TEL AVIV, Israel (AP) — Israel’s cultural and financial capital unveiled a memorial Friday honoring gays and lesbians persecuted by the Nazis, the first specific recognition in Israel for non-Jewish victims of the Holocaust. Tucked away in a Tel Aviv park, a concrete, triangle-shaped plaque details the plight of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people under Adolf Hitler’s Third Reich. … Read More
TAYBEH, Israel (AP) — Israel’s powerful and outspoken foreign minister has enraged the country’s Arab minority by proposing that some of its towns and villages be handed over to a future Palestine in exchange for parts of the West Bank where Jewish settlers live. The proposal, rejected by both Palestinians and other Israeli leaders, nonetheless has deepened Arab fears that … Read More
JERUSALEM (AP) — A spate of violent Palestinian attacks on Israeli targets in recent weeks is raising concerns in Israel that it may be on the verge of a new type of Palestinian uprising. In contrast to previous waves of Palestinian violence, the recent incidents do not appear to be an organized effort by militant groups but rather a collection … Read More
JERUSALEM – When Isaac Herzog was a child, his Egyptian-born, French-speaking mother thought him to be as pretty as a doll. So she blended its Hebrew word, “buba,” with a French-sounding term of endearment, “joujou,” to create a distinct nickname that would stick with the boy for life — “Bougie.” Now, Israel’s newly elected opposition leader finds himself as the … Read More
JERUSALEM (AP) — Israel’s new opposition leader is a pragmatic lawmaker and scion of the Labor Party who is likely to focus the movement on a diplomatic agenda. Isaac Herzog might even give a boost to the prime minister’s coalition should progress be made in peace talks with the Palestinians. Herzog cruised to an impressive upset victory in the Labor primary … Read More
ABU GHOSH, Israel (AP) — A restaurant owner in an Arab village outside of Jerusalem says he is on a mission to save culinary culture by making diners a simple offer: Turn off your cellphone and get a 50 percent discount. Jawdat Ibrahim says smartphones have destroyed the modern dining experience. He hopes the generous discount will bring back a … Read More
BEIT SHEMESH, Israel (AP) — After a contentious mayoral election between secular and ultra-Orthodox rivals, this deeply divided city has become a flashpoint for a religious struggle that is threatening to tear Israel apart. Claiming the election was stolen, secular and moderately religious residents of Beit Shemesh are arranging large demonstrations against the ultra-Orthodox mayor, demanding a new vote and … Read More
JERUSALEM (AP) — As the world’s leading maker of generic drugs, Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd. is a huge source of pride for Israel. Now, following an announcement of planned layoffs and revelations it enjoys sweeping tax exemptions, it is on the defensive and fighting to save its reputation as the country’s flagship company. Teva, which last year reported revenue of … Read More
JERUSALEM (AP) — As a small country that takes special pride in the achievements of its best and brightest, Israelis were delighted that two of their own won this year’s Nobel Prize for chemistry. But the celebration was tempered by a single fact: The duo left Israel long ago for greater opportunities in the U.S. The Nobel victories this week … Read More
JERUSALEM — At first glance, a proposed new bill asking Israel’s parliament to extend Israeli labor law to the West Bank and protect women against unlawful dismissal seems innocuous enough. But critics say that under the guise of woman’s rights, the bill’s true intent is to further entrench Israeli control over occupied territory the Palestinians seek for their future state. The … Read More
JERUSALEM – Jerusalem’s mayor presides over perhaps the most complicated city in the world: deeply divided between Arab and Jew, religious and secular, rich and poor, and claimed as a capital by both Israelis and Palestinians. But Nir Barkat, a successful former high-tech entrepreneur and venture capitalist, told The Associated Press that Jerusalem is thriving like never before and in … Read More
BARKAN, West Bank (AP) — Micha Drori is living the Israeli dream: a house, a yard, a wife and three kids. The 42-year-old businessman has found an affordable alternative to Israel’s booming real estate market in a quiet community he loves, with a commute of less than half an hour to his job near Tel Aviv. What’s the catch? He’s … Read More
Aron Heller is the lead writer for Nokia Bell Labs and an Israel-based writer, columnist and broadcaster. He is also the author of the upcoming book Zaidy’s Band.
Aron writes about technology for Nokia. For 15 years, he was a Middle East correspondent for The Associated Press, with specialized beats on Israeli society, sports, history and the Holocaust.
Aron is a podcast host and roving reporter. He’s also been a guest on various TV and radio programs, and a regular contributor to AP’s radio and on-line video network.