MainOpEds Amb. (ret.) Yoram Ettinger![]() Yom Kippur (Day of Atonement) guide for the perplexed, 2019Facts and figures about the holiest day of the Jewish year.![]() Clarifying the Palestine SagaHow 'Palestine’ is the Greek equivalent of ‘Israel'. And how the Anglo-Palestine Bank was established on February 27, 1902 as a subsidiary of the Jewish Colonial Trust, evolving into Bank Leumi.![]() The most calamitous Jewish dayThe Ninth Day of Av (August 10, 2019): Guide for the Perplexed![]() The Saudi-Palestinian labyrinthThe pro-Palestinian Saudi talk has diminished, increasingly replaced by an adversarial Saudi walk.![]() Passover and the roots of the United StatesThe United States is based on the liberty proclaimed in the Bible. The message of Passover/Exodus is dominated by the theme of liberty.![]() Arbor Day (Tu Bishvat) Guide for the Perplexed, 2019Jewish tradition stipulates a one-sentence-blessing before consuming any fruit. It also has laws for when those fruits can be eaten from a young tree and when a portion is to be donated to the Temple. Tu Bishvat is the line of demarcation for tithes.![]() Hanukkah guide for the perplexed, 2018A primer based on the ancient Jewish sages and historical insights.![]() The critical November 2018 mid-term US electionAfter the elections, will Trump be a coattail – or an anchor chained – President?![]() Sukkot (Feast of Tabernacles) guide for the perplexed, 2018From the Zohar to Senator Byrd, facts and miscellany about Sukkot.![]() The Ayatollahs' clear and present threat to the USAThe architects of the July 2015 Iran Deal failed to realize that peaceful-coexistence and compliance with agreements, on the one hand, and the nature of the Ayatollahs, on the other hand, constitutes a classic oxymoron.![]() US Palestinian policy – water or gasoline?The Israeli architects of the Oslo Accord – and their US partners – genuinely aimed at extinguishing fire, but failed to realize that their pumps were filled with gasoline, not water. A two-state solution is more of the same.![]() Tu Bishvat Guide for the PerplexedThe state of the roots determines the future of trees and human beings. Healthy roots facilitate the blossoming of fruit/sprouts.![]() The Jewish-Arab demographic about-faceIgnore the Cassandras. Israel is not facing a potential Arab demographic time bomb.![]() Wake up America, Islamic terrorism targets you!The NYC bicycle-path-terror was consistent with the definition of terrorism - a systematic and deliberate targeting of civilians - aiming to erode the confidence of Americans in their country's homeland security forces.![]() Yom Kippur: Guide for the perplexed 2017Enhance and improve is a key message of Yom Kippur. A primer for those who wish to learn about the significance of the fast.![]() Arabs marginalize the Palestinian issueArabs have never shed blood – nor have Arabs dedicated their economic power - on behalf of Palestinians.![]() Interesting facts about the 9th of AvA guide for the perplexed bsed on ancient Jewish sages.![]() Hanukkah 2016 guide for the perplexedA key motif of Hanukkah is education - the word "education"is in the root of the holiday's name. A primer to educate us all on this uplifting holiday of lights.![]() Sukkot (Feast of Tabernacles) Guide for the PerplexedFacts and figures on Sukkot.![]() Rosh Hashana GuidelinesA concise 'guide to the perplexed.'![]() Shavuot Guide for the PerplexedA Shavuot primer from a former ambassador of Israel.![]() Passover Guide for the PerplexedA review of the holiday based on the writings of Jewish sages, by a former ambassador.![]() A Purim Guide to the PerplexedA comprehensive guide to the holiday based on the words of the Jewish sages, including the holiday's four commandments and at the end, its lesson for today.![]() Tu Bishvat, Guide for the Perplexed, 2014In Israel, one can merit an ambassador who is able to write this kind of article on our Jewish heritage.![]() Sukkot: a Guide to the PerplexedIn Israel, a retired ambassador can write an erudite article on understanding Jewish holidays, their symbolism and observance.![]() Rosh Hashanah Guide for the Perplexed, 2013A guide to understanding the laws and customs of the New Year period.![]() Purim Guide for the Perplexed 2013Interesting facts and tid-bits for the holiday. Happy Purim!!![]() Hanukkah 2012: Guide for the PerplexedMost Maccabean battles occurred in Judea and Samaria, Paul Revere was called a modern-day Maccabee and other fascinating facts and messages on the Holiday of Lights.![]() Passover Facts and FiguresPassover holds a special place in Jewish history, world history and even American history--for many reasons. Read them below.![]() The Iran Threat in a NutshellThe former ambassador says it all in this short and succinct article: Take heed, world, Israel's destruction is not Iran's only goal.![]() Peace or Appeasement?What expectations lie behind the building freeze in Judea and Samaria? What are the actual results going to be?![]() Yes-- to Demographic OptimismDemographic scare tactics are proven hollow now that population figures have been audited. A comparison of Israel's Jewish and Arab fertility rates can and should reshape Israel's state of mind and policies.![]() A Guide to US PressureUS pressures, Israel constructs; and gains respect![]() Palestinian State: Deal-BreakerThe road to peace goes through Arab capitals.![]() Debacle of Demographic FatalismProjections have crashed on the rocks of reality.![]() Syria-Iran: A Critical AllianceThe Syria-Iran axis bolsters Bashar al-Assad.![]() Israel and the Economic MeltdownIsrael has remained a relative island.![]() Refugees: The Global ContextMillions have become refugees.![]() Mainstream Tractor-TerrorismPalestinian tractor-terrorism was expected.![]() On Israeli Support for a Palestinian State55% of Jews define Judea & Samaria as "liberated."![]() A Fumbled OpportunityBush's visit was based on the wrong assumptions.![]() The Other Side of the News From IsraelNever compromise your dream.![]() Israeli Concessions Won't Dismantle the Syria-Iran AxisSyria's alliance with Iran has been strategic.![]() Proposed Palestinian State: US Asset or Liability?The PLO is a role model of international terror.![]() 'Defense Shmefense'Fourteen years of unprecedented terrorism.![]() The Impact of Passover on US DemocracyA global inspiration for the concept of liberty. |