HAMAS CHANGING GILAD SHALIT HIDEOUT TWICE A WEEK

On May 13, 2010 Haaretz published the following news release about Hamas militants who are moving captured Israeli soldier, Gilad Shalit, for fear Israel will launch targeted attacks against them. To read the entire news release, click on the title above.

Hamas captors holding Israeli soldier Gilad Shalit in Gaza move him from hideout to hideout twice a week, officials close to militant group's armed wing said Thursday.

Sources close to Hamas' Qassam Brigades said in statements published on local Gaza news sites that Hamas changes the hideouts for fear that Israel was planning a "selective military operation to free Shalit".

"Hamas is smart enough to keep Shalit's hideout a top secret," said the officials.

Shalit was captured in a June 2006 cross-border raid from Gaza on a southern Israeli military base.

RABBI ADAM RASKIN: WHAT YOM YERUSHALAYIM MEANS TO ME

On the eve of Yom Yerushalayim 5770, when we celebrated the reunification of Jerusalem 43 years ago, Rabbi Adam Raskin, Senior Rabbi at Congregation Beth Torah and President, Rabbinic Association of Greater Dallas wrote about his upcoming trip to Israel with his family and specifically, what it means to his young children. To read the entire essay, click on the title above.

As my family prepares for the month we are about to spend in Israel, our conversations lately have been more and more about this experience we are about to share. It will be the first time all three of our children will travel to Israel, and although their existence is rich with daily Judaic and Hebrew language study, the observance of mitzvot, the celebration of Shabbat and Jewish festivals, and participation in synagogue and Jewish community life, it is still hard for them to get their heads around a Jewish country. And to my surprise, I find it difficult to describe to them a nation that is predominantly Jewish; a country whose pulse is that of the Jewish calendar and Jewish time; a place where every landscape, every valley, every hill, every stone has a Jewish story to tell.

Today, on the way to school, the conversation was about Yom Yerushalayim...Jerusalem Day, one of the youngest, most recent holidays to have been added to the 3,500 year old Jewish calendar. Try to explain Jerusalem between 1948 and 1967 to children. Jerusalem had become the capital of the nascent State of Israel. Finally, the receptacle of two thousand years of longing, two thousand years of "L'shana Haba'ah Biyrushalayim, Next Year in Jerusalem" prayers uttered at Passover Seders and Yom Kippur conclusions, was ours... But not completely. Between 1948 and 1967 Jerusalem was only partiallyours. A forbidding, arbitrary border divided the Holy City in half, with Jordan menacingly controlling the Western Wall, the Temple Mount, and access to significant Jewish sites. [Can you imagine Washington D.C. as a divided city, only part of it being the nation's capital, with the remainder in the hands of another country?]

ISRAELI AND JORDANIAN WOMEN, IN BUSINESS, FOR PEACE

Below is a portion of an article written by Karin Kloosterman that was published on ISRAEL21c.org on May 12, 2010 about an Israeli-American academic who has initiated a program that may both advance disadvantaged women from Israel and Jordan and build peace among nations. To read the entire article, click on the title above.

They arrive with ideas for waste management, new media, health clinics and environmental education, speaking Arabic or Hebrew. Funded by the US federal government, 10 aspiring women entrepreneurs - five from Jordan and five from Israel - are heading to the United States this month to engage in a mini-MBA experience that will hopefully, ultimately advance peace in the Middle East.

Prof. Meir Russ, an Israeli-American academic living and working in the US at the University of Wisconsin, came up with the idea that may both advance disadvantaged women and build peace among nations.

"We focused on women first because there is a social impact. They are changing the social fabric of society," he tells ISRAEL21c, emphasizing that the ultimate goal from the US side is to promote business development and improve trilateral relations among the US, Jordan and Israel.

Russ secured funds for the Young Entrepreneurs Program (YEP) so that deserving women will be able to benefit from the MBA-type experience at the University of Wisconsin in two stages of leadership training. Their program is to include workshops, job shadowing, site visits and cultural activities in the Green Bay area.

