First-time readers have more difficulty decoding Arabic than English
HAIFA (Press Release)–The brain’s right hemisphere is not involved in the initial processes of reading in Arabic, due to the graphic complexity of Arabic script. Therefore reading acquisition in Arabic is much harder in comparison to English.
This has been shown in a series of studies that were carried out at the Department of Psychology and the Edmond J. Safra Brain Research Center for the Study of Learning Disabilities at the University of Haifa. These studies have been published in the prestigious journal Neuropsychology.
Over the past ten years, much data has indicated that reading acquisition in Arabic is slower and harder than in other languages. The series of studies, carried out by Prof. Zohar Eviatar and Dr. Raphiq Ibrahim, examined the assumption that this difficulty is due to the visual complexity of the written Arabic system. The researchers explain that Arabic has a number of very similar graphic symbols representing different letters and sounds, distinguished only by very slight differences such as lines or dots, as well as sounds that are represented by a variety of different symbols.
In order to establish whether this complexity causes perceptual overload, the researchers carried out a series of studies comparing children’s and adults’ reading speed and accuracy in their mother tongue Arabic, Hebrew (a language similar to Arabic) and English (a very dissimilar language to Arabic), and also examined the speed and accuracy of processing Arabic, Hebrew and English words in readers whose mother tongue is Arabic only.
The results have revealed that the right brain is involved in the reading process for English and Hebrew, but not for Arabic. The authors explained that in Arabic, identifying the number and location of dots that is critical in order to differentiate between letters, is a hard task for the right brain since that hemisphere primarily utilizes global information in order to identify letters. The overall findings support the hypothesis that the complexity results in high perceptual load, contributing to the difficulty and slowness of processing in reading Arabic.
“This means that children acquiring languages other than Arabic draw on the use of both hemispheres in the first stages of learning to read, while children learning to read Arabic do not have the participation of the right brain. Hence, it may be the case that reading processes take longer to be automatized in Arabic. The native Arabic-speaking child is faced with more of a challenge, requiring more practice and particular pedagogic effort – which demonstrates the need for systematic professional involvement in the teaching of Arabic reading, especially for those who have learning difficulties,” the researchers concluded.
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Preceding provided by the University of Haifa
Titus Redux: A modern well-done redo of Titus Andronicus
By Cynthia Citron
Cynthia Citron
CULVER CITY, California–Ever since I saw him play the title role in More Lies About Jerzy I have been a confirmed Jack Stehlin groupie. I’d go to see him in anything. But in the case of John Farmanesh-Bocca’s new play, Titus Redux, that’s a little more arduous than it might seem.
A two-hour do-over of Shakespeare’s Titus Andronicus, the play, conceived, choreographed, and directed by Farmanesh-Bocca, retains the spectacular highlights of Shakespeare’s most gruesome drama: war, murder, incest, rape, dismemberment, beheading, and cannibalism. (But at least the blood and gore remains all over the characters, rather than all over the stage, as it was in the recent production of Martin McDonagh’s The Lieutenant of Inishmore).
In this production, now having its world premiere at the Kirk Douglas Theatre, Titus is a heavily medaled war hero returning from Afghanistan with the ashes of his dead warrior son. Having been gone for 10 years (shades of Odysseus!), he is returning to the bosom of his family: his wife Tamora (the Queen of the Goths in Shakespeare’s version) and his two remaining sons, Chiron and Demetrius, and his daughter Lavinia. He and they, as one might expect, have differing views of war: Titus seeing it as noble and heroic, Tamora declaiming its futility.
As Titus is plagued by war flashbacks arrestingly projected on an immense screen, we watch him disintegrate into madness. We are introduced to Aaron, his wife’s lover (a Moor in Shakespeare’s version, but played by Farmanesh-Bocca here), and to Marcus Andronicus, a tribune of Rome and Titus’ brother.
