ADL: Time magazine Israel cover story rehashes anti-Semitic lies

Living in Northern Ireland which has also under went a seemingly interminable peace process it doesn't surprise me that most people are no longer interested in what their politicians do. For those not directly involved in the conflict other things are more important. I would think that the priority one gives to peace depends on where you live and that people in Sderot would have a much greater interest in it than people in Tel Aviv. This is only normal and the same applied here. In fact I would suggest that the same headline could have been run about large sections of the population of Northern Ireland for long periods during the peace process. People weren't interested in the negotiations for peace, just the reality of it. To point this out is no more anti-Semitic than it is anti-Irish. Similarly I read an article a few days ago saying that the people in Ramallah also were more interested in getting on with their lives than the peace talks. I don't hink anyone suggested that was anti-Palestinian. Mr Foxman really needs to get a life.

Time Magazine's cover is far more provocative than the story it represents. The story is relatively benign. The cover, on the other hand, is calculated to sell magazines using sensationalistic language and imagery. It is a matter of bait and switch. The editors and publishers ought to be ashamed to represent their publication as journalism. Their methods degrade journalism and news reporting to the level of the National Enquirer.

I haven't read the actual article itself. But judging from reading this article, I understand that the age-old money libel of anti-Semitic nature is close, but it doesn't strike me as intending that. It seems to me that there is a being surprised that a country like Israel, which holds peace so dearly in her heart, has somehow overwhelmingly turned her back to the belief that peace is possible with the Palestinians. And that sociological, anthropological question is indeed legitimate and interesting, as I see it. Perhaps, having focused on Palestinian feelings towards peace in the West Bank, where there is also an economic boom, may have helped to extricate the article from shaddows of suspiscion.

but it doesn't anymore. Why? Because, instead of being used properly, it's been abused by Zionists intent on pushing a political ideology that in itself is racist. It's got to a point now where many really couldn't care less if they're called 'anti-Semite' because most of the world knows the difference between real anti-Semitism and the anti-Semitism Zionist propagandists talk about. Soon the word 'anti-Semitism' will be completely meaningless - which is a shame because there are some people out there that really are anti-Semites but they will be ignored because of the word's misuse. And the Zionist extremeists will have no one to blame but themselves.

I canceled my subscription to TIME magazine years ago because of just this type of one-sided incitement article. With the rise of the Internet, and demise of the importance of newspapers and magazines, rags like TIME use sensationalism and bias to attract readers.

This article is just the natural extension of the left's anti Israel bias and how their sycophants line up to support their lies. In fact this article would have been at home in HUFPO or WAPO as easily as in Time. And what does that say about how acceptable anti Semitism is among the left. Ever since the left adopted ideas like: we're against Zionism but not jews We're against the mission but support the troops These rationalizations all do the same thing. Permit the left to nuance their opinions to disguise its disdain and hatred for those who disagree. Just look what happens if you oppose them ... you will labeled something nasty and hateful ... oppose gay marriage, you're homophobic ... oppose the mosque and you're islamaphobic ... oppose abortion and you a misogynist The Time article just continues this tradition and shows why the main stream media is dying ... People are smart enough to realize that articles like this are just lies made up to sell magazines ... concern about the truth or reality is irrelevant to the liberal left media .. in fact it gets in the way of their ability to influence public opinion, just like it would have in this article

Just a few weeks ago haaretz and other papers were crowing that west bank arabs are more concerned about their flashy cars and making money than intifada and resistance to occupation. Classic stereotyping of Arabs? Wise up. Not everything is motivated by hatred of Jews, or Arabs.

please guys give it a rest and get out of the 'eternal victim' mindset,try to take some criticism like everyone else,it might help you grow out of your country's juvenile bully mindset. TIME is as much anti semitic as golda meir or bibi..,for gods sake..if someone speaks the truth about israel the ADL bludgeons them into silence...goldstone(himself a staunch jew and an upright man) being the last example. israel should grow up,and jews should stop this paronoia.

It is unfortunate that the ADL and Foxman are presented as voices of Jews. Their narrative and distortion of reality is truly sad. Turning every discussion or questioning of Israel and/or Jews into something that must be an "Anti-Semitic" is a disservice.

