PA Fury and Talks between Turkey and the Vatican

These remain interesting days in the Middle East, as tensions stir and factions plot their next move. Earlier this week, Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas gave an impassioned speech denouncing Israel, following confirmation of parameters of the US peace plan provided by Saudi officials. The plan allegedly calls for something less than statehood for the …

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Hanukkah Celebrations in the White House and at the Western Wall

There is clear and growing affinity between the current American administration and Israel.  Early in his presidency, Donald Trump made a stop at the Western Wall in the Old City, and just recently proclaimed Jerusalem the capital of Israel. As we eased into Hanukkah last Tuesday, the joy was shared in both camps.  Israel's top …

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It’s a Wrap!

A fantastic weekend, filled with learning and reconnecting with friends, is now behind me.  On Sunday, we closed out our reunion with panel discussions regarding what various graduates are doing with what we have learned.  With graduates from 2010-2017, the spectrum, scope and degree varies widely.  Almost all of us are teaching and/or sharing about …

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Do Emerging Details Provide a Hint to the Trump-Netanyahu Middle East Plan?

It has been an interesting week, as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu met face-to-face with President Trump for the first time since the inauguration.  During the joint press conference prior to two days of meetings at the White House and Capitol Hill, the two revealed few, if any, solid details of what to expect in …

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