Ron Skolnik
@ronskolnik.bsky.social
Consultant, writer, speaker, Hebrew->English translator. Posting mostly on Israel-Palestine, plus some US politics. I'm all for conversation and nuance. If you're here for snark, simplism, slogans, don't follow me.
Regardless of whether Bibi momentarily retains Trump's trust or not - from a historical perspective, Netanyahu's reign will probably be remembered as the period when Israel, because of his policies, lost the automatic support of the majority of Americans.
www.axios.com/2025/12/26/t...
www.axios.com/2025/12/26/t...
Netanyahu's Mar-a-Lago visit "crucial" for future of Gaza deal
"It's J.D., Marco, Jared, Steve, Susie. Bibi has lost them. The only one he has left is the president."
www.axios.com
December 26, 2025 at 9:07 PM
Regardless of whether Bibi momentarily retains Trump's trust or not - from a historical perspective, Netanyahu's reign will probably be remembered as the period when Israel, because of his policies, lost the automatic support of the majority of Americans.
www.axios.com/2025/12/26/t...
www.axios.com/2025/12/26/t...
"After Hamas' October 7 attack," Ben Samuels importantly notes, "Stefanik's conservative Jewish supporters were able to maintain the dissonance necessary to ignore her support for such conspiracies" as The Great Replacement theory. www.haaretz.com/us-news/2025...
Elise Stefanik's fall from grace and favor is a cautionary tale
Elise Stefanik's Embrace of Donald Trump Seemed Set to Earn Her the Republican Nomination for Governor of New York. But Now the Lawmaker Who Rose to Fame by Labeling pro-Palestinian Campus Protests as...
www.haaretz.com
December 26, 2025 at 5:28 PM
"After Hamas' October 7 attack," Ben Samuels importantly notes, "Stefanik's conservative Jewish supporters were able to maintain the dissonance necessary to ignore her support for such conspiracies" as The Great Replacement theory. www.haaretz.com/us-news/2025...
And so this is Christmas
For weak and for strong
The rich and the poor ones
The road is so long
And so happy Christmas
For black and for white
For yellow and red ones
Let's stop all the fight
- John Lennon, Yoko Ono
www.youtube.com/watch?v=uMH_...
For weak and for strong
The rich and the poor ones
The road is so long
And so happy Christmas
For black and for white
For yellow and red ones
Let's stop all the fight
- John Lennon, Yoko Ono
www.youtube.com/watch?v=uMH_...
🎅 Happy Xmas (War Is Over) - John Lennon 1971
YouTube video by HolidayFavorites
www.youtube.com
December 24, 2025 at 10:30 PM
And so this is Christmas
For weak and for strong
The rich and the poor ones
The road is so long
And so happy Christmas
For black and for white
For yellow and red ones
Let's stop all the fight
- John Lennon, Yoko Ono
www.youtube.com/watch?v=uMH_...
For weak and for strong
The rich and the poor ones
The road is so long
And so happy Christmas
For black and for white
For yellow and red ones
Let's stop all the fight
- John Lennon, Yoko Ono
www.youtube.com/watch?v=uMH_...
"A regional official...said that establishing a technocratic Palestinian government is the only thing that would let Hamas cede power in Gaza, even before the long, complicated talks on disarming it begin." In-depth report by
@haaretzcom.bsky.social's Liza Rozovsky. www.haaretz.com/israel-news/...
@haaretzcom.bsky.social's Liza Rozovsky. www.haaretz.com/israel-news/...
U.S. leaning toward setting up Palestinian-run regime for Gaza before international forces
The Trump Administration Sees Establishing Palestinian Rule as Critical to Stability in the Gaza Strip. Qatar Is Pushing for Such a Mechanism to Be Announced Even Before Netanyahu Visits Florida Next ...
www.haaretz.com
December 24, 2025 at 4:22 PM
"A regional official...said that establishing a technocratic Palestinian government is the only thing that would let Hamas cede power in Gaza, even before the long, complicated talks on disarming it begin." In-depth report by
@haaretzcom.bsky.social's Liza Rozovsky. www.haaretz.com/israel-news/...
@haaretzcom.bsky.social's Liza Rozovsky. www.haaretz.com/israel-news/...