G-d forbid we try and get on with life and enjoy life while those around us want our lives.

In a recent US Poll undertook by CBS, when asked “what is the most important problem facing America?” Americans volunteered: The Economy 49% Health Care 8% Budget Deficit 4% Wars: Afghanistan and Iraq 4% Big Government 2% Immigration 1% (Apr 27, 2010: http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-503544_162-20003551-503544.html) Following this poll, it would seem Americans are callous war mongers who care about their own jobs and health well above the wars they’re actively involved in which have been killed hundreds of thousands!.

We have seen it all before and some of the demands of the Palestinians (right of return to Israel) are like suicide. There are no brave souls trying to reach a compromise. Any peace deal will be painful. Apathy reigns because we have heard it all before and seen nothing new. And there is no trust. So , like Palestinians, we get on with life

Unfortunately Israel has become a Western nation in the truest sense. Low-brow culture and technological advancements have placed conflict resolution at a lower position in the list of priorities for the average Israeli. Coupled with the failed countless peace-talk efforts, is anyone surprised that the topic of morning conversation might be 'Kochav Nolad' or the economy? Having said this, the ADL's angle is ill-judged. It would not be 'anti-British' to write an article insinuating the British care more about the economy that the situation in Afghanistan. Avoiding the conflict is part of a bigger picture of apathy. We Israelis trust politicians less and less, and that includes any movement in the peace process. However, most Israelis - the tolerant ones - mix with Arabs on a regular basis without problems. On a 'micro' scale, this will bring about peace with our cousins. On a side note, I must also stress that Foxman is intellectually challenged, ignorant and never tires of reinforcing the old cliches he attempts to refute.

Barely subtle enough to be deniable, but sufficiently evident 'between the lines' for the poison to come oozing out.

IF WE HAD PEACE OUR ECONOMY IN ISRAEL WOULD BE 10 TIMES BETTER, THIS ARTICLE MAKES NO SENSE WHAT SO EVER, MUCH MORE TOURISM, PEOPLE NOT LIVING IN FEAR OF GOING TO CLUBS AND RESTAURANTS, THIS IS SOOOOOO NOT TRUE, I AM ISRAELI AND LIVE HERE, ITS A FACT OUR ECONOMY WOULD BE 10 TIMES BETTER IF WE HAD PEACE. THIS ARTICLE IS JUST ANTI SEMITISM

Mr. Foxman, please, belive me, I am an Israeli very, very ashamed about the situation depicted in The Time. But, as sad as it seems to you and to me - it is true!!!!!!

abe is just playing pretend now, cos he feels starved for attention.

Ben-Gurion stated: "Why should the Arabs make peace? If I was an Arab leader I would never make terms with Israel. That is natural: we have taken their country ... There has been anti-Semitism, the Nazis, Hitler, Auschwitz, but was that their fault? They only see one thing: we have come here and stolen their country. Why should they accept that? They may perhaps forget in one or two generations' time, but for the moment there is no chance. So it is simple: we have to stay strong and maintain a powerful army.

if Israelis are more concerned about moving on with life than with war and occupation. They are no different to most young people anywhere who prefer to do the same. The TIME cover is provocative - I can completely see why Foxman objected to it. Lots of Israelis do want peace. They also want to exist.

You have a right to attack antisemitism when you don't have any such prejudice yourself. A recent poll shows: 1. Most Israeli schoolchildren believe Israeli Arabs don't have as many rights as Israeli Jews. 2. Most Israeli schoolchildren believe they shouldn't! My impression is that your typical Israeli Jew looks on ALL Arabs in about the same way typical US whites looked on ALL Blacks early in the 20th century. My impression is that if you say "Arab" to an Israeli Jew some negative thought will spring to mind -- "terrorist!" or "dirty!" or ... Maybe the reason Mr Foxman and right-wing Israelis get so worked up about antisemitism is that deep down they know they're guilty of something exactly like it themselves.

