Must Read
The Lesson of the Arson Jihad in Israel
In an opinion piece in the NY Times, Sohrab Ahmari discusses the recent arson fires in Israel, noting that the situation is a perfect metaphor for the Israel-Palestine conflict. Ahmari notes that "Palestinians would sooner burn down the land than coexist with the Jewish state." That sentiment, in my opinion, perfectly encapsulates the core obstacle to peace.
Must Watch: Fauda on Netflix
Netflix just released Season 1 of "Fauda," a hit Israeli drama about counter-terrorism in Israel. The show centers on the Mistaravim, an elite counter-terrorism unit of the IDF comprised of Jews whose families are from Arab lands. They study the language, dress, customs, mannerisms and religious practices of Palestinians and go deep undercover to stop Israel's enemies. I just binged-watched the entire series and am eagerly awaiting Season 2, which is currently in production.
Israel
Where does the arson investigation into Israel's wave of fires stand?
Israel has experienced horrible fires lately that have destroyed property and displaced many. Investigations reveal that almost all of the fires were started by Palestinian arsonists. Palestinians are literally using a scorched earth policy.
Israel Defense Forces Kill 4 ISIS-Linked Attackers in Golan Heights
For the first time, ISIS militants directly attacked Israel as they fired upon Israeli soldiers patrolling the border. It didn't end well for ISIS. The IDF returned fire and called in an air strike that obliterated the militants. Until now, ISIS has avoided any confrontation with Israel, with many sources contending that Israel is the only country ISIS fears.
Dalia Fadila teaches Israeli-Arab students girl power
Dalia Fadila becomes the first female dean of an Arab college in Israel. My preliminary search uncovered no other middle eastern countries with a college that has a female dean.
African diplomats go on rare, ‘enlightening’ Israeli tour of Old City’s Jewish sites
Diplomats from 7 African countries visited Israel and toured Jerusalem. The Palestinian Authority protested the visit, presumably because it allows those countries to see past the lies and propaganda that constitute the Palestinian narrative.
World
ADL: Ellison’s comments on Israel ‘disqualifying’ for top DNC post
The Anti-Defamation League now feels Minnesota Rep. Keith Ellison is unfit to be chair of the Democratic National Committee.
#Kurdistan Regional Government marks expulsion of Jews from #Iraq in official ceremony in Erbil, led by their Jewish Representative.
The Kurdistan Regional Government held a ceremony remembering the expulsion of Jews from Iraq following the establishment of the modern State of Israel.
How Trump could surprise the world on Israeli-Palestinian peacemaking
Ambassador Dennis Ross, Bill Clinton's Special Envoy to the Middle East and Barack Obama's Special Advisor on the Middle East, offers President-elect Donald Trump advice about trying to make the "Ultimate Deal."
Days of catastrophe in Baghdad
Hen Mazzig writes about his grandparents' recollection of the expulsion of Jews from Iraq.
Construction of wall around Ain al-Hilweh in full swing
Lebanon is building a wall around the Ain al-Hilweh Palestinian refugee camp. The international community, who complains about Israel building a border fence, is silent on Lebanon turning a refugee camp into a prison. This is just further confirmation that no action by non-Jews warrants international criticism.