from the Jerusalem Post: The Other Side of Wikipedia Most of us have come to realize, it's too late for Wikipedia, as far as Israel is concerned. The "Npov" crowd (an acronym for the supposedly Neutral Point of View of Wikipedia editors) have basically installed themselves in the positions of editorial authority that control the site. Wikipedia editors gave CAMERA a hard time for trying to do something (how dare they!) about the consistent anti-Israel opinions on the Wikipedia site (http://tinyurl.com/55v9l9)... So, for someone looking for the truth about Israel, Wikpedia is pretty much a dead end - it seems to carry only the "truth" as approved by the international Arab propaganda machine. But other Wiki projects prove that it's Wikipedia that's out of step - and that it's possible to … Continue Reading
Around Our Jewish World
A few links of interest to themes on our blog: A birthday gift Of the $1 billion a year in Jewish philanthropy, how much do you think goes to advertise in the mainstream media the numerous contributions Israel makes to humanity? Virtually zero. Hasbara 2.0 (beware of bugs) Several recent stories shine a light on the challenges and opportunities of the new YouTube-era environment that Israel and its advocates are operating in. Israel.com up for auction You would think Israel.com would be an exciting, detailed Web site on the Jewish state, designed to attract tourists from abroad. But when the Web address is punched in to your Internet browser, all you get is a simple page with an Israeli flag smack in the middle. perhaps one of our major philanthropists will consider acquiring … Continue Reading
A Superb Look at 60 from CNBC
Business Under Fire; Israel at 60 War has been a central part of life in Israel since the country became a nation 60 years ago. So it would seem counter-intuitive, then, that the country's economic growth has been just as steady, just as constant. check out this extensive feature from the Home of the Peacock. Shabbat Shalom from Jerusalem. … Continue Reading
Israel Cool
As a small country with limited natural resources, Israel depends on its most important natural resource -- her people. Her achievements are uniquely her own, a mixture of high idealism, ingenuity and self-reliance. In almost 60 short years, Israel has accomplished what many nations haven't been able to do in centuries. Israel's one natural resource is its brainpower; with a driving demand for survival and success against all odds, Israel developed an energetic and ambitious society. Shabbat Shalom from Jerusalem. [youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CeVvMJdvEX8&feature=related[/youtube] … Continue Reading
What Does It Mean to be an Israel-Engaged Synagogue?
As the central hub in which most affiliated Jews express their sense of Jewish commitment and belonging, the synagogue is a natural place to deepen the relationship to Israel. And so, a new endeavor began in Jerusalem yesterday as a group of American participants have come together to discuss, What does it mean to be an Israel-engaged synagogue. Their five day itinerary brings together key people, professionals and lay leaders, from throughout the Jewish community whose work and passion are committed to Jewish life and the synagogue. Abraham Joshua Heschel writes that "The land is a text." Their journey begins with the belief that the Land of Israel embodies Judaism, and stands as a dynamic and living Jewish text. Their seminar is built around the understanding that this Land/Text must be hugged, … Continue Reading
The New Hasbara
Let's face it: Israel has a reputation for a less than stellar performance with Hasbara. This is not new; in fact it has existed for a couple of decades regardless of which political party controls the Israeli government. Nowhere is this more apparent than on the college campuses of North America; Montreal, New York, Philly and San Fransisco, in particular, have a well-deserved reputation for being particularly un-hospitable to pro-Israeli messages. Now come a few new endeavors hoping to change perceptions. In New York, we have Fuel for Truth, an organization whose mission is to disseminate accurate information about Israel and the Middle East. According to an article in the current issue of New Voices Magazine, FFT has taken a new and creative approach to Hasbara: "Israel advocacy is a … Continue Reading
The New Hasbara, continued
Taking a completely different approach, and utilizing the world of music and Israeli artists to promote Israel, we have Oleh!Records. With initial funding from The Pratt Foundation, The Bronfman Family Foundation and the Orion Fund, young Jeremy Hulsh launched the label thirteen months ago. A recent Oleh, Jeremy was inspired by what he perceived as shortcomings in the Israeli music scene. "I noticed that the entire music industry in Israel is based on white hype, and that there needs to be a credible institution that nurtures indie and alternative music if this scene is going to be taken seriously." And so was born Oleh!, a nonprofit with the goal of creating sustainable careers for all their artists. Now, in year two, and with a goal of promoting local Israeli bands abroad, they have … Continue Reading
Building Bridges Through Music
The Jewish, Muslim and Arab communities at the University of Pennsylvania made history Tuesday night. With the launch of a new collaborative initiative called Bridging the Gap, these communities took a step toward building long-lasting working relationships within the Penn community. Through dialogue and cultural events, this program hopes to foster a sense of mutual understanding that "is often lacking in the world today," said Mariam Ezz, Wharton senior and president of Penn Arab Student Society. "While there will always be a place for partisan events on campus, an initiative like Bridging the Gap will expose Jewish, Arab and Muslim students to a way of thinking that will foster compassion and mutual understanding," added Ezz. "I found it ironic that we hope people in places like Israel will … Continue Reading
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