I understand that the age-old money libel of anti-Semitic nature is close, but it doesn't strike me as intending that, but actually being surprised that a country like Israel, which holds peace so dearly in her heart, has somehow overwhelmingly turned her back to the belief that peace is possible with the Palestinians. And that sociological, anthropological question is indeed legitimate and interesting to me. Perhaps, having focused on Palestinian feelings twoards peace in the West Bank, where there is also an economic boom, may have helped to extricate the article from shaddows of suspiscion.

Saw the movie tonight. Stavinsky is asked by a friend, "what do you do when you are confronted by a monster?" Stravinsky says "fight it". Ironically, given the Times story his friend says "no, you sing!" Israelis do both and that is precisely the right thing to do!

The article is not anti-Semitic. It doesn't even criticize Israel. If anything, it promotes Israel as a happy and prosperous nation. ADL, please focus on REAL anti-Semitic incidents.

and shame on me for subscribing to this rag. When the author has to send his kids off to school with the hope they will return in one piece or when his family is given gas masks,establishes a safe room and/or a bomb shelter,then and only then can he say Israel doesnt want peace. He is an idiot if he doesnt think Israel wants peace and idiots should not be permitted to write for a mag like Time..

The Time thesis is correct. It's not suggesting that Jews are obsessed with money at all. It's saying that the economy is booming and Israelis are having a good time; peace does not seem achievable so why not enjoy what we've got.

Look at the history. When the Arabs show nothing but aggression Israelis refuse to budge; when the Arabs show interest in peace Israel gives up occupied lands. Since 2005 when Israel's voluntary withdrawal from Gaza was met with kidnappings and thousands of missiles from Gaza and Lebanon, increased arming of terrorists by Iran and calls to wipe it off the map, for some strange reason Israelis don't believe the Arabs want peace, so they attend to other things. When the Arabs show credible interest in peace Israel will, as with Egypt in 1979, the PLO in 1993 and Jordan in 1994, leap to the negotiating table and happily surrender land and settlements. Blaming Israel for the current situation may not be anti-Semitic (though some comments here are clearly racist), but it is completely unjustified. Time Magazine has got it very wrong.

How can everyone be missing the point here?! Barely anyone buys the magazine. Most just walk by it in the supermarket. Thus the only thing they see is that "Israel doesn't care about peace." The problem and anti-israel thing here is that Time made this the cover. Everyone who sees this can now say "Time says it, it must be true." On the heels of the peace talks, this is absolutely unacceptable. Even the editor of Time admitted the cover was only there to sell more magazines. A lifetime Time reader, I have cancelled my subscription. Shame on them!

the Israeli newspapers are pre-occupied with the peace issue and not the economic issues? And how come Israelis, who seem not to care about peace, buy the papers in spades?

Israel has always been strongly committed to the idea that they must not let the murderers and terrorists deprive them of a normal life. Israeli leaders from Ben Gurion on have hammered this point home over and over. This amounts to nothing more than "don't let terrorism prevail". It prevails when one's entire life, one's waking hours and non-sleeping hours, are fixated with the prospect of terror. I admire a society that is actually able to do that. And Israel is a society that has built exciting cities. Indeed, the N.Y Times has suggested that it is one of the most exciting cities in the world. I guess the N.Y. times is more interested in fun and excitement than it is in Peace. What a bunch of crap. The article fails completely to put things in context and perspective!

I am a political refugee from eastern europe and have lived under fascism and communism therefore experienced with anti-semitism. I am very proud and happy to be an american citizen. In the USA there are onlly 30 million antisemites (10& of population) and time magazine is recruting more. I can see Time is successful having more ignorants and uninformed people as followers.

Maybe the muslims should start to educate their people so they will think about making money and not suicide bombers. Life is good when you do not think about death.

Time is obviously looking for buzz and you can always do that while bashing Israelis. The equivalent story about Palestinians (and there is one) would be a snooze fest. http://mideastparalleluniverse.blogspot.com/2010/09/were-all-tabloids-now.html

Abe Foxman has about as much credibility and stature as the stupid "pastor" in Florida who wants to burn the Quaran. Only when the idiotic press like the NYT covers his gibberish nonsense does anyone even notice him. When is the NYT going to wake up and cover real news?

