Barack Obama had previously been reticent in responding to Republican campaign attacks over his efforts to deter Iran’s nuclear program, but addressed the issue at a Jewish community fundraising event in New York. Read More »
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European Jewish Press 
Israeli Prime Minister to visit Cyprus in February
Israeli relations with Cyprus have warmed as the Jewish state’s ties with Turkey have deteriorated sharply. JERUSALEM (AFP)—Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will visit Cyprus in February, an official said on Thursday, becoming the country’s first premier to visit the island nation. Read More »
International Holocaust Remembrance Day: new exhibition at Yad Vashem
The exhibition presents approximately 200 works from the Yad Vashem art collection that were created by Jewish artists during the Holocaust to document and commemorate their friends and acquaintances in the ghettos and camps. The portraits on display … Read More »
International Holocaust Remembrance Day to be marked next week in the European parliament
BRUSSELS (EJP)—International Holocaust Remembrance Day, which commemorates every year the liberation of the Auschwitz-Birkenau extermination camp (27 January 1945), will be marked next Tuesday in the European Parliament in Brussels during a special event. Read More »
Hungary PM likened to Chavez and Castro over controversial laws
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban addresses the European Parliament in Strasbourg. STRASBOURG (AFP)—Hungary’s premier Viktor Orban rejected charges of authoritarianism while seeking to head off EU legal for flouting democracy in a fiery European parliament debate Wednesday. Read More »
Netanyahu in Amsterdam synagogue: ‘Palestinians must recognize Israel as a Jewish state’
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, on a two-day visit to Holland, spoke Wednesday at the Amsterdam Portuguese Synagogue. AMSTERDAM (EJP)—Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu hailed the historic ties between the Jewish people and Holland in a speech Wednesday in the 17th-century Portuguese Synagogue in Amsterdam. Read More »
Raul Wallenberg Year launched in Budapest
“He risked his life in a struggle against one of the evil ideologies that has haunted our continent,” Swedish Foreign Minister Carl Bildt (picture) said in the opening speech. “There is a duty never to forget, always to remember. We have to pass on the knowledge of what happened during the Holocaust to generations to come. Read More »
British Deputy PM slammed by Israel after calling settlements ‘deliberate vandalism’
Speaking during a visit by Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas in London, British Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg (L) declared that Israel’s continued settlement building in the West Bank and East Jerusalem caused “immense damage” to the peace process. Read More »
Uproar over first German post-war reprint of ‘Mein Kampf’
“Holocaust survivors are appalled at the insensitivity and crass commercialism that would motivate the publication of Hitler’s hate-filled book in the historic cradle of the Nazi terror regime,” said Elan Steinberg of the American Gathering of Holocaust Survivors and their Descendants. Read More »
Lauder Business School in Vienna: Europe’s unique Jewish University campus
The Lauder Business School in Vienna, Austria. VIENNA (EJP)—The prestigious Lauder Business School (LBS) in Vienna, Europe’s Unique Jewish university, opened registration for the next academic year which will start in October 2012. LBS was founded in 2003 by Ronald S. Read More »
Benjamin Netanyahu travels to Holland, one of Israel’s closest allies in the EU
Johan van Hulst saved hundreds of Jewish children during WWII. He was in 1973 awarded the Yad Vashem Medal of the Righteous. AMSTERDAM (EJP)—Israeli Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu travels to Holland on Wednesday, one of his country’s best friends in Europe. Read More »
German socialist Martin Schulz elected EU Parliament chief
German socialist Martin Schulz is applauded by members of the European Parliament in Strasbourg on January 17, 2012 after being elected to head the EU Parliament. Read More »
KGB blocked Wallenberg probe, Sweden knew, say researchers
Soviet and later Russian officials have claimed Raul Wallenberg died in Soviet custody on July 17, 1947, but have never produced any proof. Read More »
‘Mein Kampf’ set for first German post-war reprint
The design of the front cover of the planned reprints of ‘Mein Kampf’ excerpts by British publisher Peter McGee. The Central Council of Jews is taking a far more relaxed view of the publication than it did with the Nazi newspapers in 2009. Dieter Graumann, the president of the council, said he hoped that the reprints would “demystify” the book. Read More »
Auschwitz museum files complaint over smuggled WWII files
WARSAW (AFP)—The Auschwitz Museum on Monday filed a criminal complaint with Polish prosecutors on the heels of media reports that rare documents on the former Nazi German death camp were smuggled out of Poland. “We’ve notified prosecutors (… Read More »
Anti-Israeli hackers hit ally Azerbaijan’s websites
