Palestinians
Israel’s ‘Religious Zionists’ grapple with extremists in their midst
By Michele Chabin — January 19, 2016
ESH KODESH, West Bank (RNS) Are the Jewish youths accused of murdering three Palestinians simply high school dropouts rebelling against authority? Or is the Modern Orthodox settler movement turning to violence?
Kerry cites need for clarity to help end Israeli-Palestinian violence
By Reuters — October 19, 2015
MADRID (Reuters) The unrest, the most serious in years, has been stirred in part by anger over what Palestinians see as increased Jewish encroachment on the al-Aqsa Mosque compound.
US ‘excessive force’ comment touches nerve in Israel
By Reuters — October 15, 2015
JERUSALEM (Reuters) Thirty-two Palestinians and seven Israelis have been killed in the past two weeks of bloodshed, triggered in part by Palestinians' anger over what they see as Jewish encroachment on the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound.
American ideals draw U.S. citizens to settle in Israel’s West Bank
By Michele Chabin — September 4, 2015
EFRAT, West Bank —Some 60,000 U.S.-born West Bank settlers says they believe Jews should have the right to live wherever they want in the Holy Land. "To them, this is a deeply American vision,” says one historian.
Israel’s enemy within: Young militant settlers
By Shira Rubin — August 23, 2015
AHIYA, West Bank —The increasingly radical Jewish militants who target Palestinians are the latest front in Israel's struggle against terrorism. Israeli security authorities estimate hundreds belong to these groups.
Netanyahu does not speak for all American Jews (COMMENTARY)
By Rebecca Vilkomerson — February 20, 2015
(RNS) American Jews are largely appalled by the notion that Netanyahu, or any other Israeli politician -- one that we did not elect and do not choose to be represented by -- claims to speak for us.
Catholic bishops call for action to end poverty in Gaza
By Josephine McKenna — January 16, 2015
ROME (RNS) “The ongoing conflict assaults the dignity of both Palestinians and Israelis, but in a particular way our commitment to the poor calls us to lift up the suffering people in Gaza,” the bishops said.
Amid tears, ‘cry out with joy:’ Pope Francis’ Christmas Day blessing
By Cathy Lynn Grossman — December 25, 2014
In his annual "Urbi et Orbi" address to the city and the world, his text features the prayers for peace and health in lands torn by strife and by Ebola .
Pope Francis appeals for peace with Shimon Peres, Mahmoud Abbas
By Josephine McKenna — July 18, 2014
VATICAN CITY (RNS) The Vatican said the pope considers the two men to be “men of peace” and Francis reminded the two leaders of the need for both sides and those who hold political office to work to end the hostilities and promote peace.
Presbyterians narrowly vote to divest from 3 companies involved in Israeli/Palestinian conflict
By Lauren Markoe — June 20, 2014
(RNS) The 310-303 vote marks a victory for divestment supporters both within and without the 1.8 million-member PCUSA, now the largest American church to embrace divestment as a strategy to pressure Israel to return its illegally held lands.
COMMENTARY: What the Presbyterians got wrong on Israel
By Rick Jacobs — April 1, 2014
NEW YORK (RNS) Love is at the core of the Jewish and Christian faiths. And for the love of God, we must address a looming rupture between us regarding Israel.
John Kerry makes first Vatican visit, hints at Obama meeting with Pope Francis
By Eric J. Lyman — January 14, 2014
ROME (RNS) A short release from the Holy See indicated the two men discussed health care reform, which has sparked intense opposition from American bishops.
Christians lend a hand to West Bank farmers
By Michele Chabin — December 5, 2013
DOLEV, West Bank (RNS) Evangelical Christians are increasingly coming to the disputed West Bank to help Israelis and Palestinians with their harvests. The Christians see it as a religious duty.
Israeli Racism and African immigrants: perverting Biblical teachings on immigrants
By Omid Safi — October 21, 2013
The treatment of Palestinians and African refugees is surely a serious challenge to the rosy depiction of Israel as a robust democracy. It also reflects a profound perversion of Jewish ethics and Biblical teachings.
U.S. Jews diverge on Israel: Strong ties despite disagreements
By Cathy Lynn Grossman — October 9, 2013
WASHINGTON (RNS) From the Orthodox to the unreligious, U.S. Jews feel deeply connected to Israel even if they "struggle with Israel's realities." That's a Jewish struggle, said one rabbi: It is "an act of love; it is not an act of disengagement.”