For Israelis not being blown up on a bus or at the Pizza place daily is peace even with the occasional rocket we have become sadly accustomed to. We do not jump and salivate every time a new US president or world leader tries with the same old PLO leaders to make a fake peace. Sorry we are no longer so gullible, but are realistic and honest about peace. We do not see peace with the same old PLO leaders and frankly nor with the same old Israeli ones either. IMHO.

“The insidious subtext of Israeli Jews being obsessed with money echoes the age-old anti-Semitic falsehood that Jews care about money above any other interest, in this case achieving piece with the Palestinians,” wrote Mr. Foxman. “At the same time, Time ignores the very real sacrifices made by Israel and its people in the pursuit of peace and the efforts by successive Israeli governments of reconciliation," the ADL said. What sacrifices? Care to elaborate, Abe?

Anything to avoid the truth. Land theft and ethnic cleansing for the state of Israel

this is percisly why we need to protect us from a repeated genocide on our people yes the jews are we not allowed to prosper! i thought we also controled the media. time mag should be ashman ed i know iam !

...although not for the reasons the ADL alleges. Publications like 'Time' are bellwethers. The well-masticated, innocuous pablum they offer up as opinion serves to define the politically correct. That an article critical of Israel -- in however qualified a way -- could be the cover story strongly suggests that the place has lost its sacred cow status. What's more, I'm sure the editorial staff at 'Time' thought about this.

Leaders who more interested in entrenching the settlements than moving to resolve the conflict..

After supporting american idiots on the mosque in New York, ADL showed it no longer exists to defend, but is an AIPAC tool. Time to defund them. With strong Israel it makes no sense anyone needs them anymore.

Read the anti ADL pro Time article posting here - probably over 1/2 of them are antisemitic, certainly lending credence to the viewpoint that the Time article itself is antisemitic.

only the ADL's detrioration into a tool of Likud politics is new. Shame on them. Tiem to shut it down. And teh reporter willingly let's herself be palyed by Abe.

I'm gonna read the article in full...it does seem a bit borderline though. At the same time, Israel treats, and has treated, Palestenians like crap for a long, long, long, time. A kick in the ass from Americans is not the worst thing in the world. There's an old YIddish saying "if one person says you are a donkey, ignore them. If two people do, buy a saddle." Perhaps Israel might look at all the criticism, and do some soul searching. I'm not saying it's all justified. But some is. And it shouldn't be ignored just because there are some wahoo's.

Lets face it: Israel want domination and money not peace.

boycott israel

Who is Israel supposed to negotiate peace with? Is it Fatah or Hamas? Is it Islamic Jihad or the PLO? Is it Syria or Lebanon? It seems that the arabs are competing with themselves more than fighting Israel. We have Sunni versus Shia jockeying to be the King of the Muslims. Or the King of Persia wanting to take over the middle east. And finally the newcomer Turkey, trying to regain their lost empire. So who is Israel supposed to negotiate with, the palestinians take their orders from the puppet masters in Syria and Iran. Until the Iran problem is solved, there will be NO peace.

That is the capitalist democracy in a nut shell. Aipac and the ADL are quite aware as are the congressmen they target. As for Peace with the Palestinians, land and settlement expansion are opposite. A FAIR PEACE EVER?

It is amusing to see how the so-called Anti-Defamation League jumps to defend Israel and Jews at any and every point, but somehow ignores other defamation issues around the world. Foxman should resign because he is too biased and has in the last few months shown that his interests are not in tune with the greater good. Otherwise change the name of the organization to Anti-Defamation against Jews and Israel League, since that is all they care about.

Israelis are more concerned with making accusations of anti-semitism than they are about ending their occupation and making peace. LOL!

I read the article. It accurately reflects the deep skepticism in Israel of the chances for success after 60 years of failed peace negotiations. Israel's very tough and smart security policies plus Stanley Fisher's brilliant economic policies has enabled the country to move on and see the Palestinian conflict as a controllable nuisance.