BAKU/TEL AVIV (AFP-EJP)—Anti-Israeli hackers attacked official websites in the Jewish state’s mainly Muslim ally Azerbaijan on Monday, the same day as several Israeli sites were also threatened. Read More »
800 women from 40 Jewish communities convene for WIZO conference in Israel
Helena Glaser (center), outgoing President of World WIZO: “WIZO, supported by the Jewish communities in the world, will not let women in Israeli society be pushed aside, therefore damaging the character of the State. Read More »
Top British university probes ‘Nazi game assault’
The prestigious London School of Economics. LONDON (AFP)—A prestigious British university was on Monday investigating claims that a Jewish student was assaulted during a Nazi-themed drinking game while on a ski holiday in France. Read More »
The noose is tightening
Boaz Bismuth. What a coincidence. Two U.S. aircraft carriers are sailing off the Iranian coast and a third is on its way, just as Iran threatens to close the Strait of Hormuz. Read More »
Martin Schulz: from Berlusconi foe to EU Parliament chief
German Socialist Martin Schulz (picture) is set to succeed former Polish Prime Minister Jerzy Buzek, a conservative, at the helm of the parliament. Read More »
Bulgaria, Israel sign training, arms industry deals
Bulgarian Defence Minister Anyu Angelov is welcomed in Israel by his Israeli counterpart Ehud Barak. Israel and Bulgaria enjoy close ties. SOFIA (AFP)—Bulgaria and Israel signed two military accords for joint army trainings and defence industry cooperation on Sunday, Bulgaria’s defence ministry announced. Read More »
Bulgaria, Israel to sign military accords
Bulgaria’s Defence Minister Anu Angelo on a 2-day visit to Israel from Monday. SOFIA (AFP)—Bulgaria’s Defence Minister will sign two accords with Israel on a two-day visit from Monday that will also see him meet counterpart Ehud Barak, his office said. Read More »
In Florida speech, Mitt Romney criticizes President Obama on Israel
Republican presidential front-runner Mitt Romney spoke Thursday in West Palm Beach. MIAMI (EJP)—Speaking in West Palm Beach, Florida, Republican presidential front-runner Mitt Romney on Thursday criticized President Barack Obama for his stance on Israel, telling the crowd that if elected in November he would “stand with our friends. Read More »
Israel’s ambassador to the European Union moved to Berlin
Yaacov Hadas-Handelsman, who is currently in Brussels, will be Israel’s next envoy to Germany. JERUSALEM/BRUSSELS (EJP)—Israel’s current ambassador to the European Union and NATO, Yaacov Hadas-Handelsman, is to become the next ambassador in Germany. The decision was made by the Israeli foreign ministry’s appointment committee. Read More »
Los Angeles Cop in Mel Gibson anti-Semitic tirade gets trial
James Mee alleges that his bosses ordered him to remove parts of his report about Gibson’s arrest, “effectively participating in covering up the anti-Semitic posture of Mr Gibson,” said his lawyers. Read More »
European Rabbis call for protection of religious freedoms in Egypt after Cairo cancels annual
Rabbi Yaacov Abuhatzeira, a well-known Jewish mystic and religious leader who is buried in the Egyptian city of Damanhour. Read More »
Catherine Ashton calls for immediate investigation into the death of French journalist in Syria
Gilles Jacquier, 43, a France 2 television reporter, was killed on Wednesday fter a rocket-propelled grenade landed among a group of journalists covering a demonstration in Syria’s city of Homs. Read More »
Belgium opens inquiry after diamond trade controversy
BRUSSELS (AFP)—Belgium’s government ordered an inquiry Wednesday linked to a growing controversy over possible tax fraud amid diamond traders in the port city of Antwerp. Read More »
French TV journalist killed in Syria
The French journalist was killed in the city of Homs where several anti-government demonstrations have taken place. PARIS (EJP)—A French television journalist was killed in unknown circumstances in Homs, Syria, France 2 channel said Wednesday, French media reported. Read More »
Egypt tells Israel Jewish festival is cancelled
The annual Jewish festival in the Nile Delta draws every year thousands of Israeli and other Jews who flock from all over the world to celebrate the birthday of a Abu Hassira, a Moroccan Jew whom they revere as a holy man. Read More »
2011 saw record number of visitors to Auschwitz
The number of young people visiting Auschwitz grew by 150, 000 last year. WARSAW (EJP)– Over 1.4 million people visited the site of the former Nazi death camp of Auschwitz in 2011, according to figures released by the Auschwitz Museum. Read More »
Greece, Israel pledge to boost defence ties
Israeli Defence Minister Ehud Barak (L) welcomed by his Greek counterpart Dimitris Avramopoulos on Tuesday in Athens. ATHENS (AFP-EJP)—Greece and Israel pledged Tuesday to boost defence cooperation with a view to improving regional stability, their Defence Ministers told reporters. Read More »
Ethiopian-Israelis rally against racism
Around 2,000 Israelis of Ethiopian origin staged a rally against racism on Tuesday in Kyriat Malachi, seeking to highlight discrimination they face, notably when trying to find housing. Read More »
Yad Vashem to revoke ‘Righteous Among the Nations’ title from Belgian official ?
