Jewish groups offer mixed responses to Friedman’s confirmation as Israel envoy

By JTA— Jewish groups offered varied reactions, including disappointment, tepid congratulations and enthusiasm, to the confirmation of David Friedman as US ambassador to Israel. On Thursday the US Senate confirmed Friedman, a longtime lawyer of President Donald Trump who outraged some Jewish groups with his broadsides against liberal Jews, in a 52-46 vote that hewed…

Report: US, Russia agree to help Israel ‘expel’ Iran from Syria

By Jerusalem Post— The United States, Russia and Israel have reportedly reached a consensus on the need to restrict and eventually expel pro-Iranian forces from gaining influence in Syria, the Kuwati daily newspaper Al-Rai reported Saturday. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, according to the Arab outlet, has reached an understanding with Washington and Moscow that pro-Iranian…

Russia Advises Travelers: Don’t Criticize Israelis, Don’t Use Yiddish and Arabic Swear Words

By Liza Rozovsky, Haaretz— Being friendly and considerate to locals when traveling is always good advice, but the Russian Foreign Ministry seems to think much more specific instructions are needed for its citizens traveling the globe to “avoid undesirable incidents.” Advice such as not to overindulge on alcohol is one thing, but the ministry’s consular…