"Instead of pining for peace, [Israelis are] now asking: who needs it? ... Tourism hit a 10-year high in 2008. Astonishingly, the I.M.F. projected recently that Israel’s G.D.P. will grow faster in 2010 than that of most other developed countries. In short, Israelis are enjoying a peace dividend without a peace agreement." - Thomas Friedman (27 March 2010)/// Right here is what the ADL is complaining about. These hopeless paranoids should be put to sleep. Good bye at long last.

Nevertheless, we leave it to the government while we worry about our children's education and the development of our economy.

the same article written from the perspective of the palestinians who are equally as apathetic or violently opposed (rockets from gaza and d drive-by shootings, 5 Israelis dead), would have been interesting to touch upon. i get it mag is dying and need the buzz, what better way to profit than off jew-baiting. ADL will go berserk, zionists will buy to be disgusted over it, and anti-zionists will frame as their "finally, mainstream sees jewish israelis as uniquely money grubbing professionals", but it's poor journalism...a whole lot of nothing. poll any country in the world including all arab ones and they will say they want a better economy before peace. that's reality folks. the reason why things are calmer in the west bank is because their economy is "booming", life isn't altogether bad. the us is in two wars and the number one issue is the jobless rate. that's not unique to the us either the narrow scope of the article that makes it seem that this is unique to israelis, not even mention recent data from the palis, is in itself just a quick buck for Time and that's all they care about as well - modern day "journalism" knows nothing of integrity

this is for all the anti whatever ,but you got to admit those Israelies are a race apart.the facts are, for 60 years they have a war, enemies all around basicly evryone in the army, they got a top airforce IDF ect ect living with rockets ect ect having to figth umptieeth wars and winning them ,and yet they have the finest economy in the midle east high standers of living, top class schools universities, the finest doctors top class technology ,even the ruskies and the turks are buying, and still have time to enjoy life in fine restaurants ,Hotels cozy cafes,how can that be ?with a country always at war, the answer is simple Jews are used to having to stay ahead of the anti boys and girls, some of who are always on this talkback, and nothing and nobody can stop them, so all you antisemites eat your heart out.joseph theeboom

any criticism of israel and it's policies ALWAYS is referred to as antisemitism. it is a very dangerous set of affairs when a country refuses to accept any criticism of itself. as a citizen of this country, i for one, fully agree with the point that the time article is putting across. there is a huge bubble of consumerism and comfort which is responsible for most israelis simply disconnecting in every sense from the evils of the occupation.

the ADL always needs something to capitalize on so it's shown as the protector of the Jews, but they're paranoid or simply their responsibility and intellectual level has become so low that they would pick on anything and try to fit it into the anti-semitism conspiracy, just to show that they're not useless as an organization.

95% of Israeli citizens live in a dream in which their country is located in Europe and war a distant thing. People do not want to hear about reality; exactly as people in Europe do not like to hear about recession.

But it is against U.S. Muslims, Mr. Foxman. An unprecedented wave of bigotry is sweeping our country, and you are part of it. You should change your organizations name to the Pro Defamation League.

While the cover of the magazine sounds controversial, the material inside is anything but. It focuses on the sentiments of ppl in Ashdod and their feelings that things are reasonably quiet, life is still ok (for them) and that the peace process is going nowhere. For that matter, the article ends on a heavier note, with one interviewee stating that ppl shouldn't feel so apathetic: their relatives are all in the army.. how can they note feel involved in the reality? The article certainly does perpetuate some lies, though, such as the myth that Arafat was offered a perfect solution and chose violence instead (without showing hte reader the terms of that 'perfect' solution) and that Cast Lead caused calm in the region when in fact the ceasefire prior to Cast Lead did the same job, and was not renewed...

it is based almost soley on interviews with real estate brokers in the tel-aviv area that have an interest in selling the "good life" in the area. Yet it ends with a small paragraph by a mother stating that all Isarelis care about peace because all have a son, a brother, a father in the militarty. Anyone that says otherwise is lying.

you will be known by your actions and not your words.....and by the way, for one's speech to be truly anti-semitic, the speech has to be directed at a semite, you know, from the tribe of shem......if you are a jew, and have white skin, odds are you are not semitic - you are ashkenazi and a descendant of a group of khazars who converted to judaism ethnically hailing from the caucusus region......just getting the schemantics straight.