The wall of the Rigtheous Among The Nations in Yad Vashem, Jerusalem. JERUSALEM (EJP-AFP)—Yad Vashem, the Holocaust Memorial and Research Institute, has opened an investigation into revoking the title of “Righteous Among the Nations” from a Belgian official credited with saving hundreds of lives during the Holocaust. Read More »
Tunisia Islamist leader condemns anti-Semitic slogans
Rached Ghannouchi, the leader of the Ennahda party that won the most seats in Tunisia’s landmark post-revolution polls in October, accused “lobbies in Europe of trying to sully Tunisia’s image and the revolution’s achievements”. Read More »
Israeli and British ministers discuss Iranian threat
British Minister for the Middle East Alistair Burt. JERUSALEM (EJP)—Israel’s Deputy Foreign Minister Danny Ayalon and British Minister for the Middle East Alistair Burt discussed the threat posed by Iran’s nuclear ambitions, especially in light of Read More »
President Obama names observant Jew as his next chief of staff
From L to R: Jack Lew, President Barack Obama and William Daley. WASHINGTON (EJP)—US President Barack Obama has named an observant Jew with long experience of Capitol Hill and close Jewish community ties as his new chief of staff, one of the most consuming jobs in the United States. Read More »
‘Just One Shabbat’ in Athens: Hundreds of young Jews took part in countdown to 2012
ATHENS (EJP)—Hundreds of young Jews from 20 countries worldwide spent the countdown weekend to 2012 in Athens, Greece, only days after the celebration of Hanukah, the Jewish holiday commemorating the ancient story of the small band of Maccabees defeating the mighty Greeks. Read More »
German MEP likely to succeed Polish President of the European Parliament
Martin Schulz will become the President of the European Parliament on January 17. BRUSSELS (EJP)—German MEP Martin Schulz, the current chairman of the Group of Progessive Alliance of Socialists and Democrats, is likely to become the new President of the European Parliament for two years later this month. Read More »
‘Just One Shabbat’ in Athens: Hundreds of young Jews took part in countdown to 2012
‘Just One Shabbat’ under the Greek sun in Athens. Young Jews from across Europe and elsewhere keep on coming back to such events not only for the great trips and exciting locations but more importantly for the warm, welcoming atmosphere and life-long friendships that are made every time. Read More »
Jordan hosts new low-key Israeli-Palestinian meeting
The Israeli-Palestinian meeting in Amman was the first since direct talks stalled in late 2010. Representatives of the Quartet, including its Mideast envoy Tony Blair, also attended the meeting. Read More »
Ahmadinejad’s Latin America “tour of tyrants”
Andres Oppenheimer, columnist at the Miami Herald, covers Latin America. Iranian President Mahmud Ahmadinejad will be visiting Latin America this week for the fifth time since 2007 — as often as U.S. presidents over the same period, and visiting more countries than them. He must have powerful reasons to spend so much time in the region. Read More »
Iranian president tours US foes in Latin America
CARACAS (AFP)—Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, under growing pressure from debilitating Western economic sanctions, starts a Latin America tour Sunday aimed at shoring up ties with his few remaining allies. Read More »
Israel population tops 7.8 mn
JERUSALEM (AFP)—The population of Israel topped 7.8 million at the end of 2011, according to figures published by the Central Bureau of Statistics. The 7,836,000 total was made up of 5,901,000 Jews (75.3%), 1,610,000 Arabs (20.5%) and 325,000 others (4.2%). Read More »
‘Israel will not accept restrictions on Jewish religious freedom in Europe’
Danny Danon, Likud MK and chairman of the Knesset immigration and diaspora affairs committee: “We shall call on European parliaments and the European Union to put a stop to this. Read More »
ADL outraged by use of concentration camp photo in Dubai fitness ad
NEW YORK (EJP)—The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) has expressed outrage at the use of a photo of a Nazi concentration camp in a promotional campaign for a Dubai gym. Read More »
Former Israel PM indicted for graft in property scandal
Ehud Olmert was mayor of Jerusalem from 1993 to 2003 after which he served as a cabinet minister, holding the trade and industry portfolio as well as several others, until he became premier in 2006. Read More »
White supremacist planned to kill Abraham Foxman ?
