Britannia Radio

Daily Briefing

Thursday, November 3, 2011

FEATURED STORY Federation making strides in improving its record on women, but kinks remain After years of criticism for failing to promote female-friendly policies, the Jewish Federations of North America is working to improve its record on women's issues and earning praise from some critics. But there's still a ways to go, some critics say.Read more » EDITORS' PICKS Apartheid-era divisions linger Old resentments between South African Jews are still apparent years after the apartheid regime collapsed, Moira Schneider reports for JTA from Cape Town. Mr. Costanza goes to Jerusalem Jason Alexander from "Seinfeld" talks to JTA about his recent trip to Israel and the tendency of folks to call him "George" without permission. Why 7 billion isn't enough New York Rabbi Simcha Weinstein writes in a JTA Op-Ed that despite an exploding global population, Jews should have more children. Will Israel attack Iran? (Washington Post) Jackson Diehl argues that the current speculation of an imminent Israeli attack on Iran is all smoke and mirrors, though it does serve a purpose. Count the Jews (Forward) David Marker argues that a National Jewish Population Survey is necessary to provide useful insights into Jewish demographics.

BREAKING NEWS

Palestinian gunmen fired on Israeli soldiers working on the border fence between Israel and Gaza.

Israel plans to intercept two boats headed for the Gaza Strip and carrying medical supplies.

Syms clothing company and its affiliate, Filene’s Basement, filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy.

A Washington State food co-op that is boycotting Israeli products has asked a judge to dismiss a lawsuit filed by pro-Israel activist members.

Controversial American political activist Noam Chomsky blasted President Barack Obama on a trip to Australia to receive a peace prize.

The Palestinians are considering asking for full membership in another 16 U.N. agencies, according to a Palestinian diplomat.

A lawmaker from the haredi Orthodox Shas Party said Gilad Shalit should have spent his first Shabbat of freedom not at the beach but praying in synagogue.

Jewish groups have joined Christian and gay advocacy groups in condemning an Islamic scholar in Canada for making anti-Jewish and anti-gay statements.