Mr Foxman, i canceled my time magazine about 20 years ago becouse i was fed up with all the other junkmail that was filling up my PO box with the junk they also send me, since than have not read one since, but thanks to you they now will probably double the readers, just for the FREE advertising you have given them on a silver platter.,and you have vindecated all the silent jewhaters into talk backers.thanks for nothing you are a fool,joseph theeboom,

Both magazines continuously bash israel. That's why I don't even glance at them when they're placed near the supermarket checkstand!!!!

the time magazine article highlights what the palestinians could have if they spent more time and effort seeking peace with Israel than seeking to derail the peace with Israel.

Ultimately the ADL is complaining about something that isn't there. When something of a real antisemitic matter pops up, no one will listen or pay it the attention it deserves because there is growing "antisemitic" fatigue in the US. It's like crying wolf...

The article WAS offensive considering we never see magazine with the statement "Why the Palestinians don't want peace", and this after the Arabs murdered five Jews in cold blood in recent weeks. Anti-Semites, why don't you all go back to the hole you crawled out of & for those of you in USA enjoy your white robes.

silly. Americans are always described as caring not for what is going on in the world and focused on the economy etc.... I dont think the premise of the article is antisemetic. It did not make me think...oh there goes the Jews again thinking about money. It makes me think peopel are people. When things are going good little reflection. When things are bad thats when the reflecting starts. Think of it this way, when people are very sick or very scared, thats when they are most likely to pray to their god, but when things are good, you know human nature

New Book available. "The Arab Lobby." I saw it yesterday at Borders.

The West Bank Arabs and the Israelis are living on a modus vivendi ..not perfect of course...since they don't know what tomorrow will be they try to enjoy life. The intifada has not brought anything good after the failed Taba talks.They both prefer try to improve their economies rather than making war. They both have no illusion about peace prospects. So I understand that the average Israeli is more interested in the econmomy... but what's wrong about Times magazine is that they don't show what's going in the West Bank about the economy. Gazans they have chosen their fate... they built their own prison... they had their opportunity in August 2005 whe every inch of Gaza was vacated. Again Palestinians don't miss an opportunity to miss the peace...Times doesn't talk about it.... it's easier to sell a tabloid with articles like that.

this will not be the last time you see stories such as this. instaed of dealing truthfully the world media would rather show their ignorance, that would be giving them the benefit of the doubt. actually the world media is showing that a majority are just puppets of the islamic people.

There is a malaize that has crept over Israel. The zealots have taken control. On the other hand, middle Israel, like middle USA, have found comfort in the good life. As long as that life style can be sustained, middle Israel will remain apolitical. This is a far cry from the founding principles and traditional values of truth, justice and social responsibility. The ritualists will continue to drive Israel until there is some revelation that activates middle Israel again.

Time Magazine should be embarrassed. I refuse to ever purchase, or read another of their magazines. Their article probes that they provide us with unreliable, biassed, phony news. Their article belongs on a blog -- not the NEWS. A terrible, anti-semetic article.

Noun: A person Zionists Jews hate.

Only he sees this. Maybe it's true in his case. Without antisemitism charges where would that leave Abe? Thank the gods Time made it easy for him this time. See the movie "Defamation" on youtube to see the lengths Abe has to go to hunt down this insidious and eternal seed hiding in the goyim.

Could we expect anything different from Time Magazine? They must keep up the banner of the "refugee lie" and extreme liberal journalism. Aye?

I was all for peace in the 90's and the past decade. But each time we try to give the palestinians a chance, they throw it in our face with violence and rediculous demands. I agree with the time article, we should just drink our coffee and work our jobs. If the palestinians did the same, the world would be a much better place.

and what exactly would be wrong with wanting peace for the sake of one's own self-interest? that it doesn't sound noble enough? c'mon, let's not be hypocritical... self-interest is a very good starting point

More of the same huffing and puffing from the ADL. Abe come to Israel and see that Israelis care little to nothing about Palestinians! What kind of compromises have Israelis made for Peace? Of course you will claim the disengagement... is that a sacrifice? One can only sacrifice what one has a right to hold... We have no right to Gaza to the WB... and have sacrificed nothing... but lots of lives and money so that Israel can keep building the Occupation!