There is a modicum of Shakespearean language, but more often the players speak in twenty-first century vernacular as the present replicates the ancient past. In switching back and forth in time the play is enhanced by its striking special effects, stirring music, and spectacular choreography. The company, which features actors from Farmanesh-Bocca’s Not Man Apart-Physical Theatre Ensemble, move their bodies so expressively that they could almost present the play without words. In the scene where the two would-be rapists chase Lavinia, for example, the three players perform leaps and falls and rollovers so filled with tension that they make the actual rape appear almost an afterthought.
There are also extraordinarily choreographed, almost robotic war scenes, with Titus and two fellow soldiers moving in tandem to the sound of gunfire. In fact, the overall mounting of this production is incredibly fine. Among the best I’ve seen.
The cast is uniformly excellent, including Brenda Strong as Tamora, Margeaux London as Lavinia, Dash Pepin and Vincent Cardinale as Titus’ sons Demetrius and Chiron, and Nicholas Hormann as Titus’ brother, Marcus Andronicus.
And then, of course, there’s the amazing Jack Stehlin, who emotes and throws himself around the stage for two hours and never breaks a sweat! At the end of the day, I’m still a fascinated fan and will run to see anything that he and his Circus Theatricals company choose to produce.
Titus Redux will be presented at the Kirk Douglas Theatre, 9820 Washington Blvd. in Culver City Tuesdays through Saturdays at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 7 through September 12th. Call 877-369-9112 for tickets. But better hurry—there are only 14 performances scheduled.
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Citron is Los Angeles bureau chief for San Diego Jewish World
There are alternatives to the ‘two-state’ solution
By Bruce S. Ticker
Bruce S. Ticker
PHILADELPHIA–Low expectations, or no expectations, can only benefit the revived Middle East peace talks.
As Tevye in “Fiddler on the Roof” assesses his future son-in-law, Motel the tailor, we can characterize the Israeli and Arab leaders’ prospects thus: “They have absolutely nothing. On the other hand, things could never get worse for them. They could only get better.”
To the surprise of only the most optimistic, the average observer fully anticipates the new talks to fizzle out before the one-year self-imposed deadline ends. The Washington Post signaled that this new development hardly constitutes major news by running the story of the announcement on page two.
With expectations so low, Israelis and Arabs might not be too disappointed if the talks are unproductive. It will be all the more an impressive surprise if Israel and the Arabs reach a settlement that will improve the lives of both peoples.
In typical inside-the-box thinking, they are operating on the assumption that an independent Palestinian state is the solution. Is that the only possible solution?
A Palestinian state could founder for any number of reasons: Israeli security concerns, unknown governing abilities, the undersized dimensions of the territory, excessive Arab demands, divided Arab factions, settler resistance to expulsion and so on. Said Palestinian state could be dependent on international support for years, maybe forever.
There are other possibilities which are presented here as raw concepts. They are likewise vulnerable to failure. Present realities alone, such as Hamas’ stranglehold on Gaza, could preclude their chances of success:
Annex Alternative – On paper, this concept makes the most sense. Egypt would annex Gaza and Jordan would negotiate with Israel to annex part of the West Bank. Egypt is located adjacent to Gaza, and the West Bank is separated from Jordan by the narrow Jordan River. Egypt and Jordan both have peace treaties with Israel and will provide a ready-made defense operation. As Arabs, most of their citizens share the same religion and traditions.
Downside: The leaders of both Egypt and Jordan want nothing to do with the territories, which ironically they spent 25 years trying to seize by force. They fear that extremists will attempt to undermine their governments. Likewise, Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas has dismissed such an arrangement.
Disengagement, again – Israel would unilaterally pull out of the West Bank with the exception of the Jerusalem suburbs. Unlike the Gaza pullout, Israel would maintain a military presence to prevent attacks on Israel proper and arms smuggling from Jordan. While some believe Israel has a right to occupy the West Bank, the territory has been a burden since both settlers and the troops assigned to protect them have been vulnerable to attacks.
Downside: The Palestinian Authority will probably balk at such a move and many settlers will resolve to remain in place. Israel should go through the motions of consulting beforehand with both parties. If the authority refuses to cooperate, that is their decision. Israel should not try to forcibly remove the settlers, and let them know that they are on their own; consider that many settlers have military experience and have no doubt assembled arsenals of their own.
