Thousands of Israelis turned out Saturday night for a large rally in Jerusalem, organized by Peace Now, to protest the “Jewish State” bill and other anti-democratic initiatives of the Israeli government. The rally was held opposite the Prime Minister’s residence. The keynote speakers were former Shin Bet director Carmi Gillon, former minister of education Yossi Sarid, and Israel’s leading rapper, Shaanan Streett, the soloist of popular hip-hop band Hadag Nachash.

This week, Alpher discusses the "peace plans" for the Palestinian conflict of the right-wing stalwarts in Netanyahu's coalition, Bennett and Lieberman; where does this leave us in terms of Israeli politics and the peace process; the Egyptian President Sisi's peace plan; and what does the acquittal of deposed president Mubarak of all charges and Sisi's announcement that he will not pursue further prosecution say about the "Arab Spring" that began in 2011.

In an event sponsored by J Street U, Ori Nir (Director of Communications and Public Engagement, APN) and Ghaith al-Omari (Executive Director, American Task Force on Palestine) spoke at the University of Maryland in College Park, MD on Tuesday, December 1, 2014. See below for highlights.

APN's daily news review from Israel

Friday November 28, 2014
 

Quote of the day:

"Ben-Gurion's voice demands that we be what Israel was meant to be – a model state that is sane and enlightened, and seeks justice, equality and peace."
--Former President Shimon Peres now takes his turn diplomatically bashing the Jewish nation-state bill.**

APN's daily news review from Israel

Thursday November 27, 2014
 

Quote of the day:

“What’s new here? We were never first–class citizens. At least now you have said it out loud. I prefer that they tell us directly and not pretend we live in a democratic country...[where] they are self righteous and say there are equal rights."
--Sana Jamalia, Israeli-Arab graphic designer who created the "State of Israel, second-class citizen" stamp, in the wake of the nation-state bill.**