JNS: Israel's political musical chairs, Armenian anti-Semitism, 'Sheriff of Mars'
In Israel, ex-pats perplexed by political musical chairs
'Sheriff of Mars' unveils endearing life of Jewish music star hidden in the fields of France
Anti-Semitism in Armenia: a clear and present danger
In Israel, ex-pats perplexed by political musical chairs
There are two kinds of olim (immigrants) these days in Israel: those who are living through their first sudden call for early elections, and those old-timers who have seen it all before. After Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu jettisoned two members of his coalition's cabinet, the Knesset scrambled to dissolve itself on Dec. 8 and set elections for March 17, 2015. While they struggle to understand the rules of the game, the newer immigrants' faces look hopelessly befuddled. "I try to understand it, but it's very confusing. ... This system seems to generate so much insecurity," says Peruvian immigrant Betty Anschlawskey. Read the full story here.
'Sheriff of Mars' unveils endearing life of Jewish music star hidden in the fields of France
It was an era of steel strings, guitar heroes, and storytellers—high on heroin, rebellious. Outlaw country music, the hallmark of Nashville's powerful and angry music scene of the 1970s, was the brew of greats such as Johnny Cash, Willie Nelson, and Townes Van Zandt. But there is another, little-known music hero of that era: Daniel Antopolsky. A Jewish lad from Augusta, Ga., the "Sheriff of Mars" fled the aggressive U.S. music scene for a tranquil life on a farm in Bordeaux, France. Over the last 40 years, he has written nearly 500 songs. Now, his music is being shared with the world for the first time through a new documentary and music album. Read the full story here.
Anti-Semitism in Armenia: a clear and present danger
The conflict in Syria has forced millions to leave their homes, among them many of the country's Armenian minority. Many have fled and returned to Armenia, a safe haven for ethnic Armenians—much as Israel is for Jews around the world. So it is ironic, given this shared need for a homeland free of religious intolerance, that Armenia's own Jewish community has been pressured and intimidated since the country attained independence, writes Arye Gut, a board member of the Israeli-Azerbaijani International Organization and an expert in international relations. Read the full story here.