Israeli Government

Partners for Progressive Israel (Meretz USA) Statement on Palestinian Application for Full UN Membership

editor — Sun, 18 Sep 2011 06:49:15 -0700

On Sunday, September 18, 2011, Partners for Progressive Israel (Meretz USA) President Dina B. Charnin, Chair Theodore Bikel, and Executive Director Ron Skolnik issued the following statement on behalf of the organization:

The Palestinian decision to advance their statehood drive via the United Nations, and outside the framework of negotiations with Israel, is a diplomatic turning point that creates risks but also offers new openings for progress toward peace. For the benefit of both the Jewish and Palestinian peoples, we urge the government of Israel to focus on the positive elements we expect to be contained in the Palestinian request, as outlined below, and to refrain from precipitous responses that would escalate tension and serve the agenda of both sides' extremists.

While we were watching the flotilla

editor — Fri, 08 Jul 2011 11:12:56 -0700

Until I read this morning's Israeli newspapers, I thought I was going to use this platform to discuss the flotilla and the fly-in protest. After all, these two related campaigns have dominated the Israel-Palestine conversation for several weeks. It's what everyone's talking about.

But as I clicked through to the various articles in today's Haaretz, I was disturbed to discover that, with all eyes glued to the Audacity of Hope, the Juliano Mer and the other flotilla vessels, Israel's government was busy promoting some rather dreadful measures that too few are paying to attention to. So rather than write the thousand and first treatment of the Gaza situation (important issue though it is), I decided instead to discuss land expropriation, the ‘boycott bill', and an initiative to undermine the funding of Israeli human rights organizations.

Does anti-settlements equal anti-Israel?

editor — Fri, 11 Mar 2011 11:54:56 -0800

Has opposition to the entrenchment of Israel's West Bank settlements become the new litmus test for whether one can be defined as "pro-Israel"? Two developments in recent weeks suggest this is the case.

Buy Israel – Don’t Buy Settlements (They’re not the Same)

editor — Tue, 15 Feb 2011 07:57:43 -0800

Buy Israel - Don't Buy Settlements (They're not the Same)

On February 15, 2011, Meretz USA President, Dr. Moises Salinas-Fleitman, and chair Theodore Bikel issued the following statement on behalf of the organization.

Based on our love of Israel, and our sincere, abiding and growing concern for the State of Israel's secure and democratic future, Meretz USA for Israeli Civil Rights and Peace, a longstanding affiliate of the American Zionist Movement, wishes to clarify our position regarding various manifestations of the boycott/divestment/sanctions (BDS) tactics being employed around the world, including in Israel itself.

Egypt’s democratic revolution – Israel’s strategic concerns

editor — Fri, 11 Feb 2011 09:56:02 -0800

Throughout the 2 ½ weeks of Egypt's continuing democracy revolution, which has reached a crescendo with Hosni Mubarak's resignation just hours ago, Israel's senior political and military echelons have maintained a cautious approach, and a relatively low profile.

Feb. 1-26: Meretz USA Board member (and former Exec. Dir.), Charney Bromberg, on Shalom TV

editor — Mon, 07 Feb 2011 10:21:46 -0800

Start: 02/26/2011 - 6:00pm

End: 02/26/2011 - 8:00pm

Meretz USA Board member (and former Executive Director), Charney Bromberg, was a recent panelist on the Shalom TV cable network, taking part in a discussion that debated the question: Are Israel's West Bank settlements obstacles to peace?

With co-panelist Yishai Fleisher, director of programming for Arutz 7, the pro-settlement radio station in Israel, and a West Bank settler leader.

The panel discussion can be viewed online by clicking here. It will also be available Free On Demand on most cable TV systems any time between February 1-26. Go to www.shalomtv.com and click on "Find Us" on the menu bar to find out the channel numbers on your cable system. Once at the Shalom TV channel, the program can be found in the category, News and Israel, and is entitled, "Israeli Settlements & Peace: Debate"

Meretz USA statement on the UN resolution regarding Israel’s West Bank settlement activity

editor — Fri, 21 Jan 2011 09:34:39 -0800

As the UN Security Council deliberates on a resolution condemning Israeli settlement construction over the Green Line, we appeal to the Israeli government to act in the country’s best interest, in the interest of peace, and in the spirit of friendship with the US, and implement a complete, effective settlement freeze, unlimited in time and including the area of annexed East Jerusalem.

Meretz USA Executive Director, Ron Skolnik, on Shalom TV thru Jan. 22

editor — Mon, 27 Dec 2010 12:23:47 -0800

Start: 01/22/2011 - 6:00pm

End: 01/22/2011 - 8:00pm

Meretz USA Executive Director, Ron Skolnik, was a recent panelist on the Shalom TV cable network, taking part in a discussion that recapped the most important events impacting Israel in 2010.

With co-panelists Neal Sher (past exec. director of AIPAC), Steven Bayme (AJC), and Binyamin "Buddy" Korn (former director of CAMERA) .

The panel discussion can be viewed online by clicking here. It will also be available Free On Demand on most cable TV systems any time between December 26-January 22. Go to www.shalomtv.com and click on "Find Us" on the menu bar to find out the channel numbers on your cable system. Once at the Shalom TV channel, the program can be found in the category, News and Israel, and is entitled, "2010 Retrospective: Israel"

Former Meretz MK, Avshalom ("Abu") Vilan, on Shalom TV thru Jan. 8

editor — Wed, 15 Dec 2010 10:33:17 -0800

Start: 01/08/2011 - 6:00pm

End: 01/08/2011 - 8:00pm

A talk by Meretz official and former MK Avshalom ("Abu") Vilan at the Meretz USA offices in Beit Shalom was filmed by Shalom TV and segments are now available on television and the web.

Amongst the issues covered, Abu Vilan surveys Israeli public opinion, the balance of power in the current Knesset, the possible demise of the Labor Party and why so many Israelis love Avigdor Lieberman and won't vote for Meretz.

To view an edited version of the talk online, click here
(the talk itself starts at minute 5:00)

It is also available Free On Demand on most cable TV systems from December 12th through Saturday night, January 8th. Go to www.shalomtv.com and click on "Find Us" on the menu bar to find out the channel numbers on your cable system. Once at the Shalom TV channel, the program can be found in the category, News and Israel.

Meretz chair: Ariel boycotters are worthy of support; Yisrael Beiteinu are a “bunch of thugs”

editor — Fri, 12 Nov 2010 11:54:31 -0800

Meretz party chair, Haim Oron, this week lashed out at the anti-democratic voices in the Likud and Yisrael Beiteinu parties who have called for action against the performing artists who refuse to appear in the West Bank.