ISRAEL WILL JOIN ECONOMIC GROUP OF DEVELOPED NATIONS

The New York Times published the following article written by Ethan Bronner on May 10, 2010 about the acceptance of Israel into the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (O.E.C.D.) that will increase foreign investment in Israel. To read the article in its entirety, click on the title above.

The Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development, a 31-country group often seen as an exclusive club of rich countries, voted unanimously on Monday to admit Israel.

Israel’s policies toward the Palestinians, and its war in Gaza in late 2008, had drawn strong criticisms from a number of European members, raising the possibility of delays or blocks to its admission to the group, an association of market-oriented democracies that promotes international trade. The decision to accept Israel came despite a letter by the Palestinian Authority asking the O.E.C.D. not to admit Israel.

On Monday, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of Israel called a news conference to hail the acceptance as a “seal of approval,” saying it would “open doors and provide access to many fields” and increase foreign investment here.

Israel’s economy was close to collapse in the 1980s, but because of a series of difficult market-oriented changes it has grown into a technological powerhouse with an annual per capita gross domestic product approaching $30,000, not far from Germany’s.

MOVING CLOSER TO STEM CELL THERAPY

On May 6, 2010, ISRAEL21c.org published the following article written by Karin Kloosterman about an Israeli discovery that is allowing stem cells to be cultivated in quantities ample enough to meet the world's needs, which means that stem cell therapy could soon be within the reach of millions. To read the entire article, click on the title above.

Jerusalem's Hadassah University Medical Center has announced a breakthrough in methods for cultivating embryonic stem cells that enables the next step in the development of stem cell therapy, and the world has taken notice.

Citing medical breakthroughs in the scientific community can be irresponsible. Such announcements can raise expectations and false hopes for cures that are plausible only decades in the future, or even impossible to attain.

However, Hadassah's advance, as the scientists report in the prestigious journal Nature Biotechnology, takes stem cell researchers closer to realizing their dream of manufacturing mass market stem cell treatments for disorders such as Parkinson's disease, diabetes and age-related macular degeneration.

Lead researcher in the Hadassah study, Prof. Benjamin Reubinoff, director of the Hadassah Human Embryonic Stem Cells Research Center and an established and recognized researcher in the field, tells ISRAEL21c that stem cell therapy applications are not just science fiction.

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SOCIAL ACTION/PUBLIC POLICY

TO-DO FOR TEXAS KIDS

The following is a portion of an Editorial that was published in the Houston Chronicle on April 30, 2010 about why Texas needs to plug the gaps that were left in the Federal health care reform. To read the entire Editorial, click on the title above.

Bitter as it was, the debate over health care reform muffled, a little, when it came to children's insurance. In the end, though, Congress failed to extend the coverage period for CHIP — insurance for kids of the working poor — from six months to one year. Even worse, the bill fell short on extending coverage for an even more urgent need: children's Medicaid, which insures the very poorest.

Texas can and must fill the gap by extending that Medicaid coverage, at the state level. Why does a 12-month coverage period make such a difference for children's insurance? It's easy to suppose that if a parent is motivated to sign a child up for insurance, renewing the coverage every six months is no big deal. But extending the enrollment period for these children's insurance plans actually has a huge impact. For example, after Texas extended CHIP coverage a few years ago, 200,000 more kids gained insurance — many more than the 120,000 new children that the state predicted.

That's because the problem with six-month insurance coverage in Texas isn't with parents. It's with the lumbering, inept, error-riddled state system for enrolling Texans in CHIP, food stamps and Medicaid. So dysfunctional is this system that the federal government sent a formal warning to our Health and Human Services Commission, demanding the agency submit a plan for correcting all the problems — or face millions of dollars in federal fines next year.