In September, Netanyahu predicted that Israel is heading towards int'l isolation. Katz's remarks suggest that such isolation is an actual policy goal.
www.haaretz.com/israel-news/...
www.haaretz.com/israel-news/...
Israeli defense minister vows Israel will stay in Gaza, permanent IDF settlements in north
Speaking in the West Bank, the Defense Chief Said Israel Will Establish Communities in Northern Gaza 'When the Time Is Right,' Adding That the Military Will Not Withdraw 'One Millimeter' in Syria
www.haaretz.com
December 23, 2025 at 1:15 PM
In September, Netanyahu predicted that Israel is heading towards int'l isolation. Katz's remarks suggest that such isolation is an actual policy goal.
www.haaretz.com/israel-news/...
www.haaretz.com/israel-news/...
Interesting, albeit depressing, analysis and another reminder that the term 'Zionism' (and anti-Zionism) - as opposed to a focus on specific policies and biases - can create unnecessary obstacles.
www.972mag.com/standing-tog...
www.972mag.com/standing-tog...
Can Standing Together bear the weight of its contradictions?
The Jewish-Arab movement is celebrating its 10th anniversary after a period of rapid expansion. But as it grows, so do questions about its political stances, its electoral ambitions, and the limits of...
www.972mag.com
December 22, 2025 at 10:12 PM
Interesting, albeit depressing, analysis and another reminder that the term 'Zionism' (and anti-Zionism) - as opposed to a focus on specific policies and biases - can create unnecessary obstacles.
www.972mag.com/standing-tog...
www.972mag.com/standing-tog...
Here's how the question was worded: Would you, in order to create a gov't without Likud & Netanyahu after the next elections, agree for Ra'am to be included in the coalition (without representation in Cabinet)? Far from ideal, but any progress in a storm.
www.jpost.com/israel-news/...
www.jpost.com/israel-news/...
December 22, 2025 at 8:52 PM
Here's how the question was worded: Would you, in order to create a gov't without Likud & Netanyahu after the next elections, agree for Ra'am to be included in the coalition (without representation in Cabinet)? Far from ideal, but any progress in a storm.
www.jpost.com/israel-news/...
www.jpost.com/israel-news/...
"We're talkin' 'bout the dollar bill
And that ol' man that's over the hill"
Simply Red - live
In dishonor of the White House's claims that the affordability crisis is a 'hoax'. Or someone else's fault.
#ShabbatShalom
www.youtube.com/watch?v=YU_c...
And that ol' man that's over the hill"
Simply Red - live
In dishonor of the White House's claims that the affordability crisis is a 'hoax'. Or someone else's fault.
#ShabbatShalom
www.youtube.com/watch?v=YU_c...
Simply Red - Money's Too Tight (To Mention) (Live at Montreux Jazz Festival 1992)
YouTube video by Simply Red
www.youtube.com
December 19, 2025 at 11:05 PM
"We're talkin' 'bout the dollar bill
And that ol' man that's over the hill"
Simply Red - live
In dishonor of the White House's claims that the affordability crisis is a 'hoax'. Or someone else's fault.
#ShabbatShalom
www.youtube.com/watch?v=YU_c...
And that ol' man that's over the hill"
Simply Red - live
In dishonor of the White House's claims that the affordability crisis is a 'hoax'. Or someone else's fault.
#ShabbatShalom
www.youtube.com/watch?v=YU_c...
Most recent poll - 49%-30%. You don't need a Weatherman to know which way the wind blows. www.news10.com/news/hochul-...
Poll: Hochul leads Stefanik by 19 points in 2026 race
Governor Kathy Hochul maintains a 19-point lead over her Republican challengers in a hypothetical 2026 election matchup, according to a Siena College poll, while New Yorkers expressed optimism abou…
www.news10.com
December 19, 2025 at 10:52 PM
Most recent poll - 49%-30%. You don't need a Weatherman to know which way the wind blows. www.news10.com/news/hochul-...
Catherine Almonte Da Costa, now the mother of Jewish children, has apologized for offensive posts she shared more than a decade ago - as a teenager. Isn't such learning, growth, repair the kind of behavior ADL should davka be applauding and encouraging?
www.nytimes.com/2025/12/18/n...
www.nytimes.com/2025/12/18/n...