Knesset in Charge – Israel would continue to occupy the territories in a shared governance arrangement. The West Bank and Gaza (assuming that Hamas is contained) would be formed as provinces or states of Israel. The citizens would vote for their own elected officials who will be responsible for all locally-oriented services and Israel would administer programs which affect both Israel proper and the territories.
Downside: While the Palestinian Authority would condemn this plan for lesser reasons, they would oppose the denial of voting rights for national elections. This plan is designed as a compromise so that citizens of the territories can elect officials responsible for direct local needs. However, their inability to vote in national elections would preclude them from dominating the national government. This is an admission that, if it comes down to it, Israel must remain Jewish as the sovereign power. Israel was created as a Jewish state in the middle of far larger Muslim-dominated countries.
Turkish Dish – The bloody flotilla incident could offer a silver lining. The Turkish government and a controversial charity organization claimed they are deeply concerned about the fate of Gaza’s citizens. They have a chance to prove it: Annex Gaza and maybe the West Bank. Turkey can govern one or both territories and set everything right. They have the resources and their close relationship with Hamas might permit a peaceful end to Hamas’ chokehold. Turkey is close enough geographically to Gaza for ready access, but far enough that Gaza is not positioned to undermine its government. Turkey would be responsible for security and must answer for any lapses.
Downside: Obviously, Turkey may not be willing to put its money where its mouth is. Hamas may be unwilling to cooperate with Turkey.
Each one of these plans is filled with pitfalls, but no more or less than a formalized two-state solution. My expectations that any of the parties would give these proposals any consideration are, well, quite low. Who knows? There could be a workable solution down there somewhere.
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Ticker is Philadelphia bureau chief for San Diego Jewish World
ZOA on eve of peace talks calls for reinstatement of construction in Judea and Samaria
WASHINGTON, D.C. (Press Release)–The Zionist Organization of America (ZOA) is urging the Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu not to accede to international and U.S. pressure, for a continuation of the 10-month freeze on Jewish construction in Judea and Samaria which the Netanyahu government imposed in November 2009.
The 10-month freeze, which is due to end on September 26, was adopted by the Israeli government after Prime Minister Netanyahu pleaded with the Knesset, the Cabinet and the Israeli people, including the Jews living in Judea and Samaria, to accept it as an exceptional, temporary measure, after which construction would immediately resume. The ZOA is urging the Netanyahu government not to renege on the commitment it made to resume building after ten months at the time of the implementation of the construction freeze.
If Israel were to extend the agreed upon length of the freeze, the message will be sent that, by applying pressure, Israel can be made to increase and expand any concession it has already made.
Also, the freeze has produced no pro-peace actions from the Palestinians. They haven’t arrested terrorists, outlawed terrorist groups and ended the incitement to hatred and murder against Jews that suffuses the PA-controlled media, mosques, schools and youth camps. Worse, the PA has continued to make violent, extreme statements, glorify terrorists and enhance the culture of jihadist and nationalist violence, without whose ending no genuine peace is possible. They have even refused direct negotiations until now.
The PA not only has not fulfilled its commitments, it glorifies terrorists and violence. Only in the past week, Mahmoud Abbas praised Amin Al-Hindi, one of the senior planners of 1972 Munich Olympics terrorist operation, Abbas, PA prime minister Salam Fayyad and other high PA officials attended al-Hindi’s military-style funeral, and the PA official newspaper described him as “one of the stars who sparkled … at the sports stadium in Munich.” In July, Mahmoud Abbas even told Arab journalists in Jordan that, “’If you [the Arab states] want war, and if all of you will fight Israel, we are in favor.”
