No time like the present

Russia’s annexation of the Crimea is a done deal – a fait accompli. Headlines about the land grab, described March 19 by NATO Secretary-General Anders Fogh-Rasmussen as “the most serious security crisis since the end of the cold war,” are muted, barely there. They’ll soon be gone. Nor is Russia waiting for world opinion to … Read more

Weasel of state

Headlines in the Israeli press on March 14, 2014: Kerry: ‘Mistake’ to use Jewish state recognition as deal breaker – Ha’aretz Kerry: Netanyahu wrong to insist Palestinians recognize Israel as Jewish state – The Jerusalem Post   You should tread more carefully, John Kerry. You have already made quite a name for yourself, jetting in … Read more

Orpah comes to Bethlehem

Ruth and Naomi – Bible readers love this romantic and moving tale. Set in the time of the Judges (around 1100 BC) before the Israelites became a kingdom, it tells of a woman forced by famine, together with her husband and two boys, to leave her hometown of Bethlehem in the land of Judah and … Read more