IT'S TIME FOR SCHOOLS OF EDUCATION TO EMBRACE NEW ROUTES TO TEACHER CERTIFICATION

On May 10, 2010, The LA Times published the following Op-Ed written by Jonathan Zimmerman about why he feels college graduates should have a full year of training before they begin their jobs in the classroom. Mr. Zimmerman is a professor of history and education at New York University. To read the Op-Ed in its entirety, click on the title above.

Let's suppose you have spent your career as a professor at an American education school, training future teachers. Then suppose that your state decided that teachers could get certified without attending an education school at all.

That's called "alternative certification," and most of my school of education colleagues are outraged by it.

I take a different view. These new routes into teaching could transform the profession, by attracting the type of student that has eluded education schools for far too long. We should extend an olive branch to our competitors, instead of circling the wagons against them.

The biggest challenger at the moment is Teach for America (TFA), which recruits graduating seniors, mostly from elite colleges, and places them as teachers in public schools following a five-week training course. Last year, a whopping 11% of all Ivy League seniors applied to TFA. It was the No. 1 employer at several other top colleges, including Georgetown and the University of Chicago.

And last month, the New York State Board of Regents voted to let groups like TFA create their own master's degree programs. Until now, in states that require teachers to obtain master's degrees in education, TFA recruits have had to study for the degree at night to become fully certified. But under the new plan, teachers will be able to join the profession without ever setting foot in a school of education.

MICHELLE OBAMA UNVEILS PLAN TO REVERSE CHILDHOOD OBESITY TRENDS

The following is a portion of an article written by David Jackson that was published in USA Today on May 11, 2010 about First Lady Michelle Obama’s plan to address childhood obesity in America. To read the entire article, click on the title above.

First lady Michelle Obama unveiled a plan today to "reverse the epidemic of childhood obesity" and called for help from governments, schools and businesses as well as the families themselves.

"We're setting really clear goals and benchmarks and measurable outcomes that will help tackle this challenge one step, one family and one child at a time," Obama said during a White House ceremony.

Obama and her aides released a task force report titled Solving the Problem of Childhood Obesity Within a Generation. The goal, she said, is to "ensure that our children can have the healthy lives and the bright futures that they deserve."

One in three children are considered overweight or obese, Obama said. "If we meet the goals we set, we will reverse a 30-year trend," she said.

HEALTH CARE LAW MAY HELP FAMILIES WITH AUTISM COSTS

The following is an article written by Sarah Mueller that was published in The Dallas Morning News on May 11, 2010 about how the new health care law may benefit families with children who are autisitic. To read the entire article, click on the title above.

The health insurance overhaul passed this spring came as a relief to parents of autistic children, many of whom spend thousands of dollars out of pocket for treatments that no one else will cover.

The new federal regulations will prohibit spending caps, prevent insurers from excluding pre-existing conditions and behavioral health care, and extend dependent care to age 26. The rules are potentially good news for families struggling with costly treatments that can blur the line between medical and educational expenses and don't end with childhood.

Plano mother MariAnn Gattelaro has spent years fighting with insurance companies for coverage of her 7-year-old autistic son, Sam. She says nobody wants to take responsibility for $20,000 in treatments.

"The insurance companies are telling us that therapy is educational," she said. "And the school district is telling us that it's medical."

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THE IRAN REPORT

September 2007, the JCRC began a special section entitled “The Iran Report”.  Due to the looming serious nature of Iran and its politics within the global world, JCRCs across the country are providing community leaders with updated materials and articles concerning Iran, which will include political matters, divestment information, etc.  Both the United Jewish Communities (UJC) and the Jewish Council for Public Affairs (JCPA) have issued joint statements indicating that the subject of Iran should be on the top of the agenda for local Jewish communities. 

The JCRC will continue to bring the community updates on the situation with Iran and its implications throughout the Middle East and the world.

JCPA RESOLUTION ON IRAN’S NUCLEAR WEAPONS PROGRAM

Adopted by the Board of Directors of the Jewish Council for Public Affairs (JCPA) on March 27, 2007.

