December 21, 2012
NeghborhoodAN INCREASINGLY VOLATILE 
NEIGHBORHOOD FOR ISRAEL 
Abas-Asad- Morsi

A current scan of populations surrounding Israel reveals an increasingly problematic reality for Israel's domestic and international affairs.  After the UN Vote to grant an upgraded observer status to Palestinian representatives, a hostile and combative mood has challenged what had been steadily increasing cooperation between Arabs and Jews living in the West Bank.
 
An embattled President Morsi in Egypt brings into question not only the stability of Egypt - and her borders - but also where Egypt may be heading with this newly proposed constitution that more radical elements in the government are trying to impose. 
 
And in what may be the more present and existential threat for Israel on her borders, the continually devolving situation in Syria brings rocket fire and refugees right to Israel's doorstep. From reports that Bashar al Assad is preparing to use chemical weapons on his own population to reports that factions even more hostile to Israel may be emerging on the Golan - Syria's civil war presents little that is positive for Israel right now.
 
To add to the Syria problem, thousands of refugees are now fleeing into Jordan to escape the carnage and to what extent that could de-stabilize the government in Amman is a very real concern.
 
In a world where taking action for Israel is dependent upon knowing what is happening around her - these developing situations demand a vigilant eye.  Whether we are communicating with our friends, colleagues, or legislators, our knowledge of the very real challenges Israel faces daily are vital to understanding her actions and needs.
 
The stories below are meant to assist in synthesizing these complex situations and present an analysis of the very real implications for Israel.
 
- Have We Lost Egypt? (Eric Trager and Nathan Brown)
 
Turkey
TROUBLING DEVELOPMENTS FOR THE JEWISH COMMUNITY
IN TURKEYMarmara

Turkey's National Intelligence Organization (MIT) has launched an investigation of at least five Turkish citizens it believes collaborated with Israel in the 2010 takeover of the Gaza-bound ship Mavi Marmara, according to Turkish media reports.

 

(MIT believes the suspects either assisted the Israeli troops who boarded the vessel or later took part in the interrogation of the ship's activists in Israel, the Turkish daily Yeni Şafak reported on Friday (12/14/12).

 

A representative of Turkish Jews in Israel expressed concern that the government in Ankara was targeting the country's Jewish community.

 

(Read more ... )

 

- Turkish Jews Forced to Choose (IPT Blog)

- Jews in Turkey After the Mavi Marmara (Max Blumenthal)

 


 
SPEAKERS AND AVAILABLE RESOURCES

To arrange a speaker, obtain available resources, or to discuss Israel related programming for your synagogue or organization, please contact David Cohen at dcohen@jfgp.org or 215-832-0549
 

 

IN THE NEWS: 
 
Avigdor Lieberman Resigns 
 
 
Israeli Elections
2013
 
 
E-1 Construction Plans

  

Chuck Hagel

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UPCOMING EVENTS
 
Benefit for the Community Mikveh
January 3-6
Temple Beth Hillel-Beth El
1001 Remington Rd., Wynnewood 
 
Renaissance Group
Evening with Shlomo Avni

Israeli "Navy Seal" and Founder of Nirim in the Neighborhoods
January 9 - 6:30 pm
2100 Arch St., Philadelphia
(click HERE to register)

"From Oranges to Internet"
January 15 - 7:30 to 9:30 pm
Congregation Beth Or
239 East Welsh Road, Ambler
(click HERE to register)
 
The Post Election Landscape
January 24 - 7:00 pm
Mainline Reform Temple
410 Montgomery Ave., Wynnewood
(click HERE to register)
    
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