Moreover, it is absurd extending the freeze in order to facilitate negotiations with a non-peaceful interlocutor – the PA – when the PA does not even control the people and territory in question. At present, Gaza, which comprises 40% of Palestinian Arabs, is under the rule of Hamas terrorists, with their genocidal program, enunciated in their Charter, of destroying Israel and murdering Jews. Cross-border raids and rocket assaults upon Israel from Gaza would continue, regardless of any agreement that might be signed. Thus, not only is there a lack of peace and security in Gaza, but there is not even a single Palestinian governing authority or entity with which to negotiate, even if the PA under Mahmoud Abbas and Salam Fayyad were angels. Even if Abbas and Fayyad did all that was required of them and even if they had the requisite good faith, little would come of it.
The construction freeze not only prevents Jewish communities from growing and flourishing within already defined boundaries, as they have every right to do. It also involves extraordinary hardship: telling Israeli families that they may not add a room to their house or a floor to an apartment, or build schools in their communities, means that people must pick up and leave their homes and that children have to move from their communities and families to seek employment and housing elsewhere. It has also created a situation in which people have taken out mortgages on land purchases which they are liable to repay but who have been unable to build on their land.
There is no justification for a racist policy of discrimination that imposes these harsh conditions on any group, in this case, on Jews only. What would Western governments say if Israel imposed such conditions on Arabs only?
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Preceding provided by Zionist Organization of America
Chagall’s life and works to be celebrated at Oceanside Museum of Art
- Marc Chagall, Detail of Tribe of Benjamin, lithograph, ca. 1962, courtesy of Rudy and Elizabeth Van Hunnick.
OCEANSIDE, California (Press Release)–Oceanside Museum of Art (OMA) announces A Season of Chagall, an exciting series of programs celebrating Jewish art and culture inspired by the art and life of Marc Chagall (1887-1985), the iconic modernist and foremost Jewish artist of the 20th century.
A Season of Chagall features two performances of Chagall: A Dance/Musical by Yale Strom and John Malashock, performed by Malashock Dance and HOT PSTROMI, an illustrated lecture on Chagall’s art and life, and Roots of Chagall: The Sights and Sounds of Vitebsk, a concert featuring music and archival images from Chagall’s birthplace in Belarus.
A Season of Chagall is an extraordinary collaboration between OMA, MiraCosta College, Malashock Dance, Yale Strom and HOT PSTROMI, and San Diego Repertory Theater. These programs are made possible by the generous support of The Leichtag Family Foundation.
On October 20 and 21 OMA will present the North County premiere of a special expanded workshop production of Chagall: A Dance Musical by Yale Strom & John Malashock , in collaboration with Malashock Dance, Yale Strom and Hot PStromi, San Diego Repertory Theater and MiraCosta College. This dynamic and engaging work further elaborates the original production that opened earlier this year at the Lipinsky Family San Diego Jewish Arts Festival in a smaller three act version to sold out audiences. It explores the sources of Chagall’s artistic inspiration and his important relationships with the women in his life, through original music by Yale Strom and choreography by John Malashock. The stage production tells its story through music, dance and song— all related to the various styles and times of Chagall’s life in Vitebsk, St. Petersburg, Paris, New York and the South of France.
The expanded production in October will explore new aspects of Chagall’s life and work in additional scenes and include participation by selected MiraCosta dance and music students. The performance on October 21 at 7:30 pm at the MiraCosta College Theater is a fundraiser for OMA. It includes a catered pre performance reception and post performance reception with the artists, co-sponsored by the MiraCosta College Foundation. Tickets are $75 and reservations are required. Tickets for both performances are available through the MiraCosta College Box Office, 760.795.6815, or www.miracosta.edu/events.
On November 14, at 2 pm OMA will present an illustrated lecture on the art and life of Chagall in the Groves Auditorium. The lecture will explore the artist’s universal appeal, his unparalleled use of color and the influences on his whimsical imagery, including Yiddish and Russian folklore. It also will explore the challenges Chagall faced as an artist in pre Revolution Russia, such as the anti-Semitic regulations that prohibited Jews from attending art schools. The speaker for this program will be announced at a later date. Admission is $25, $20 for OMA members, and $10 for students; reservations are recommended and seating is open. Tickets are available at the museum, 760.435.3720.
