“THE PALESTINIANS never miss an opportunity to miss an opportunity!” – this phrase, coined by Abba Eban, has become a by-word. It also illustrates a wise Talmudic saying: “He who finds fault in others (really) finds his own faults.”No doubt, from the beginning of the conflict, the Palestinians have missed opportunities. But these are negligible … Read more
THOSE WHO listened to the radio news last Saturday heard a stunning report: that Muhammad Abu-Ter and Uri Avnery had barricaded themselves together in a private home in a-Ram.The very fact that these two – the No. 2 man of Hamas and the notorious Israeli leftist – were together was already shocking enough. But the … Read more
PRISON SERVES an important function in the annals of every revolutionary movement. It serves as a college for activists, center for the crystallization of ideas, rallying point for leaders, platform for dialogue between the various factions.For the Palestinian liberation movement, prison plays all these roles and many more. During the 39 years of occupation, hundreds … Read more
SHALL WE start with the good news or the bad news? As confirmed optimists, let’s start with the good news.To paraphrase an old Hebrew saying: Don’t look at the vessel but at what’s not in it. Avigdor Liberman is not in the Israeli government.He made a huge effort to board the ship. He put on … Read more
I DON’T usually tell these stories, because they might give rise to the suspicion that I am paranoid.For example: 27 years ago, I was invited to give a lecture-tour in 30 American universities, including all the most prestigious ones – Harvard, Yale, Princeton, MIT, Berkeley and so on. My host was the Fellowship of Reconciliation, … Read more
TODAY, EHUD Olmert has become the Prime minister of Israel. No longer just a “Deputy Prime Minister”, but now a real one. One hundred days after Ariel Sharon sank into a coma, the job and the title were taken away from him, as the law demands. Olmert is now the acting prime minister of the … Read more
“Advance and be recognized!” the recruit on sentry duty calls out when he hears somebody approaching. “Sergeant Johns!” comes the answer.”Advance and be recognized!” the sentry calls again. “I told you already, I’m Sergeant Johns!” comes the answer.”Advance and be recognized!” the sentry calls for the third time. “What do you think you are doing, … Read more
THE MOST dramatic and the most boring election campaign in our history has mercifully come to an end. Israel looks in the mirror and asks itself: What the hell has happened? On the way to the ballot box, in the center of Tel-Aviv, I could not detect the slightest sign that this was election day. … Read more
I BELIEVE this must be about the 15th time that I am writing an article like this one. On the eve of every national election I set out my doubts and hesitations. I do not tell people how to vote. What I am trying to do is help voters (including myself) to organize their thoughts … Read more