the spolied americans of time magasine would like to see the jews of israel moribond, lifeless, depressed and gult ridden. it pleases them not that despite constant wars, and despite constant psychological warfare waged against her, the people of israel are capable of having fun and enjoyment. one cannot but be certain that these very same people never shed a tear during the wars in iraq and afghanistan. yet they begrudge israelis their coffee shops and beaches, as if refraining from these activities would bring about peace. poor israelis, worry only about national security(one wonders what that is), poverty, education, crime and the economy. it's as if, it were not normal to worry about national security and poverty--as if such worries are a sigh of decadence. now, as regards the claim that israelis do not care for peace: only morons and those who spend their time at the colony hotel or the king david can even imagine such ludicrous nonsense. israelis know that at any time a war could break out and either they or their children and their children's children will be on the front line. they know that the enemies of israel are preparing to bring the war to the nation of the jews and will do all in their power to inflict maximum damage on the civilian population of israel. we all know it. we just do not talk about it. yes, between wars, people enjoy themselves since they never know whether there will be another day. and yes, they dare make money, like all people in the world and thereby improve their society as a whole. shame on time for berating jews for being humans, neither more nor less.

yea so what is wrong with cafes, and a normal life , i gues you in America , the capitalistic captital of the world ,dont care about money, or the economy ,, or do you think you made peace in Iraq lol...

Once again, we see a double-standard for Israelis - they are condemned for enjoying their prosperity - as though Europeans and Americans wouldn't do exactly the same. On the othe hand, the author seemed to get a lot of help from Israeli know-it-alls who, in their self-infatuation, handed the author all the ammunition he needed.

.... Our young are our children, who go to the army, all of them, every year, tens of years, and many fight, even die, to keep us older people secure. Do you really think that after all they do for the country they should try even harder, maybe blaming the TIME instead of enjoying themselves? The truth is that our young people, who may happen to know about Mr. Foxman, are ashamed of him speaking stupidities in their name! Why? Because Mr. Foxman is creating anti-Semites out of many Americans who are great friends of the Jewish people, with his criticizing them for imagined faults...imagined antisemitism...

I do not at all want the ADL trying to defend me - they're only making us look more idiotic. We might not care about money over peace, but after reading this article I'm sure as hell that Abe Foxman does. The ADL has lost any connection to stopping anti - semetism. Now it's just a far - right political organization - which I have no problem with, don't get me wrong, there are certain far - right views that I completely agree with - but anyone who tries to push a political agenda under the guise of "combating anti - semetism" I will not agree with.

Anyone who lives in the center of Israel (Gush Dan and Sharon area), know this is the truth. I wouldn't have put so much the emphasis on the money, as on the good life, the weekend in a zimmer in the north, the spa's, twice a year going to hul,... They don't feel the conflict, and don't wanna feel it. The "expendable" Israelis living near the conflict are either extreme right wing, or poor people suffering from the decisions from apathic Tel Avivi (who might say he is leftwing, even though he does not know the meaning of it).

RATHER THAN THE OTHER WAY AROUND THAT IS CURRENTLY THE PALS PREFERENCE......

The differance is that Americans have the same mentality,but they have an economy that is winding down in favour of the far eastern economies,China has surpassed Japan and will surpass America in the near future. The time story is the usual anti-semitic rubbish.

Many stereotypes are used in the article, but it's tipical of the americans' tendency to make things simpler. What matters is the new position of part of the american press: they finally realized that Israel is against any peace plan.

It has been obvious to most observers of the conflict, that since the building of the fence/wall and the following reduction of suicide bombings and other attacks within the "real Israel", many Israelis have lost interest in a just solution of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, since from there (rather shallow, I would like to add) perspective, there is nothing to lose anymore by not suppor- ting the peace process. That is the core message of the Time magazine article, and if that is supposed to be "anti-Semitic" nowadays according to the usual suspects (ADL + Co.), then so be it.......

