Free online courses given by the Hebrew University

Hebrew University of Jerusalem professors are giving lectures over the Internet to millions of people around the world.

 

Although they will not lead to formal degrees or turn those who take them into doctors, lawyers or engineers, the Hebrew University of Jerusalem is making free courses by top lecturers available online to millions of people around the world.

Students at lecture at an Israeli university - Photo: Ariel Jerozolimski

Students at lecture at an Israeli university – Photo: Ariel Jerozolimski

The university has partnered with an organization called Coursera, which offers about 200 undergraduate and graduate courses in a broad range of disciplines, including medicine, literature, history and computer science.

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Jewish History Being Ignored

The display of statues at Třebíč Ghetto synagogue is just another example of European insensitivity

By Yochanan Visser

 

Fresh manifestations of European anti-Semitism raised their heads once again when Jewish religious leaders were physically attacked by thugs in Berlin and Vienna at the end of August.

Jewish cemetery in Prague – Photo: Ronnie Shelo

Recent data show that anti-Semitism in Europe is on the rise again, especially in Eastern Europe. The situation seems to be worst in Hungary, Poland and Ukraine. A recent Jewish Anti Defamation League poll carried out in Hungary revealed that a majority of that country’s population holds anti-Semitic views. Continue Reading »

‘Israel is Not Always to Blame’ admit PA Protesters

Escalating social protests within the Palestinian Authority territories due to rising unemployment & no economic relief in sight.

By Chana Ya’ar

 

Social protests are escalating within the Palestinian Authority territories with rising unemployment and no economic relief.

Demonstrators castigating PA Chairman and Fatah leader Mahmoud Abbas at a protest had their microphones suddenly silenced by authorities on Wednesday during a live broadcast from Tulkarem.

The move did little to quench the rage of what is fast becoming known as the approach of the “PA Winter,” however.

“Israel is not always to blame,” the protesters shouted. “You cannot silence us.” PA Arabs have been protesting for weeks against the difficult conditions being created by the global economic crisis, much of which is little understood in the region. Continue Reading »

IDF Kills 2 Gaza Terrorists, Foils Terror Attack

In joint op with the Shin Bet, the IDF foils a planned terror attack, as IAF aircraft kill 2 terrorists in Gaza.

By Elad Benari

 

The IDF, in a joint operation with the Israel Security Agency (Shin Bet), was able to foil a planned terror attack in Israel on Wednesday evening, as IAF aircraft struck and killed two terrorists in southern Gaza.

הג'יפ שנפגע ברפיח (צילום: רויטרס)

Vehicle was struck in Rafah – Photo: Reuters

The two terrorists, Ashraf Saleh and Anis Abu Elenein, were members of a group calling itself “The Al-Aqsa Defenders”, which the IDF said is supported by Hamas.

The IDF Spokesperson’s Unit confirmed the attack in a statement, adding that direct hits were identified. Continue Reading »

Could US Special Forces be behind Iran’s power-line blasts?

Daily Beast suggests US Special Forces have been training for operations in Iran for years, may be responsible for the explosions that sabotaged Iranian nuke sites’ power grid

By Ynet

 

Could the United States be behind a move to sabotage power lines at Iran‘s nuclear facilities? The Daily Beast on Wednesday suggested that US Special Forces, which have been training for operation inside Islamic Republic for years, could already be on the ground .

Fereydoun Abbasi Photo: AFP

Fereydoun Abbasi – Photo: AFP

On Monday, Fereydoun Abbasi, Iran’s vice president and the chief of its nuclear energy agency, said that power lines between the city of Qom and the underground Fordo nuclear centrifuge facility were blown up with explosives on August 17. Continue Reading »

PA Chairman Mahmoud Abbas Threatens to Quit (for the 15th Time)

Fatah leader & Palestinian Authority Chairman Mahmoud Abbas has reportedly announced he is stepping down — again.

By Chana Ya’ar

 

Palestinian Authority Chairman and Fatah leader Mahmoud Abbas has allegedly announced he is stepping down.

Israeli television Channel 10 news reported Wednesday, based on a statement from a Palestine Liberation Organization official, that Abbas gave the organization just 10 days to find a replacement.

The announcement comes against the backdrop of severe financial difficulties in the PA, with a so-called “PA Winter” on the way. Prices are rising along with unemployment and economic hardship — and donor nations that have pledged support are having a tougher time coming through with their promises. Continue Reading »

The Israeli who saved a Turkish mountaineer’s life plants Israel’s flag on Mt. Kazbek

Nadav Ben Yehuda, who, on  Mt. Everest saved an injured Turkish climber instead of moving on to become the youngest Israeli to reach the peak, scales Mt. Kazbek in Georgia & plants a flag there that he received from President Shimon Peres.

Yori Yalon

 

Israeli mountain climber Nadav Ben Yehuda, who was awarded the Presidential Medal of Honor in June for saving an injured Turkish climber on Mt. Everest instead of pushing ahead and becoming the youngest Israeli to reach the peak, has scaled the Kazbek mountain in Georgia over the weekend and planted an Israeli flag there that was given to him by President Shimon Peres.

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Israeli Arab Knesset Members sues Google to block anti-Muslim video in Israel

Arab-Israeli religious leaders & mayors demand Google ban access of the anti-Islam video in Israel, saying it violates at least 3 Israeli laws; video has already been blocked in Libya, Egypt and Indonesia.

