Scarlett Johansson Quits Oxfam International Over Israel-based SodaStream Criticism; To Visit Israel

American actress Scarlett Johansson has released a statement about the controversy surrounding her role as the first-ever brand ambassador of the Israeli company SodaStream, describing the firm as “building a bridge to peace between Israel and Palestine,” and making clear that she would not be stepping away from it. Her public comments were made after she came under fire for the endorsement deal - which included a TV ad screened during the Super Bowl - from the pro-Palestinian Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions (BDS) movement.

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US Secretary of State Kerry Frustrated by Palestinians’ Refusal to Recognize ‘Jewish’ Israel

Demands that the Palestinians recognize Israel as a Jewish state have become a major stumbling block in Secretary of State John Kerry’s search for a settlement to the Middle East’s most enduring conflict.

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IDF Provides Humanitarian Aid to Civilians in Syria and Philippines

The Israel Defense Forces has been providing humanitarian aid to Syrians living near the border, Defense Minister Moshe Ya’alon revealed recently during a tour of the frontier. According to Ya’alon, Israel has sent water and food, including baby food, across the border, and has been helping the Syrians prepare for winter.

“Given the fact that these villages are besieged and have no access to anyplace else, we are helping for humanitarian reasons,” the defense minister said. The food is being transferred to the Syrian villages via the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force. Sometimes, however, IDF soldiers lay aid packages just across the border and the village residents collect them.

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