Copyright 2008 Isi Leibler Thu, 20 Nov 2008 02:33:08 -0500 http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss Columns by Isi Leibler. http://www.leibler.com ileibler@netvision.net.il (Isi Leibler) webmaster@pinelist.com en-us http://www.leibler.com/article/371 Thu, 20 Nov 2008 07:00:00 +02:00 Observing the response of our dysfunctional leaders since Gilad Schalit was kidnapped in June of 2006, we become increasingly frustrated and infuriated. We cringe as we recollect the repeated empty threats and promises expressed by Prime Minister Olmert and Defense Ministers Peretz and Barak, all of whom vowed never to capitulate to hostage blackmail. Their blunders, lack of resolve and failure to formulate any strategy in this heartbreaking imbroglio amounts to monumental incompetence. http://www.leibler.com/article/370 Sun, 9 Nov 2008 07:00:00 +02:00 Behind the Humanitarian Mask: The Nordic Countries, Israel and the Jews.Edited by Manfred GerstenfeldJerusalem Center for Public Affairs/Simon Wiesenthal Center256 pages; $29 When Scandinavia is mentioned, we instinctively conjure up images of decent people who are our friends. http://www.leibler.com/article/369 Sun, 9 Nov 2008 07:00:00 +02:00 The Jerusalem elections will have profound long term repercussions on the future of the capital of Israel. As a religious Zionist I find it surrealistic that Meir Porush, a Haredi with a one dimensional outlook, would even seek to become Mayor. I support Nir Barkat because I believe he is the only candidate capable of restoring Jerusalem to its former glory. http://www.leibler.com/article/368 Tue, 4 Nov 2008 07:00:00 +02:00 It may now be timely to rethink the merits of criminalizing Holocaust denial. The issue recently made headlines when German-born Australian Frederic Toben was arrested in transit at Heathrow airport and detained until the British courts decide whether he is to be extradited to Germany to face prosecution as a Holocaust denier. Toben is a veteran in this field, having participated in Ahmadinejad's Holocaust "conference" and having already served seven months in a German prison as a denier. http://www.leibler.com/article/367 Wed, 15 Oct 2008 07:00:00 +02:00 Haifa Chief Rabbi She'ar Yashuv Cohen recently became the first Jew to address a synod of bishops at the Vatican. He did so with dignity and diplomacy, and unlike many Jews engaged in interfaith activity, he courageously raised issues that would not have endeared him to his audience. The achievement of constructive goals in our interfaith activities is frequently undermined by internal handicaps. http://www.leibler.com/article/365 Tue, 7 Oct 2008 07:00:00 +02:00 Five years ago, I wrote that the civilized world would benefit from the dissolution of the United Nations, already then a dysfunctional assembly of nations dominated by tyrannies and dictatorships. Since then, despite the welcome replacement of secretary-general Kofi Annan by Ban Ki-Moon and aside from a few symbolic meetings in New York condemning anti-Semitism, the situation has dramatically worsened. http://www.leibler.com/article/362 Thu, 2 Oct 2008 07:00:00 +02:00 After struggling through yet another annus horribilis, we enter the New Year (5769) facing dark clouds and girding ourselves for all sorts of eventualities, including a possible war. However, there is cause for comfort in the demise of the dysfunctional Olmert government under whose tenure our public image and self esteem sank to an all time low. We must at all costs resist pessimism and pray that, once ensconced, a new government will display forcefulness and restore our weakened deterrence - http://www.leibler.com/article/361 Sun, 21 Sep 2008 07:00:00 +02:00 Canadian Jews can take pride in the remarkable infrastructure of educational, religious and cultural institutions they have created. The fact that assimilation and intermarriage in Canada are far less advanced than in the United States is largely attributable to their magnificent network of Jewish day schools. Canadian Jews also have a splendid record of support for Israel and their donors are among the most generous contributors to projects in the Jewish state.