Welcome
A Note on Original Content Scheduling
I wanted to take a moment to address the scheduling of Zionist Press original content. I have had several people asking questions about when original content will be published. I have a lot of topics I would like to cover and, as you saw last week with contributing author Dave Nogradi's first article, I plan on having others write as well.
Ideally, I would like to include an original article in every newsletter. However, time often dictates a more sparse schedule. Please stay tuned, as original content should resume next week. Also, if you are passionate about Jews and Israel and are interested in becoming a contributing author, please reach out to me at hello@zionistpress.com
Must Read
From Hezbollah to Israeli army: The extraordinary journey of a father and a son
This is the must read article of the week. The Times of Israel tells the fascinating story of Lebanese Muslim who joined Hezbollah as a spy for Israel after receiving great kindness from the IDF in Lebanon. He spied at great personal cost, including the life of one of his children. Eventually he made his way to Israel, converted to Judaism and became a Rabbi. Four of his sons have served in the IDF, including one serving currently.
News
Has the UN Human Rights Council become Frankenstein?
The UN Human Rights Council is one of the most despicable international organizations currently in existence. Tasked with all things human rights, the council is composed of some of the worst human rights abusing countries scratching each other's backs and focusing their attention to Israel. Since its inception, the council has passed more resolutions against Israel alone than against the rest of the world's countries combined. This op-ed is by Hillel Neuer (this week's "Hero" below) and is based on his recent testimony before the U.S. Congress.
Hillels Under Ideological Attack
American college campuses have become a filthy breeding ground of anti-Jewish and anti-Israel hatred. Clashes among pro-Israel and anti-Israel student groups have been increasing, but now anti-Israel opponents are trying to attack Jewish students at the institutional level. This article explores the despicable situation that unfolded at the Hillel of Brown University. Let's hope this is not a sign of what is to come.
U.S. Adopts Israeli Fighting Tactics
Much has been written about the great lengths that the Israeli military goes to prevent civilian casualty, often handicapping itself in every action. While high-level military commanders conducted a study finding, essentially, that Israel has gone to greater lengths than any other military in history to prevent civilian deaths, Israel still receives criticism. This criticism has even come from its close ally, the United States, particular from John Kerry. Now the United States military has decided to start copying some of the Israeli techniques, such as "roof-knocking" in the fight against the Islamic State. Apparently, Israel's actions are not only commendable but also worth copycatting.
Israel
The Peculiar Language of Soldiers: What jargon says about armies, and the societies they serve
The Atlantic posted a really interesting story that analyzes what the jargon used by various militaries says about that military and its country. The IDF is one of the militaries discussed in this article, with jargon that often centers on flowers and food, rather than aggressive items. According to Israeli linguist Ruvik Rosenthal, the IDF's use of such jargon "reflect[s] the fact that while Israelis recognize the necessity of war, they don't celebrate it and would rather not think about it." It is too bad that Israel's adversaries don't share the same aversion to war.
Israel's First Transgender Officer: Army Wants Me to Succeed
Israel is one of the most LGBT-friendly nations around, and certainly the most LGBT-friendly nation, by a long shot, in its region. Recently, the Israeli military promoted its first transgender military officer. The officer recounts how the military has been very supportive and has set him up for success. This is the same society that many boycott because of its "record of minority rights."
On a related note, for a good laugh, see the footage of Hillel Neuer (this week's "Hero") responding to Diana Buttu, a Palestinian "peace" negotiator and lawyer, claim, with a straight face, that "Israel is anti-gay." Look at minute 9:20 in this video
BDS
France Terrorist Attack May Have Been Preventable Without Anti-Israel Bias
Some say the anti-Israel BDS (Boycott-Divestment Sanctions) movement can kill. While such claims may be hyperbole, it now seems that, at the very least, BDS may lead to unnecessary loss of life. Reports are surfacing that the recent terrorist shootings in Paris may have been avoidable had it not been for BDS. An Israeli security company has software that many believe could have led to France capturing the terrorists before the incident. Despite high interest in the software, however, the French government declined to purchase the software because of a "high-level directive" not to do business with Israeli companies. I hope the French government feels that BDS is worth it...
BDS "Goes Down In Flames" At Methodist Conference
At their recent conference, the United Methodists voted down four separate BDS resolutions, with on official noting that, "[a]ctivists who seek to enroll the church in demonizing Israel serve neither peace nor justice for anybody." We thank the United Methodists for dealing the latest blow to the misguided BDS movement.
Anti-Semitism
Perfect Diagram of Hate - Elder of Ziyon
Many argue that Israel's supporters conflate anti-Zionism and anti-Semitism. Personally, I agree that they are not necessarily one and the same; however, most anti-Zionism exhibited today is, in my opinion, thinly veiled anti-Semitism. If you aren't familiar with the blogger at Elder of Ziyon (elderofziyon.com), you should become so. He does incredible detective work and writes some great pieces about the Middle East. He recently created a venn diagram that perfectly sums up the relationship between anti-Semitism and anti-Zionism.
Heroes
Hero Profile: Meet Hillel Neuer
In this week's Hero Profile, I would like to introduce you to Hillel Neuer, a personal hero of mine. Hillel is a Canadian-born international and human rights lawyer living in Geneva and currently serving as the Executive Director of UN Watch, a UN watchdog group. Hillel is just plain brilliant. An incredibly talented orator, writer, and debater, Hillel leads the charge against the ant-Israel bias that is so seeped in the UN.
Every time Hillel speaks or writes, you cannot help but be impressed by his preparation, knowledge of the facts and law, and clear language. He is masterful at exposing ridiculous bias and arguments, and can be seen speaking before the UN and testifying before Congress.
While he fights for causes beyond Israel, Hillel Neuer is, simply put, one of the most valuable allies Israel has in the world today. If you are looking to support his work, you can contribute to UN Watch at unwatch.org.