Recommended Reading 3: Dershowitz Makes The Case For Israel

My friend, Suzi Brozman, who writes for the "Atlanta Jewish Times," recently interviewed Alan Dershowitz. Dershowitz, a famous Harvard Law professor, "is one of the most sought after speakers on college campuses all over the country," Brozman wrote.

She first reviewed Dershowitz's documentary film, based on the book of the same name, "The Case for Israel," followed by the interview.

An excerpt:

"Q. Have you heard anything from Jimmy Carter?

A. No. In fact, I offered to come to Atlanta at my own expense, with no fee, to have a discussion with him at the Carter Center. There was no response. I then offered to come down and simply speak with no fee at the Carter Center so the people there could at least hear the other side. There's absolute censorship at the Carter Center. Let me say this. I think it is a disgrace that Emory University, where my wife graduated, has anything to do with the propaganda machine called the Carter Center. I think any self-respecting university should sever all ties with the Carter Center. The very fact that they will not permit me to speak there is revealing. I want to speak at the Carter Center. If they are a true academic institution, they should present all sides of the issue and they won't allow me to speak there. (Writer's note: Dershowitz is one of the most sought after speakers on college campuses all over the country.)"

Interesting reading. AFTER YOU GO OUT AND VOTE TODAY, check it out.

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Recommended Reading 26: A "Rocket Graveyard," Suzi Brozman

Yesterday, I read James Regions' letter in the Springfield News-Leader and I found some of the comments to that letter very disturbing.

As a continuance to "Recommended Readings, 20-22 and 23," I wanted to update with Suzi's new installment on the Israel story she is writing, since her recent, first trip to Israel.

I thought it was particularly timely after the publication of Mr. Regions letter.

Excerpts, (use the link to read the entire, riveting article).

COVER: A 'Rocket Graveyard'
Dealing with attacks in southern Israel

Suzi Brozman
Staff Writer

"...Surrounded by enemies, Israel cannot afford to relax its vigilance for an instant. For that reason, every inch of the border with Gaza is under constant scrutiny, both live and on camera. At the base, a command room filled with computer monitors is staffed by young women, members of the IDF. Each monitor scans a particular area of the terrain separating Israelis and Gazans, showing pictures broadcast from a network of cameras stationed along the borders trying to detect every movement, every possible terror attempt....

"The process is not foolproof, but it is effective. We were shown tapes of incidents where terrorists were caught trying to cross the border. We also saw times when they weren't stopped. Botched incidents are studied carefully to learn how to recognize the next attempt.

"A commanding officer briefed us on the situation. Twenty settlements are in the area. The 12 nearest the fence are the least secure. Two weeks before our visit a major truck bomb reached settlements inside Israel. The officer warned us that Hamas has been strengthening its positions and issuing more dangerous, upgraded threats in recent days. Missiles, he said, are the main threat now, and they are harder to deal with than terrorists whose movements are easier to follow, though there are daily attempts to cross the border fence, and there are nightly sniper attacks. Terrorists try to cross on the ground by cutting the fence or underground through tunnels. This is how Israeli soldier Gilad Shalit was kidnapped...."

Recommended Reading 23: Revisiting Brozman, on Israel

If you read the articles linked at JackeHammer under Recommended Readings 20-22, Topic: Brozman reports on Israel, the other day, but didn't read about Kubbutz, it is because it was omitted when it was first published at Atlanta JT Online. If you will click on The Rockets' Red Glare, again, Suzi wrote to tell me it has been corrected and you can now read the last of the article regarding Kibbutz. She also hinted she's working on part 2. More to come, then!

"Kibbutz Life

"After a full day of interviewing students from 5 through college age and teachers and professionals, we headed to Kibbutz Nahal Oz, where we were to spend the night with kibbutzniks right on the border with Gaza....."

Recommended Readings 20-22, Topic: Brozman reports on Israel

and her first visit there

Atlanta JT Online, brings us Suzi Brozman's: The Rockets' Red Glare

"We are loving people," one resident declared. "We educate our kids to live and to love, but it is difficult to live with neighbors who hate us."

Also included: The Littlest Victims

"These children tend to get chronic depression - their art lacks color and integration, showing apathy. When they let down their defenses and an attack happens, the reaction is intensified....

...It was jarring hearing 6-year-olds talk of their emotional needs and anxieties."

Want to read more about Suzi Brozman's experiences and first impression of Israel? Hello to Israel - Notes from a First-Time Visitor

Recommended Reading 12: School Choice

Once in a while I like to see what my friend, Suzi Brozman, is doing over at Atlanta JT Online. I found this very interesting:

NEWS: Georgia Tax Bill to Benefit Day Schools

"The Georgia General Assembly has sent Gov. Sonny Perdue legislation that would allow people and businesses to donate money they'd otherwise pay in state taxes to help families choose the best schools for their children. ....

...The teachers unions oppose the legislation, saying it would weaken public schools. But ultimately, Rabbi Kapenstein said, the goal is not to benefit schools, but to help children."*

Psssst, Tony....they're not vouchers.....

*emphasis mine

Recommended readings 13, 14, 15

My friend at The Atlanta Jewish Times Online has written two reviews on the play "My Name Is Rachel Corrie." Rachel Corrie was the peace activist who was killed when an Israeli operated bulldozer ran her over while she tried to block access to the bulldozing of a Palestinian home. Her reviews are compelling, also included is a link to a couple of letters written in response to her review(s):

ON THE TOWN: Synchronicity Digs Up 'Rachel Corrie'

ON THE TOWN: 'Rachel Corrie': Artistic Triumph, Political Disaster

VOICES: Letters- September 21, 2007

Recommended Reading 6: Ross to Carter: Don't Rewrite History

My friend, Suzi Brozman, of Atlanta JT Online, wrote an important article on the debate over Jimmy Carter's book Palestine: Peace Not Apartheid, back on May 11 and I missed it until this morning.

In Ross to Carter: Don't Rewrite History, Brozman highlights the lessons which Ambassador Dennis Ross, who negotiated in the Middle East on behalf of the first President Bush and President Clinton believes have emerged.

Suzi has been writing since she was a teenager and was recently added as a full time staff member to JT Online. Congrats, Suzi!