If you have seen or heard the news over the last week, you have likely heard some of the analysis of President Obama’s speeches concerning the Middle East and the Israeli/Palestinian conflict as well as Prime Minister Netanyahu’s responses.
What has amazed me most about some of the comments that I have read on facebook and various listserves, in addition to some in person discussions I have had with others, is that they are often opinions or statements based solely on commentary and incomplete information rather than on actual fact or substance.
In general these days, it seems that we have become so used to getting our news in small sound bites that we are often much less informed than we could and should be. Whatever your thoughts or opinions on Israel, it is critical that they are formed with complete information rather than on news headlines and snippets.
It is with all that in mind that this morning I invite you to take a moment, if you have not already done so, to read the full contents of President Obama’s speech at the White House, as well as his speech at AIPAC yesterday in which he clarified his remarks.
http://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/2011/05/19/remarks-president-middle-east-and-north-africa
I would also suggest that in general, when it comes to Israel, it is useful to get your news from Israeli sources in addition to the American media coverage. Here are three that I reference on a regular basis. I hope that you find them helpful is providing a broad and in depth perspective on Israeli opinion.
Ha’aretz: www.haaretz.com
The Jerusalem Post: www.jpost.com
Ynet: http://www.ynetnews.com