Jewish Post, Indianapolis, Marion County, 29 January 2003 — Page 11

Isajm 2M. 2(202 MI 3

Egypt urges militants toward peace efforts

Lieberman addresses Jewish concerns

CAIRO — Egypt increased its efforts Sunday to persuade Palestinian factions to declare a halt on attacks against Israeli civilians ahead of a crucial election in Israel and a possible U.S. war in Iraq. One compromise under discussion was to make any Palestinian truce pledge conditional on Israel halting its military operations in the West Bank and Gaza Strip, according to media reports. The Palestinians would leave it to Egypt to present the

pledge to Israel. However, an Islamic Jihad spokesman said there could be no clear commitment to the Egyptian proposal. Egyptian officials have indicated they believe a cease-fire declaration would weaken Sharon's popularity and boost the election chances of his rival, Labor candidate Amram Mitzna. Mitzna wants an immediate resumption of peace talks wdth the Palestinians.

NEW YORK — Sen. Joseph Lieberman, D-Conn., has addressed Jewish concerns about his positions as an announced candidate for president. He spoke before a large gathering of the Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations on Jan. 15. He has said he supported a Saudi Arabian peace initiative that called for Israel to revert to its 1967 borders in exchange for recognition from the Arab

w’orld. Lieberman said he agreed with President Bush's June 24 speech calling for new Palestinian leadership and a conditional Palestinian state. However, he said it won't happen until there is 100 percent effort by the Palestinians to stop terrorism. He said their current efforts amount to only about 10 percent. He said the Bush Administration should try harder to

seek peace in the Middle East. Lieberman faces obstacles among both the liberal and conservative segments of the Jewish constituency for different reasons. Liberal Jewish leaders say Lieberman's support for school vouchers could alienate some Jews. He said he put no stock in polls that say Americans are concerned he might have split loyalties concerning Israel.

Forming government may prove difficult Hadassah board meets in Jerusalem

JERUSALEM — Before the Israelis even voted this week, there was speculation by news media and others that the result might be a political impasse that would prevent the next prime minister from carrying out any definitive policy. Speculation was so rife, in fact, that it included talk about still another round of early elections. Despite politicians' vows to bring stability to the security-

Parties Continual from prov. pcitfc United Torah Judaism: an alliance of Ashkenazi Orthodox groups, it backs more funds for Orthodox institutions and the closure of public amenities on Shabbat. Tzomet: Originally set up by former Chief-of-Staff Rafael Eitan as a right-wing secular party, it now advocates greater economic and financial support for young Israelis after army service. United Arab List: The party of the Arab urban professional class — and, unofficially at least, of the Islamic Movement. Yisrael Acheret: A centrist party that wants technocrats to run the country instead of politicians. Yisrael B'Aliyah: Led by former refusenik Natan Sharansky, the rightist party is now wooing Englishspeaking immigrants. Za'am (Social Justice): A small pro-social-welfare party.

starved Israeli electorate, the emerging electoral math from recent polls had observers and politicians wondering how effective the next government could be. A narrow, right-wing government could run into a brick wall on economic and diplomatic issues. And Labor Party leader Amram Mitzna said, "If we don't succeed in these elections, we will succeed in the next ones."

NEW YORK - More than 160 members of the national board of Hadassah, the Women's Zionist Organization of America, traveled to Israel last week for annual midwinter board meetings, which began with business meetings in suburban New Jersey and continued with visits to major Hadassah projects in Jerusalem, Northern Israel, and the Arava. This is the first time that

the national board has held its midwinter meetings in Israel since 1999; however, in 2000 Hadassah distinguished itself as the only national Jewish organization to hold its annual convention in Jerusalem. Highlights of the national board mission included visits to Hadassah hospitals at Ein Kerem and Mount Scopus; a ground breaking ceremony for Youth Hostel at

Massuah; a trip to Mount of Olives cemetery. Where Henrietta Szold and past presidents were remembered; a meeting with United States Ambassador Daniel Kurtzer; and a celebration of the 80 lh anniversary of Meir Shfeya, a residential youth village founded and sponsored in part by Hadassah. Hadassah's national convention will be held in New York City, July 13-16.

WHEN THE GOING GETS TOUGH—Photos of Israeli soldiers are available in quantity, but this one warrants publication because of the determination expressed on their faces.