Unveiling the contours and contrasts of an ever-changing Middle East landscape Reliable reportage and insightful commentary on the Middle East by seasoned journalists from the region and beyond.
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THE ISRAEL BRIEF- 13 – 16 January 2025
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Lay of the Land’s ‘Pick of the Week’ photo

step out of the vehicle to freedom in Israel.

Articles
Please note there is a facility to comment beneath each article should you wish to express an opinion on the subject addressed.
(1)
AMERICA FIRST DIVIDED
As patriots across the country celebrate Trump’s victory, lurking in the shadows is a sinister threat to the new conservative alignment
By Karys Rhea

much as the ‘woke left’. More familiar with the ‘woke left’, what then is its no less dangerous counterpart
– the “woke right”?
AMERICA FIRST DIVIDED
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(2)
REJECT RASOOL
Trump’s Administration Should Reject Ebrahim Rasool as South Africa’s Ambassador.
By Kenneth Mokgatlhe wa Kgwadi

supporter of terrorist organisations – Hamas and the Palestinian Islamic Jihad – go down with President Trump?
REJECT RASOOL
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(3)
CATHOLICISM AND THE KEFFIYEH
Response of a Catholic to the Pontiff’s visually symbolic embrace of terrorism.
By Michael McKenna

when he participated in the Vatican’s Nativity scene alongside a “baby Jesus” lying on a Palestinian keffiyeh,
the writer – “a deeply disappointed Catholic” – delves to understand his Pontiff and questions a way forward.
CATHOLICISM AND THE KEFFIYEH
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(4)
ALL IN THE FAMILY
Heroes, Hostages and Victims – all in one Israeli Arab family
By Jonathan Feldstein

he chose not any driver but a Muslim Israeli hero of October 7. A Bedouin family saga of tragedy
and heroism is revealed as the day in Israel’s battered south unfolds.
ALL IN THE FAMILY
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(5)
REMEMBERING A WOMAN OF VALOUR
In Loving Tribute to Olga Meshoe Washington
14 September 1981 – 6 January 2025
By Rolene Marks

“… for many of us in Israel and for Jewish communities around the world,” she was no less a “daughter of Zion,”
asserts the writer. A devout Christian, Olga will be buried this week in Israel.
REMEMBERING A WOMAN OF VALOUR
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LOTL Cofounders David E. Kaplan (Editor), Rolene Marks and Yair Chelouche
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While the mission of Lay of the Land (LotL) is to provide a wide and diverse perspective of affairs in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world, the opinions, beliefs and viewpoints expressed by its various writers are not necessarily ones of the owners and management of LOTL but of the writers themselves. LotL endeavours to the best of its ability to credit the use of all known photographs to the photographer and/or owner of such photographs (0&EO).