The final program in the series will be Roots of Chagall: The Sights and Sounds of Vitebsk, by Yale Strom and HOT PSTROMI on Wednesday, December 8 at 7 pm in the Groves Auditorium. The concert will feature music, ethnomusicology and images of Vitebsk, Chagall’s birthplace, and the surrounding region, from the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
The program will include klezmer dance tunes and Yiddish folk songs. Many of these tunes and images will be from Yale Strom’s sound and photo archives based upon his ethnographic research done in Eastern Europe over the last 25 years. Admission is $25, $20 for OMA members, and $10 for students; reservations are recommended and seating is open. Tickets are available at the museum, 760.435.3720.
Oceanside Museum of Art is located at 704 Pier View Way in downtown Oceanside within walking distance from the Oceanside transit center with Amtrak and NCTD Coaster stops. For questions call 760.435.3720 or visit the museum’s website at www.oma-online.org
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Preceding provided by Oceanside Museum of Art
Former San Diegan seeks support for Israel’s ‘lone soldier’ program
(Editor’s Note: In the following letter, ‘Lone Soldier’ refers to soldiers who immigrate to Israel without their families, and who thus are without the support groups other soldiers enjoy in their off hours or on leave.)
Editor, San Diego Jewish World
I am writing to tell you about a very special organization in Israel, and ask for your support.
I am sure you all heard about Michael Levine, the lone soldier who made aliyah from the US and was killed in the Lebanon war.
He was my husband Ezzy’s good friend serving in the IDF.
In his memory, Tziki Aud started the Lone Soldier Center.
Tziki on his own had been helping lone soldiers for decades, singlehandedly, and so felt the need to give more support.
The center is now run entirely by ex lone soldier volunteers in four Israeli cities.
Ezzy runs the center in Haifa, between studying, home, etc. The other centers are also run in the same way by students, and working young people. Totally volunteer based!
What does the center do?
· Guides soldiers through the enlisting process, one on one.
· Helps navigate through the bureaucracy, and act as a voice for these guys and girls, some of whom don’t really speak Hebrew.
· Helps deal with mistreatment and other problems in the army
· Arranges a place to live, a place to eat, a place to work before or after the army, or whatever is needed, all one on one.
· Arranges needed furniture.
There are so many more projects being started as we speak!
And all this within under 2 years!
So – where do you come in?
Tziki Aud, the founder, is coming to San Diego to fund-raise at the end of September.
I would like to help by arranging through your readers a few private meetings and speaking events in San Diego – for community, in homes, for senior citizens, for youth, etc.
The event could be about Lone Soldiers in Israel and about Zionism today, with an amazing video about Michael Levine.
The speaking tour will help fund the center for next year, as funding is very much needed to keep these projects alive.
Everyone should know – 100% of profits go directly to lone soldiers in need!!!!
Of course, it is also an opportune time of year for tzedaka.
Anyone willing to help in San Diego, please contact my mother Judith Landau, at judithl@gmail.com
Thanks!! Yashar Koach!
Michal Landau-Morgenstern
Ex-Lone Soldier, now Captain serving in IDF
An Autumnal Calendar for the San Diego Gourmand
By Lynne Thrope
Lynne Thrope
SAN DIEGO– Tishrei is upon us which means The High Holy Days are just around the corner. As we prepare to reflect, rejoice, and renew our spirits for another wondrous year, San Diego will also be gearing up for some mighty fine epicurean events for you to take advantage of after the holidays. Here are a few that will be as sweet as apples and honey. L’Shanah Tovah!
Restaurant Week: September 19-25. Available throughout the county is your chance to test drive the culinary creations of some of San Diego’s finest chefs. For $20, $30 or $40 you choose a three-course dinner in participating restaurants that normally costs twice as much. Such a deal! The restaurant line-up this year includes some of my personal favorites: The Marine Room in La Jolla, BICE Ristorante in the Gaslamp, Cavaillon Restaurant in Rancho Santa Fe, George’s at the Cove – California Moderne in La Jolla, and Kous Kous Moroccan in Hillcrest.