Mamdani Appointee Resigns After Decade-Old Antisemitic Posts Re-emerge
www.nytimes.com
December 19, 2025 at 4:27 PM
Catherine Almonte Da Costa, now the mother of Jewish children, has apologized for offensive posts she shared more than a decade ago - as a teenager. Isn't such learning, growth, repair the kind of behavior ADL should davka be applauding and encouraging?
www.nytimes.com/2025/12/18/n...
www.nytimes.com/2025/12/18/n...
Reposted by Ron Skolnik
TODAY, 12/18, 12:30pm ET-> us02web.zoom.us/webinar/regi...
An ongoing WB Settler campaign of intimidation, destruction, violence seeks to drive out Palestinians. With Israel's army & govt failing to provide security, it falls on courageous volunteers to provide a protective nonviolent human buffer.
An ongoing WB Settler campaign of intimidation, destruction, violence seeks to drive out Palestinians. With Israel's army & govt failing to provide security, it falls on courageous volunteers to provide a protective nonviolent human buffer.
THURSDAY, 12/18, 12:30pm ET
With:
-Rabbi Arik Ascherman (founder, Torat Tzedek)
-Partners board member and protective presence volunteer, Prof. Sam Fleischacker
- A Palestinian activist (name currently not being shared due to increased violence).
Register at us02web.zoom.us/webinar/regi...
With:
-Rabbi Arik Ascherman (founder, Torat Tzedek)
-Partners board member and protective presence volunteer, Prof. Sam Fleischacker
- A Palestinian activist (name currently not being shared due to increased violence).
Register at us02web.zoom.us/webinar/regi...
December 18, 2025 at 3:12 PM
TODAY, 12/18, 12:30pm ET-> us02web.zoom.us/webinar/regi...
An ongoing WB Settler campaign of intimidation, destruction, violence seeks to drive out Palestinians. With Israel's army & govt failing to provide security, it falls on courageous volunteers to provide a protective nonviolent human buffer.
An ongoing WB Settler campaign of intimidation, destruction, violence seeks to drive out Palestinians. With Israel's army & govt failing to provide security, it falls on courageous volunteers to provide a protective nonviolent human buffer.
His Rob Reiner reaction, and now this. At the end of the day, no good policy can come from bad, petty people. I hope some of the remaining Trump admirers start to realize that. www.nbcnews.com/politics/whi...
White House installs plaques mocking former Presidents Barack Obama and Joe Biden
The Biden plaque refers to him as “Sleepy Joe Biden” and calls him “the worst President in American History.”
www.nbcnews.com
December 18, 2025 at 3:13 PM
His Rob Reiner reaction, and now this. At the end of the day, no good policy can come from bad, petty people. I hope some of the remaining Trump admirers start to realize that. www.nbcnews.com/politics/whi...
Gadi Eisenkot hinted at a possible coalition of predominantly Jewish parties with outside support by predominantly Arab parties. Gantz advised excluding Arabs lest their inclusion strengthen racist parties [sic]. Netanyahu was more straightforward racist.
www.jpost.com/israel-news/...
www.jpost.com/israel-news/...
Benny Gantz, Benjamin Netanyahu clash with Eisenkot's minority government | The Jerusalem Post
“We will know how to form a government, even with 58 seats,” said Eisenkot during an interview for N12, which sparked a series of attacks and reactions from several politicians
www.jpost.com
December 18, 2025 at 1:58 PM
Gadi Eisenkot hinted at a possible coalition of predominantly Jewish parties with outside support by predominantly Arab parties. Gantz advised excluding Arabs lest their inclusion strengthen racist parties [sic]. Netanyahu was more straightforward racist.
www.jpost.com/israel-news/...
www.jpost.com/israel-news/...
There's a betting market on what Trump will say tonight. Something essentially awful about that combination.
December 18, 2025 at 12:27 AM
There's a betting market on what Trump will say tonight. Something essentially awful about that combination.
What's infuriating is that Trump's use of the phrase "Jewish lobby" as a synonym for "Israel lobby" is itself classically antisemitic - even according to the IHRA definition!
www.haaretz.com/us-news/2025...
www.haaretz.com/us-news/2025...