Danny Lee Warner, 33, was arrested last week in Arizona the day after his estranged wife received a letter saying that he planned to kill “niggers and Jews” in New York until the government “stopped him. Read More »
New York firebombing ignites Muslim tensions
NEW YORK (AFP)—New York police arrested a man Tuesday over the firebombing of a mosque, but some say the incident reflects much deeper tensions faced by Muslim New Yorkers — and that police are partly to blame. Police say they are investigating whether the throwing of Molotov cocktails at an Islamic center and four other sites were hate crimes. Read More »
Jordan ‘seeks image boost’ by hosting Mideast meet
The Israeli-Palestinian meeting in Amman comes two weeks ahead of a planned visit by Jordan’s King Abdullah II (picture) to the United States, AMMAN (AFP)—Jordan is seeking to boost its international image by hosting a rare Israeli-Palestinian Read More »
John Paul II’s Jewish childhood friend dies
Jerzy Kluger (L), the late Pope John Paul II’s Jewish childhood friend in Poland, died over the weekend at the age of 90 in Rome. ROME (AFP)—Jerzy Kluger, the late Pope John Paul II’s Jewish childhood friend in Poland, died over the weekend at the age of 90 in Rome where he had lived for decades, the ANSA news agency reported. Read More »
German Jewish leader ‘ashamed of haredim wearing yellow star’
Dieter Graumann, President of the Central Council of Jews in Germany: ‘I was shocked by the pictures.’ BERLIN (AFP)—The President of the Central Council of Jews in Germany, Dieter Graumann, said that he was “ashamed of the haredi-religious Jews who protested in Jerusalem while wearing a yellow star. Read More »
Muslims boycott NY mayor event over alleged spying
Some 350 members of different religions, including some Muslims, met at an interreligious breakfast that Michael Bloomberg hosted at a room in the New York Public Library. Read More »
Israel officials slam Holocaust symbols at protest
The demonstration in the ultra-Orthodox Jerusalem neighbourhood of Mea Shearim attracted hundreds of men and boys, some wearing yellow stars and others the striped uniforms of the Nazi death camps. Read More »
Swiss acknowledge those who helped Jews flee Nazis
GENEVA (AFP)—Switzerland said it had finally finished the process of rehabilitating more than a hundred people punished during WWII for having helped Jews escape Nazi persecution. But only one of the 137 people vindicated by the report actually lived to see their name cleared. Read More »
EU envoys concerned about Israel’s Arab minority
JERUSALEM (AFP)—European Union ambassadors in Israel have voiced concern about the Jewish state’s treatment of its Arab minority, in an unprecedented report on the issue obtained by AFP. Read More »
Belgium police detain members of Islamist group over harassment in Antwerp
Sharia4Belgium, a Salafist mouvement, wants Islamic law to be introduced in Belgium. BRUSSELS (AFP-EJP)— Belgian police on Wednesday detained 15 members of a radical Salafist Islamic group after they harassed passers-by in the city of Antwerp and shouted anti-Western slogans, police said. Read More »
Turkish passports key to untold tale of Holocaust survivors
The “Turkish Passport”recounts memories known mainly to 19 diplomats and the Jews they saved from German Nazi death camps. It is based on testimonies by witnesses and their relatives. Read More »
Jewish organization raises alarm about the level of intermarriage among European students
EJU CEOn Tomer Orni: “Raising assimilation rates is indeed a troubling phenomenon. There is still much more to be done. The good news is that there are more engagement opportunities now for Jewish students across Europe who wish to get involved… Read More »
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