FIX IRAN ENERGY LOOPHOLE

The following is a portion of an Op-Ed written by Mark Dubowitz and Ilan Berman that was published in Politico on May, 12, 2010 about a loophole in the Senate’s proposed Iran Refined Petroleum Sanctions Act that needs to be fixed before its passage. Mr. Dubowitz is executive director of the Foundation for Defense of Democracies and head of its Iran Energy Project and Mr. Berman is vice president of the American Foreign Policy Council. To read the entire Op-Ed, click on the title above.

The Senate Homeland Security Committee is scheduled to hold hearings today on companies that have provided Tehran with financial resources for its illicit nuclear program.

These hearings aim to build on steps already taken by Congress to find a nonmilitary means to thwart Iran’s nuclear quest. Indeed, legislators are in conference to iron out the most comprehensive Iran sanctions legislation in 14 years.

But a loophole may allow companies doing business in Iran’s oil and natural gas sectors to evade stronger measures.

The proposed legislation, known as the Iran Refined Petroleum Sanctions Act, targets Iran’s economic Achilles’ heel — the regime’s need to import an estimated 30 percent to 40 percent of Iran’s gasoline from foreign companies.

Tehran lacks adequate refinery capacity to produce enough gasoline itself. Congress seems ready to exploit this shortfall.

US OFFICIAL CITES SETBACKS FOR IRAN'S NUKE PROGRAM

On May 11, 2010, The Washington Post published the following news release about setbacks in Iran's uranium enrichment program that are hindering its capacity to build a nuclear weapon. To read the news release in its entirety, click on the title above.

Setbacks in Iran's uranium enrichment program have significantly delayed its progress toward building a nuclear weapon, President Barack Obama's top nuclear adviser said Tuesday.

The president's coordinator for weapons of mass destruction, Gary Samore, also said that the United States had made clear to Russia that delivering a promised advanced air defense system to Iran would have serious implications on U.S.-Russian relations.

Samore told reporters that he would be surprised if Russia fulfilled Tehran's 2007 order for the S-300 air defense system.

IAEA PRESSES FOR NUKE-FREE MIDEAST

Below is a portion of an article written by E.B. Solomont that was published by the Jerusalem Post on May 2, 2010 about the push by the International Atomic Energy Agency for a nuclear-free Middle East, including Israel. To read the entire article, click on the title above.

Against the backdrop of a UN conference designed to strengthen nuclear nonproliferation, increasing attention is being paid to Israel’s presumed nuclear arsenal, including a focus on the Jewish state by the International Atomic Energy Agency.

Even as diplomats huddle at the United Nations during the second week of a month-long conference, IAEA officials are focusing on Israel amid growing calls for a nuclear weapons-free Middle East.

Indeed, an Arab-backed proposal at the conference, to strengthen the 1970 Nonproliferation Treaty, calls on Israel to sign the NPT as a non-weapon state as part of an initiative to achieve a nuclear-free Middle East. Yet the initiative goes against what Israel has been saying, that Iranian nuclear ambitions pose the biggest regional threat. The head of the UN agency, Yukiya Amano, reportedly sent a letter to 151 nations seeking input on an effort to push Israel to sign the Nonproliferation Treaty.

NETANYAHU: IRAN TRYING TO PROVOKE WAR BETWEEN ISRAEL AND SYRIA

On May 11, 2010, Haaretz published the following article written by Barak Ravid about false rumors being spread by Iran that Israel has intentions to attack Syria. To read the entire article, click on the title above.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Tuesday said that Iran is trying to provoke war between Israel and Syria, during a visit to a Northern Command training base.

"Israel has no intention for war, and this is an effort to spread lies in order to create regional tension," Netanyahu said.

"We want stability and peace," the premier continued. "Israel seeks peace and has no intention to attack its neighbors, despite false rumors."

Responding to a question about Tuesday's meeting between Syrian President Bashar Assad and Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev, Netanyahu said that Israel would welcome any steps toward the resumption of peace talks, including those with Syria.

