The Foreign Ministry, African refugees, conversion, a female ultra-Orthodox party, cyber-security and Iran are the topics of today’s show.
First, VOI’s Dov Lipman expresses his opinion on three major issues in Israel. He bemoans Foreign Ministry budget cuts, on the grounds that they will weaken Israel’s efforts to fight BDS and anti-Israel motions at the UN. He then lauds the Supreme Court decision that African refugees cannot be incarcerated for more than 12 months. Next, he
expresses support for the new conversion courts set up to help Russian immigrants and their children.
Then, Dov hears from Ruth Colian, founder of the first-ever ultra-Orthodox party for women, ” U’Bizchutan.” She explains why she decided to start the party and lists its goals, which she says are practical in nature. These include raising awareness of the high number of breast-cancer deaths among ultra-Orthodox women and low salaries paid to ultra-Orthodox female educators. She says that though the party did not come close to crossing the electoral threshold to enter the Knesset, her aim was accomplished.
Then, Dov hears from David Nordell, the Israeli member of the Center for Strategic Cyberspace and Security Science. “Israel leads the world in maritime cyber-security.” Nordell says, explaining how cyber attacks against computers at sea are particularly dangerous for Israel. He also explains how Israeli technology is leading the way to protecting Israel and the rest of the world from this threat.
Finally, Dov gets an update from Ron Halber, executive director of the Jewish Community Relations Council of Greater Washington, as Israeli leaders and representatives of Jewish groups lobby members of Congress to vote against the Iranian nuclear deal. Halber describes the tense atmosphere; where things stand in terms of the vote in Congress; and what he thinks the ultimate result will be. listen now