Trump hosts a very MAGA Hanukkah at White House, says 'Congress is becoming antisemitic'
In a Sharply Partisan Celebration, Trump Claimed Many Members of Congress Now 'Hate Israel.' He Also Brought on Stage Several Jewish Backers, Including Megadonor Miriam Adelson, Who Urged Him to Seek ...
www.haaretz.com
December 17, 2025 at 1:13 PM
What's infuriating is that Trump's use of the phrase "Jewish lobby" as a synonym for "Israel lobby" is itself classically antisemitic - even according to the IHRA definition!
www.haaretz.com/us-news/2025...
www.haaretz.com/us-news/2025...
I hope folks can tune in this Thursday (us02web.zoom.us/webinar/regi...). Grateful to Rabbi Arik Ascherman and Prof. Sam Fleischacker for taking part, and for their protective presence activism. We hope to also be joined by a Palestinian activist if personal safety considerations allow for that.
THURSDAY, 12/18, 12:30pm ET
An ongoing WB Settler campaign of intimidation, destruction, violence seeks to drive out Palestinians. With Israel's army and govt failing to provide security, it falls on courageous volunteers to provide a nonviolent human buffer.
Join us: us02web.zoom.us/webinar/regi...
An ongoing WB Settler campaign of intimidation, destruction, violence seeks to drive out Palestinians. With Israel's army and govt failing to provide security, it falls on courageous volunteers to provide a nonviolent human buffer.
Join us: us02web.zoom.us/webinar/regi...
December 16, 2025 at 6:20 PM
I hope folks can tune in this Thursday (us02web.zoom.us/webinar/regi...). Grateful to Rabbi Arik Ascherman and Prof. Sam Fleischacker for taking part, and for their protective presence activism. We hope to also be joined by a Palestinian activist if personal safety considerations allow for that.
Trump significantly overvalued his assets, a judge ruled in 2023. Now he seems to be significantly overvaluing his reputation. www.haaretz.com/world-news/e...
Trump sues the BBC for defamation, seeks up to $10 billion in damages
The Lawsuit Comes Amid Broader Scrutiny of the BBC's Editorial Standards, Including Criticism of Its Gaza Documentaries
www.haaretz.com
December 16, 2025 at 1:37 PM
Trump significantly overvalued his assets, a judge ruled in 2023. Now he seems to be significantly overvaluing his reputation. www.haaretz.com/world-news/e...
Yes, Trump and his ascendance are a sociological product of the times we live in, and MAGA will likely go on after he's gone. But he also serves as a unique propellant responsible for debasing American society, fueling unbridled rage, legitimizing brutality. Sad - as he's so fond of saying.
December 15, 2025 at 4:37 PM
Yes, Trump and his ascendance are a sociological product of the times we live in, and MAGA will likely go on after he's gone. But he also serves as a unique propellant responsible for debasing American society, fueling unbridled rage, legitimizing brutality. Sad - as he's so fond of saying.
Australia after Bondi Beach: Leaders move to strengthen already-tough national gun control laws
US after Brown: Thoughts and prayers
US after Brown: Thoughts and prayers
December 15, 2025 at 1:53 PM
Australia after Bondi Beach: Leaders move to strengthen already-tough national gun control laws
US after Brown: Thoughts and prayers
US after Brown: Thoughts and prayers
Noncombatants are noncombatants.
December 14, 2025 at 6:44 PM
Noncombatants are noncombatants.
Look at this face,
I know the years are showing
Look at this life,
I still don't know where it's going
Songwriters: Cynthia Weil / Tom Snow / B. Mann
#ShabbatShalom
www.youtube.com/watch?v=ar79...
I know the years are showing
Look at this life,
I still don't know where it's going
Songwriters: Cynthia Weil / Tom Snow / B. Mann
#ShabbatShalom
www.youtube.com/watch?v=ar79...
Aaron Neville & Linda Ronstadt - Don't Know Much LIVE FULL HD (with lyrics)
YouTube video by Shane Mercury
www.youtube.com
December 12, 2025 at 11:40 PM
Look at this face,
I know the years are showing
Look at this life,
I still don't know where it's going
Songwriters: Cynthia Weil / Tom Snow / B. Mann
#ShabbatShalom
www.youtube.com/watch?v=ar79...