Treat yourself to one (or every) night to a different venue for such treats, like the incredible organic beets served on a bed of Valedon Blue, Pistachio Brittle, and Caramelized Yogurt at Kitchen 1540 in Del Mar or the amazing Swordfish and Port Braised Cherries, Smokey Almonds, Rosemary, Orange Zest with Port Reduction at The Oceanaire in The Gaslamp or the sensational Braised Duck Leg in Orange and Szechuan pepper, Swiss Chard Cannelloni at Tapenade in La Jolla. How could anyone resist these best-of-the-best dishes at such enticing prices? To view the complete list of restaurants and their menus, visit www.sandiegorestaurantweek.com. Be forewarned – book your reservations early. They quickly sell out.
The Gourmet Experience: October 9, 10 at the Del Mar Fairgrounds. From professional cookware to epicurean travel tours to home entertaining, The Gourmet Experience is the ultimate two-day gourmet shopping experience! The event, from 10a-5p will feature 250 exhibitors showcasing and selling gourmet cuisine, products, and services. Don’t miss the fun-filled culinary demonstrations from Chef Jeff Rossman, Terra Restaurant and Catering, Chef Brian Malarkey, Searsucker, and a book signing of Flying Pans – Two Chefs, One World by Chef Bernard Guillas, Executive Chef at The Marine Room, The Shores, and The La Jolla Beach & Tennis Club! A single day ticket is just $30 at the door. “The Weekend Gourmet” Two-Day Pass is $45 at the door. For complete information about The Gourmet Experience, visit www.thegourmetexpo.com
7th Annual San Diego Bay Wine & Food Festival: November 17-21. More than any other festival in San Diego, this is the one that consistently sells out. So, this year, I’m giving you the schedule of events well before it begins. The 5-day event begins with Wine Rave on Wednesday, November 17 from 7-10p. This event will feature 25 of the edgiest wine and spirits on the market today. Tickets are $45 in advance and $60 at the door.
On November 18 and 19 Cooking Classes will be held at the Macy’s School of Cooking and the San Diego Wine & Culinary Center where nationally recognized celebrity chefs and local culinary stars will strut their stuff during interactive and engaging classes. Each chef will prepare a series of mouth-watering dishes with instruction and recipes provided so that attendees can make the dishes at home. All cooking classes are tasting events and will be paired with one of the wineries featured at this year’s festival. Ticket prices for classes range from $45 to $75. Here is a website to view descriptions, directions, or buy tickets for any of cooking classes.
Next, come aboard the Hornblower Inspiration for a special tasting of unique Reserves and New Releases on November 19 from 6:30-9:30p. This will be an elegant evening for collectors of fine wine and wine enthusiasts to taste the pride of the vine from 160 wineries and spirits producers. Guests will also enjoy cuisine from 10 gourmet food companies. Exciting silent auction items, such as large format bottles, libraries, and decanters will take the spotlight this year with proceeds benefiting the American Institute of Wine & Food culinary arts scholarship programs. Price is $100 in advance and $125 at the door. Saturday November 20 from 12-4p is the Grand Tasting Event that sold out last year! So purchase tickets early via website .
The Embarcadero behind Seaport Village is once again the perfect location for this year’s grand finale of California’s most talked about wine and food festival. With 170 wine and spirit purveyors, 70 of San Diego’s top chefs, cookbook author signings, and live entertainment, the Grand Tasting Event is the Goliath of the 5-day festival. Price is $125 in advance and $150 at the festival. See you there….B’Tayavon
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Lynne Thrope can be contacted at Lab4Us@gmail.com.
Pessimism prevails as peace talks loom
By Ira Sharkansky
JERUSALEM — It is not auspicious. More than 80 percent of Palestinians and Israelis have expressed either opposition and/or pessimism with respect to the Obama peace process. (Palestinian Center for Public Opinion , Poll #172).
Benyamin Netanyahu and Mahmoud Abbas have been dragged, kicking and screaming their preconditions while insisting they they are not preconditions.
