Trump has now put Operation Jerusalem Embassy into hyperdrive: it should open May 15, 2018 – the 70th anniversary of the founding of the State of Israel (known to Palestinians as “Nakba Day” – The Catastrophe). Billionaire Sheldon Adelson appears ready to help bankroll the project (although this may be illegal). JTA’s editor satirizes the “The Sheldon & Miriam Adelson Embassy,” featuring on-site catering…
A Palestinian woman who now lives in the US recalls growing up in simpler times, without an awareness of the differences in religions. Christmastime – and Santa – were for everyone. But times have changed, and Jerusalem has changed, especially since Trump’s announcement.
Donald Trump’s Israel policies may have more to do with outmaneuvering Democrats than they do with any concern for Middle East peace, argues Jonathan Marshall.
Israel doesn’t need to control everything in the US, just the important things: the Israel lobby controls Middle East policy and aid money by controlling all branches of government; the label “anti-Semite” is used as a weapon; media is kept from any meaningful criticism of Israel; and “exceptionalism” allows the Jewish State to waive rules that every other country must obey.
The Israeli government recently publicly added 20 groups to those it bans from traveling to Israel. Following a previous Israeli ban in 2017, Alison Weir wrote that she didn’t want to travel to Israel, she wanted to go to Palestine….
A writer reminds us that Muslims revere Jesus highly, and believe in the divine origin of the holy books of all three Abrahamic religions. She reminds us of the need to work together for peace. After the article are photos of Christmastime in Bethlehem, where there is genuine interfaith peace among Palestinians.
An Israeli extremist is sentenced to 4 years in prison for the June 2015 arson attack of the church believed to be on the site where Jesus multiplied loaves and fish to feed 5,000.
Two major commentators said Trump recognized Jerusalem as Israel’s capital because he wanted to influence evangelical voters, but left out that Trump’s largest donor was Sheldon Adelson, who has been demanding the embassy be moved to Jerusalem, and that Trump’s campaign promise about the embassy was given at AIPAC’s national convention in Washington DC, not in a red state…
A Palestinian in Jerusalem describes the impact of Trump’s announcement that Jerusalem is the capital of Israel: “Prior to this announcement, we were in the first week of a joyous Christmas… Christmas trees in every shop and restaurant, Santa hats in cars and Christmas carols sung everywhere. Giant Christmas trees lit in the main squares of the cities with tens of thousands of Christians and Muslims celebrating together…”
Israeli forces killed 2 Palestinian protesters and injured 767… Trump signed waiver to postpone moving embassy, just like previous presidents (see video)…. Original legislation to move US embassy was passed with bipartisan support, including Biden, Kerry, etc… JTA says all major mainstream Jewish groups support Trump announcement, some smaller ones oppose the timing… This post will be UPDATED as events occur…