I know the years are showing
Look at this life,
I still don't know where it's going
Songwriters: Cynthia Weil / Tom Snow / B. Mann
#ShabbatShalom
www.youtube.com/watch?v=ar79...
This webinar isn't about 2SS/1SS. It's about the fact that average people are courageously trying to do what Israel, as occupying power, won't: defend basic human rights of occupied people, perform its basic responsibility of ensuring public order & safety.
Register: us02web.zoom.us/webinar/regi...
Register: us02web.zoom.us/webinar/regi...
THURSDAY, 12/18, 12:30pm ET
With:
-Rabbi Arik Ascherman (founder, Torat Tzedek)
-Partners board member and protective presence volunteer, Prof. Sam Fleischacker
- A Palestinian activist (name currently not being shared due to increased violence).
Register at us02web.zoom.us/webinar/regi...
With:
-Rabbi Arik Ascherman (founder, Torat Tzedek)
-Partners board member and protective presence volunteer, Prof. Sam Fleischacker
- A Palestinian activist (name currently not being shared due to increased violence).
Register at us02web.zoom.us/webinar/regi...
December 12, 2025 at 4:49 PM
This webinar isn't about 2SS/1SS. It's about the fact that average people are courageously trying to do what Israel, as occupying power, won't: defend basic human rights of occupied people, perform its basic responsibility of ensuring public order & safety.
Register: us02web.zoom.us/webinar/regi...
Register: us02web.zoom.us/webinar/regi...
Jewish Americans, says Koplow, need to clarify *why* exactly they're attached to Israel if they want to explain that to other Americans. Not sure I agree with all the conclusions, but he's right to say that it's confusing and not completely intuitive . israelpolicyforum.org/2025/12/11/w...
Why Does Israel Matter to American Jews?
Much of the angst over Zionism among American Jews is treated as an internal Jewish community problem. We should spend more time thinking about how the rest of the country interprets our relationship ...
israelpolicyforum.org
December 12, 2025 at 2:07 PM
Jewish Americans, says Koplow, need to clarify *why* exactly they're attached to Israel if they want to explain that to other Americans. Not sure I agree with all the conclusions, but he's right to say that it's confusing and not completely intuitive . israelpolicyforum.org/2025/12/11/w...
Repeated, not unjustified, jabs at Yair Golan and his party, e.g. below, are interspersed in this Haaretz interview www.haaretz.com/israel-news/... with Alon-Lee Green of Standing Together: "With a Mass Jewish-Arab Movement Behind Him, Alon-Lee Green Is Reshaping the Israeli Left"
December 12, 2025 at 1:49 PM
Repeated, not unjustified, jabs at Yair Golan and his party, e.g. below, are interspersed in this Haaretz interview www.haaretz.com/israel-news/... with Alon-Lee Green of Standing Together: "With a Mass Jewish-Arab Movement Behind Him, Alon-Lee Green Is Reshaping the Israeli Left"
"Under Israeli Pressure", report stresses, reflecting "long-standing policy against unifying the West Bank and Gaza under one authority".
Always important to keep one's eyes on ultimate political goals; this isn't just a fit or a political tit-for-tat.
www.haaretz.com/middle-east-...
Always important to keep one's eyes on ultimate political goals; this isn't just a fit or a political tit-for-tat.
www.haaretz.com/middle-east-...
U.S. bars foreign envoys to Palestinian Authority from Gaza coordination center
In Recent Weeks, Senior European Representatives Were Denied Entry to the Coordination Center in Southern Israel. A European Source Said the Americans Were Displeased and Noted the Move Was Israel's R...
www.haaretz.com
December 11, 2025 at 2:00 PM
"Under Israeli Pressure", report stresses, reflecting "long-standing policy against unifying the West Bank and Gaza under one authority".
Always important to keep one's eyes on ultimate political goals; this isn't just a fit or a political tit-for-tat.
www.haaretz.com/middle-east-...
Always important to keep one's eyes on ultimate political goals; this isn't just a fit or a political tit-for-tat.
www.haaretz.com/middle-east-...