The Russians speak. From Itar-Tass: Moscow condemns and categorically rejects rocket attacks against Israeli territory, the Russian Foreign Ministry’s first deputy spokesman, Boris Malakhov, said on Tuesday in connection with soaring tensions over Palestinian territories.“Of particular concern is the fact that such strikes are targeted against civilians and civilian facilities. There is no...
Russia investigates report of killing by Neo-Nazis
From IHT: The Russian authorities said Tuesday that they were investigating a video recording of what appeared to be the grisly execution of two bound and gagged young men, filmed in a forest beneath a large Nazi flag. At least one of the men was beheaded on camera as he lay in a shallow grave. The video, which appeared Sunday on several Russian ultranationalist Web sites, circulated on the...
When Israel Gave America a Gift: Russia’s Newest Warplane
Our sages teach us that every nation has a purpose. From When Israel Gave America a Gift: Russia’s Newest Warplane: The Mig-21 was considered the number one fighter plane during the Cold War, and the U.S. had no clue how it was built, what its weaknesses were, and what weapons should be developed against it. On August 16, 1966, a Mig-21 jet plane, the flagship of Soviet industry, landed at...
Today in Jewish History – Iyar 6
Sponsored by Aish.com: In 1881, a wave of pogroms swept 166 towns in southern Russia, after Jews were blamed for the assassination of Czar Alexander II. In these pogroms, thousands of Jewish homes were destroyed, and hundreds of Jews were killed and injured. The new czar, Alexander III, blamed the Jews for the riots and issued a series of harsh restrictions against the Jewish community. In the...
Ukrainian President Not Going to Israel
From Ukrainian President Not Going to Israel. Here’s why: Israeli authorities have declined Ukrainian President Viktor Yushchenko’s request to visit Israel for Holocaust Martyrs’ and Heroes Remembrance Day on April 16. The Israeli Foreign Ministry has asked Kiev several times to coordinate a time for an official visit, but the timeframe has shifted repeatedly. Two weeks ago...
Russia gives Iran ultimatum on enrichment
Hmmm, this is odd considering the somewhat close relationship Russia has with Iran, but, money always did influence political relationships. From the NY Times: Russia has informed Iran that it will withhold nuclear fuel for Iran’s nearly completed Bushehr power plant unless Iran suspends its uranium enrichment as demanded by the United Nations Security Council, European, American and Iranian...
Today in Jewish History – Adar 18
Sponsored by Aish.com: This date marks the death of Soviet leader Joseph Stalin (1879-1953), on the very day that the “Doctors’ Plot” trial was set to begin. The Doctors’ Plot was one facet of Stalin’s ruthless anti-Semitic campaign that falsely charged the Jews with espionage against the Communist Party. It accused some of Russia’s most prestigious doctors...
Swastikas, racist slogans painted on Vladivostok synagogue
From Ha’aretz: Vandals scrawled swastikas and anti-Semitic slogans on the walls of the main synagogue in the Russian city of Vladivostok on Friday, the second time the building has been defaced in less than six months. Jewish community leaders in the Pacific Coast city alerted police after they arrived at the synagogue in the morning and found it’s entrance door and outer walls...
Israel Slams Russian Decision to Supply Weapons to Syria
From Israel Slams Russian Decision to Supply Weapons to Syria: Jerusalem aimed harsh criticism at Russia on Friday for its decision to supply Syria with advanced missiles, including anti-aircraft missiles and new anti-tank missiles that can penetrate Western-made tanks. Senior Israeli officials expressed concern that the arms would be transferred to Hizbullah, warning that missiles that were...
Russian Listening Posts in Syria Track IDF Movements
From Jerusalem Post via Israel News – Daily News Alert from Israel: Russia maintains listening posts along the Syrian border with Israel which it uses to follow IDF movements in the Golan Heights, it was revealed Thursday. According to Israel television channel 2, the posts are manned by Russian military officers who pass on information to Hezbullah in Lebanon. Israel has known about the...