30 years, Mubarak has had it both ways: maintaining important links with the Israeli politic, while keeping the flames of anger and animosity towards Israel alive in their hearts.
One can only hope that when Mubarak is finally gone, Israel will not be blamed for his reign or accused of keeping him in power,and by extension subjugating the will and freedom of the Egyptian people. One would hope that a 7,000 year civilization will finally come to terms with how they can continue to be at peace with Israel. I unfortunately am not holding my breath.
Cetrainly, one thing is certain and should be very evident to all, including all of Israel's detractors in the world:
The only true democracy in the Middle East is Israel.
We might all have our opinions on how the Israeli electoral system works. We might have concerns about how a small group can influence political decisions in a widely diverse politic. We might vehemently support or oppose political, social and religious decisions made by the Israeli Knesset or Parliament. But one thing remains perfectly evident: Israel is the beacon of democracy and freedom in the entire Middle East. Freedom of the press,freedom of assembly, active opposition parties, an unencumbered judiciary are all hallmarks of Israel's democracy.
Political leaders are brought to trial and judged based on evidence...A flourishing human rights infrastructure guards against real and/or perceived injustices: Arab and Jew alike.
As I watch developments unfold in Egypt, I am ambivalent. It makes me angry that the Egyptian government does not understand that the movement towards freedom stems from the frustration that most Egyptians have felt since Gamel Abdul Nasser was president. He led Egypt into a disastrous war with Israel which became known as the 6 day war.
His successor, Anwar Sadat saw the ills of his predecessor's way and realized that the enemy was not Israel and was bold enough to sign the first Arab peace treaty with Israel. How triumphant he was upon his arrival in Israel and how jubilant was the entire Israeli nation. Yet, the peace treaty was his ultimate undoing and he was assassinated. Hosni Mubarak took over and declared martial law, ruling with emergency powers until this day. In spite of the cold peace that has existed between Israel and Egypt over the past 30 years, Mubarak has had it both ways: maintaining important links with the Israeli politic, while keeping the flames of anger and animosity towards Israel alive in their hearts.
One can only hope that when Mubarak is finally gone, Israel will not be blamed for his reign or accused of keeping him in power,and by extension subjugating the will and freedom of the Egyptian people. One would hope that a 7,000 year civilization will finally come to terms with how they can continue to be at peace with Israel. I unfortunately am not holding my breath.
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