 

MK Taleb a-Sanaa and various Arab-Israeli mayors and religious leaders on Wednesday filed a petition with the Jerusalem District Court demanding that Google take down an anti-Islam video ridiculing the Muslim Prophet Mohamed from YouTube, to prevent future publicizing of the film and to block all access to the film in Israel.

Screenshot from 'Innocence of Muslims'

Screenshot from ‘Innocence of Muslims’ – Photo: YouTube Screenshot

The petitioners characterized the film as abusive and violating the image of the Muslim Prophet Muhammad in a racist manner, while trampling his sanctity and desecrating his name.

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Palestinians denounce Romney for saying the PA isn’t interested in peace

Mahmoud Abbas’ spokesman & Saeb Erekat condemn remarks by Mitt Romney, who briefed donors that the Palestinians are ‘committed to the destruction of Israel.’

By The Associated Press and Reuters
Daniel Bar-On

Senior Palestinian negotiator Saeb Erekat last year. – Photo by Daniel Bar-On

The Palestinian Authority has denounced remarks by Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney, who told donors that Palestinians “have no interest” in peace with Israel.

According to comments captured on newly released video of his private remarks to wealthy donors, Romney said Palestinians are “committed to the destruction and elimination of Israel” and that the prospects for a two-state solution to Mideast peace were dim. Continue Reading »

Massachusetts scholar: Jesus talks about wife in ancient papyrus script

Harvard prof. unveils 4th century papyrus fragment containing text quoting Jesus referring to having wife whom he identifies as Mary; leading  Hebrew University experts says ‘no evidence of forgery’

Associated Press

A Harvard University professor on Tuesday unveiled a fourth-century fragment of papyrus she said is the only existing ancient text quoting Jesus explicitly referring to having a wife.

Karen King, an expert in the history of Christianity, said the text contains a dialogue in which Jesus refers to “my wife,” whom he identifies as Mary. King says the fragment of Coptic script is a copy of a gospel, probably written in Greek in the second century. Continue Reading »

Israel and UK unite in regenerative medicine projects

Gov’ts will jointly fund 5 major research projects, & British Ambassador calls program “one of the most ambitious ever”

 

The British and Israeli governments will jointly fund five major research projects in regenerative medicine – the process of replacing or regenerating human cells, tissues or organs to restore or establish normal function in diseased ones.

Medical researcher  - Photo: REUTERS

Medical researcher – Photo: REUTERS

The technique encourages the body’s own repair systems to heal tissues or organs that previously could not be fixed. Regenerative medicine also focuses on creating new tissues and organs in the lab and implanting them in the body.British
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Shimon Peres says ‘No room for racism’ in his holiday message

Israel’s President condemns all forms of extremism and discrimination, says greater emphasis should be placed on education toward tolerance.

 

President Shimon Peres on Saturday night, the last night of the Jewish year 5772, sent New Year’s greetings to the nation with best wishes for peace and security, stability and growth.

President Shimon Peres in holiday greeting - Photo: Screenshot

President Shimon Peres in holiday greeting – Photo: Screenshot

Disturbed by recent outbreaks of racial and religious discrimination, Peres declared that there is no room for racism or violence of any kind in the country, and condemned all forms of extremism and discrimination based on race, religion or political affiliation.

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Essay: Starting over (From someone who has)

Gilad Shalit shares his plans for the upcoming year, and offers tips on how to cope with crises

By Gilad Shalit

 

Rosh Hashanah symbolizes a beginning – the possibility to experience new things or reliving past experiences. But most of all, I believe Rosh Hashanah symbolizes new opportunities. For me, the past year has been the year in which I went back to living like regular people do. I returned to my family, I went back to having a social life and I rehabilitated myself, both physically and mentally.

This was a very intense year, during which I met many people, visited many places and experienced things I never even dreamt of experiencing. Continue Reading »

Israel Advances to Davis Cup World Group

It’s a good day for Israel at the Davis Cup: Amir Weintraub defeats Japan’s #2, allowing Israel to advance to the Davis Cup World Group.

By Elad Benari, Canada

 

It was a good day for Israel at the Davis Cup on Sunday, as Amir Weintraub pulled off his second upset victory this week to give Israel a 3-2 win over Japan, AFP reported.

Amir Weintraub (C) of Israel celebrates with teammates

Amir Weintraub (C) of Israel celebrates with teammates – Photo: AFP/Kazuhiro Nogi

The win helps Israel move up to the Davis Cup World Group next year.

With the two teams tied at 2-2, Weintraub defeated Japan’s number two Go Soeda 6-3, 7-6 (7/5), 4-6, 6-3 to seal victory in the best-of-five contest. Continue Reading »

Ingenious Israeli tactic makes deadly viruses commit suicide

 

Vecoy Nanomedicines has a unique approach: a virus ‘decoy’ to outmaneuver the world’s worst enemy before it can do any damage

By 

 

There’s the West Nile Virus forging a deadly path in North America, and a new round of Ebola in Africa. Then there’s bird flu, SARS and a handful of other rampant and unusually evil viruses circling the globe. Any new super virus out of control could be far worse than the Spanish flu outbreak of 1918, which killed 40 million people in just two years, says Israeli biologist Erez Livneh, CEO and founder of a new biotech company Vecoy Nanomedicines.

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