Why is Barack Obama persisting, when he is already shaking at home in the presence of polls that show considerable disapproval, with a majority of Americans saying they support the repeal of his health care measure, and widespread expectations of disappointments in mid-term Congressional elections?
Is this the president’s Hail Mary pass, hoping for a Middle East breakthrough that will help him achieve a second term, or at least give him some good pages in the history books? Or is it the old calculation of westerners who look at the Middle East from afar and listen to some national leaders say that the Israel-Palestinian problem is the one thing in the way of resolving their problems and allowing the United States to defeat Islamic extremism and keep Iran from getting nuclear weapons?
Or perhaps the president has had a Jimmy Carter like epiphany, and believes that his purpose is to bring peace to the Holy Land?
The Palestinians have mounted a public relations campaign, with leading officials speaking in Hebrew or English to the Israeli public about their desire to live in peace. So far it does not compare with Anwar Sadat’s visit to the Knesset in 1977.
“Be the heralds to your sons. Tell them that past wars were the last of wars and the end of sorrows. Tell them that we are in for a new beginning to a new life – the life of love, prosperity, freedom and peace. ”
The hard to please Israelis will tell you that the peace with Egypt is, at best, a cold peace. Yet while the country was riveted to the media for Sadat’s speech, it is hard to find reference to the Palestinian campaign. It might help if one of the men claiming to extend his hand in friendship did not have the reputation of a thug.
There is no end of commentary setting forward the problems needing to be overcome to reach an accord. Enthusiasts claim that the outline of the deal have been well known for years. Within their outline, however, are details that have, also for years, been weighty enough to scuttle efforts at accommodation.
It is not adding to anyone’s optimism that a prominent rabbi has cursed the Palestinian leadership, and called upon the Almighty to kill them all. The previous Israeli concession to freeze construction in the settlements expires less than a month after the talks are due to begin. Israeli centrists are calling for new construction in the major settlements, and Israeli rightists are demanding construction wherever Jews want to expand in the West Bank. Palestinians are saying that they will stop the talks if the bulldozers move anywhere.
Skeptics note that Hamas opposes the peace process and any concessions to Israel, and is capable of making trouble. Egyptian forces have uncovered stocks of anti-aircraft missiles and other weapons in the Sinai destined for smuggling to Gaza. Hezbollah chose this week to announce a military alliance with Syria directed against Israel. It does not take much imagination to see traces of Iran in all of this.
Just yesterday I hosted an American friend on our balcony, and pointed to the Arab neighborhood of Isaweea 200 meters away, and the line 50 meters from us where Ehud Barak and Bill Clinton would have drawn an international border in 2000.
The present government has proclaimed time and again that it would not divide Jerusalem, but how many Jews really want to hold onto Isaweea and other Arab neighborhoods? They may go to the Palestinians as part of an end game if most other issues can be settled amicably.
But again, the details are challenging. The players may agree to assign certain areas to a Palestinian state in the way of colonial Poobahs, without asking the natives what they want. Palestinians would be loath to admit that any of their people would not accept Palestinian citizenship, and Israelis would be inclined to rid themselves of as many Arabs as possible. However, it is may be that many–perhaps most–residents of those neighborhoods would prefer to remain on the Israeli side of the line, with access to jobs, health insurance and other social benefits. But no one may ask them.
Then there is the issue of the Temple Mount. Moshe Dayan decided pretty much by himself to leave it in Muslim hands in 1967. Few Jews visit it. Orthodox rabbis forbid their followers from walking on what may be holy ground, whose precise location is not certain. However, Israelis fume at Palestinian claims that the Jews never had more than a marginal presence in Jerusalem, and at Palestinian construction that seems designed to wipe out any traces of Jewish relics on the Mount or under its surface. An inability to decide on allocations with respect to that place are among the problems that frustrated an agreement in 2000.
Whatever happens will take a while. Unless it ends quickly.
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Sharkansky is professor emeritus of political science at Hebrew University.
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