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CRISIS IN DARFUR

February 2009 marked the sixth anniversary of the beginning of the violence in Darfur, Sudan.  For six years a government-backed militia known as Janjaweed (which in Arabic means, “evil men on horseback”) has continued to engage in a systematic program of expulsion, rape and murderous violence in Darfur, Sudan.  Millions of people now live in displacement camps lacking adequate food, water, shelter, healthcare, and sanitation. Attacks on \civilians continue.  As Jews, we have a particular moral responsibility to speak out and take action against genocide.  

The JCRC remains committed in its fight to end this battle and will continue to bring you facts and articles about this ongoing genocide. (For further information on Darfur, visit the JCRC web site “International” section at www.jcrcdallas.org.)

SUDAN IN CRISIS

Explore the history, people and politics behind one of the world's bloodiest conflicts in this interactive web site by The Washington Post.  Click the title above to be connected to this site.

PEACEKEEPERS VOW TO DEFEND THEMSELVES

AllAfrica.com published the following article written by James Karuhanga on May 13, 2010 about U.N. peacekeepers who have said they will react in self-defense if they are attacked. To read the entire article, click the title above. .

United Nations mission in Darfur (UNAMID) peacekeepers have warned that they will react in self-defence if they are attacked in the western Sudanese troubled region of Darfur.

"We (UNAMID) are going to be very strict in terms of a robust position so that people will be discouraged from even attempting to attack us," Prof. Gambari, who is also the AU-UN Joint Special Representative in Darfur, told a UN Radio on Tuesday.

A meeting of the tripartite mechanism held on Monday in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, discussed the security and safety of the peacekeepers on the ground, particularly after the killing of two Egyptian peacekeepers in South Darfur last week.

"We also want to make it clear that an attack on international peacekeepers is a war crime, a violation of international criminal law," he said.

In the summit, Sudan reportedly pledged to take all necessary measures to guarantee the safety of the peacekeepers.

CONGRESS REVIEWS US POLICY TOWARD SUDAN

Voice of America News published the following article written by Cindy Saine on May 13, 2010 about efforts by Congress to review U.S. policy towards Sudan. To read the article in its entirety, click on the title above.

Several leading U.S. lawmakers say this is a critical moment for Sudan. They called on their congressional colleagues Wednesday to refocus on the country's instability and help shape the Obama administration's policy on Sudan.

Senate Foreign Relations Committee Chairman, Democrat John Kerry chaired a hearing on U.S. policy in Sudan, the comprehensive peace agreement and the ongoing crisis in Darfur.

Kerry noted that the people of southern Sudan are scheduled to vote in a referendum on independence next January, and said every "credible" public opinion survey indicates that they will vote for independence.

U.S. ENVOY GRATION SAYS SUDAN'S PEACE ACCORD IS IN PERIL

Below is an article written by Mary Beth Sheridan that was published in the Washington Post on May 13, 2010 about how negotiations towards a peace accord in Sudan are falling behind schedule. To read the Editorial in its entirety, click on the title above.

Time is running out to salvage a peace accord that ended Africa's longest-running war, a key U.S. official said Wednesday, but he rejected suggestions that the Obama administration is not paying enough attention to the political turmoil in Sudan.

Retired Air Force Maj. Gen. J. Scott Gration, the special envoy to Sudan, acknowledged to the Senate Foreign Relations Committee that preparations for a critical element of the peace accord -- a referendum on independence for southern Sudan -- are behind schedule. Many analysts fear that southern Sudan's secession could result in renewed fighting.

"We have to redouble our efforts," Gration said, adding, "I think it's possible to get done everything we need to get done, but we can't waste another minute."

Sen. Roger Wicker (R-Miss.) asked the envoy whether it would make his job easier if Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton and U.N. Ambassador Susan E. Rice "took a more visible role in this, so as to heighten the level of importance that our American government places on this issue."

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JEWISH COMMUNITY RELATIONS COUNCIL
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