Pope Benedict XVI’s eight-year reign as head of the world’s 1 billion Catholics sometimes was a bumpy one for the Vatican’s relations with Israel and the wider Jewish community. But it was also a period in which relations were consolidated and fervent pledges made to continue interfaith dialogue and bilateral cooperation. Both elements were evident in the tributes that flowed from Jewish leaders following the surprise announcement Monday that due to his advanced age and weakening health, …More

Israel and the Vatican have reached a historic agreement for cooperation, ending a 20-year-old dispute in the process. The two bodies agreed on a formal pact on diplomatic relations this week, a move that will improve Israeli relations in the Catholic community and ensure the pontiff more involvement with holy sites in the Jewish state. Though Israel and the Vatican have held informal diplomatic ties since the 90s, disputes over taxes and Catholic sites have led to some rifts in the past. Now, the Catholic …More

Israel is speaking out against a partnering between Argentina and Iran to investigate the 1994 bombing of a Buenos Aires Jewish center. The creation of the so called Truth Commission was agreed upon by the two nations this week, following 19 years of Argentina accusing the Islamic republic of culpability for the attack that killed 85 and wounded hundreds. Five Iranians are currently on Interpol’s wanted list for the bombing of the AMIA center, including the republic’s minister of defense. Now, some …More

The US is currently considering measures that would allow Israeli citizens to enter the states without first acquiring a visa. The Visa Waiver for Israel Act was introduced to Congress last year, when Congressman Brad Sherman (D-CA) moved for the legislation along with Congressman Ted Poe (R-TX). Representatives brought the issue forward for the first time in the Hill yesterday, with fellow congressmen and Israeli Deputy Foreign Minister Danny Ayalon giving remarks in support. “I’m pleased to …More

Former Israeli Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman was indicted on charges of fraud and breach of trust. Attorney General Yehuda Weinstein submitted the indictment Thursday against Lieberman for allegedly advancing the position of Zeev Ben Aryeh, Israel's former ambassador to Belarus, in exchange for information on an investigation against him. The indictment followed more questioning this week of members of a Foreign Ministry appointments panel as well as further questioning of Lieberman. Lieberman resigned last …More

It’s been a dynamic week in Israeli politics with big names being left off party lists, the enlargement of new political parties, the shrinking of others, a former prime minister shedding light on his political future, and international controversy surrounding settlements. This is the precursor to an election season that many believe may totally reshape the Israeli political scene. In a surprise move, secular nationalist party Yisrael Beteinu, which has merged with Likud to form the major rightist block …More

Four members of the European Parliament met with Israeli leaders during a solidarity visit to Israel following its escalated conflict with Hamas. The members of the European Parliament returned to Brussels on Monday after touring the areas hit by Hamas rockets during the fighting that erupted on Nov. 14 on the Gaza border with Israel, when the Israeli military launched its Operation Pillar of Defense. The visit by Marek Siwiecof Poland, Hannu Takkula of Finland, Bastiaan Belder of the Netherlands and Frederique …More

Tel Aviv might just be the most innovative city in the world, a Wall Street Journal survey purports. The Israeli city is one of only three finalists in the WSJ poll, pitting Tel Aviv against New York and Medellin, Colombia. The trio beat out shortlisted candidates like London, Chicago, Hong Kong, Vienna and Toronto. Users can visit the Wall Street Journal daily to vote for their favorite, with the winner announced December 31. The Journal lays out aspects of Tel Aviv that make it a prime candidate in …More

Jewish leaders called on the international community to recognize Jewish refugees from Arab nations, during a UN event Friday. Israel’s UN Ambassador Ron Prosor urged the assembly to right a “historic wrong,” referring to the 800,000 Jews forced from Arab countries between 1947 and 1972. “For some reason this issue was never raised, never discussed, and without too much mea culpa, this was wrong,” said Israel’s Deputy Foreign Minister Danny Ayalon. “But it’s never …More

Israel and Nepal have teamed up on a new stamp, depicting the highest and lowest spots on Earth: the Dead Sea and Mount Everest. The stamp was unveiled Thursday at an Israeli ceremony attended by Deputy Foreign Minister Danny Ayalon and Nepalese envoy to Israel Prahlad Kumar Prasai. The printing includes a colorful picture of the two natural phenomenons blending together, as well as both the Israeli and Nepalese flags. One stamp retails for 5 shekels, or $1.25. The joint venture is meant to highlight the warm …More

Naim Reuven was only eight when he left Baghdad more than 50 years ago, but he still remembers going with his father to catch fish in the Tigris River. His dad worked in a laundromat, a middle-class father of six and one of Iraq’s more than 100,000 Jews. Baghdad’s Jewish community suffered a pogrom in 1941, but Reuven, born a year later, has only fond memories of his childhood there -- until Israel declared independence in 1948. “When Israel was established it began, there was hate,” said …More

An Israeli official has deemed South Africa an "apartheid state," after the nation decided to label products made in settlements as not Israeli. The ruling, which was proposed in May, was passed this week, drawing condemnation from Jewish leaders and applause from pro-Palestinians. Israel’s Deputy Foreign Minister Danny Ayalon said “the change that has begun in South Africa over the years has not brought about any basic change in the country, and it remains an apartheid state.” "At the moment, …More