I couldn't believe this was serious when I read this and that posters here actually support the ADL's idiocy. The Time article is just pointing ou the obvious. Israel has almost all the power and all the land in the relationship with the Pals so peace relies disrproportionately on it. But after decades of failed attempts to make peace, most ordinary Israelis, who have little power over the situation, would rather get on with concentrating on their lives. Frankly if I was Israeli I'd probably do the same. The kind of hysteria the ADL seems able to whip up over such an innocuous article is actually part of the problem and part of the reason there is no peace in the Middle East.

It's quite amazing how people get worked-up about an article they've haven't yet read only on the basis of third-hand reporting. To judge by Ms. Mozgovaya's interpretation of ADL as Anti Defamation Language(??) her reporting of Time's article might not be very accurate either. Foxman's reported reaction is not particularly surprising nor does it carry any special weight in view of his quasi automatic qualification of any criticism of Israel as anti-semitism. It is definitely true that a large segment of the Israeli population prefers dealing with their day-to-day life and its qualities according to their personal tastes rather than with big existential issues (like most of the population all over the World). They are just tired and worn-out of having lived 60 years and more having to constantly worry about "big" issues while being totally impotent in changing or influencing matters, largely thanks to the refusal of successive Israeli governments of all tendencies to seriously tackle the difficulties of true peace with their neighbours.

If liberal Tel Aviv, ( and I mean no disrespect), is interested in peace, its denizens should be out preparing themselves for the next election. Should the Right win yet another election, liberal citizens might find itself somewhat less free and liberal than they now think themselves.

If Israelis are truly praying for peace ;.. nobody is listening. Imagine that

The ADL are the ones who made this article somehow connected to the stereotype...Is any mention of Israel and their concern for their economy going to be labeled anti-semitic? Why is every single critical statement against israel automatically labeled as anti-semitic. Stop playing this idiotic game that truly diminishes the seriousness of actual anti-semitic acts.

It is well known that the TImes Magazine is going through hard times. Sales are down, so what do they do? Publish a defamation article about Israelis. Boycott the Times.

Yes, it is true. When I take a bus to meet a friend at a cafe I scan the other passengers with my eyes and pray that one of them isn't a suicide bomber. When my son leaves our penthouse and takes the bus to a friend's house I wait anxiously for his phone call that hr arrived safely. And yes, my husband works herd to make a lot of money so that we can afford to travel , invest, and have a high standard of living in a country surrounded by enemies whi want to push us into the sea.

This is par for Time.When a PA leader justifying terror attacks on civilians said:"every time you kill an Israeli boy you are killing one future Israeli soldier,every time you kill an Israeli girl you are killing five future Israeli soldiers." Time deleted this quote and others from my account "to protect the future prospects for peace."

Israelis are jaded by the peace process, especially due to the fact that Yasser Arafat chose intifadah instead of a state with 97% of the West Bank and all of Gaza. Israelis have had liberal, centrist, and conservative governments, and none have been able to make peace with the possibly one of the worst corrupt world leaders ever, Arafat. Hopefully peace will come with Abbas, but Israelis aren't holding their breath, as it already seems that Abbas isn't willing to make a single concession.

this Time article seems to suggest that the Hamas way to peace is the only way. The Abbas way of accomodating the Israelis only helps facilitate no peace happening but having bombing daily force israelis to make compromises and deal with the situation of the Palestinians - the fatah way the article seems to imply allows israelis to live and let live, essentially ignoring the peace process - while abbas holds down his own people. did anyone else gets this from the article?

Clearly a deliberate act. I couldn't believe my eyes when I saw it on the newsstand. I thought it was meant ironically, but evidently it wasn't

and it is not antisemitic. After the palestinian rejection of Israel offeres in Taba and after the Intifada which was palestinian response to Isrel bid for peace, the israeli public does not believe in a peace process with the palestinians. Israel strategy of blocking palestinian terrorism and qassams rockets proved succesfull. Who needs more than that. Israel public indeed, prefers rightly to deal with the price of commodities and real estate than with the palestinian state

and time was convicted of lying! they are traditionaly anti-semitic racists shame on time! the greased the wheels of the holocaust and apparant have learned nothing

The reality, as we Israelis see it is that the Palestinians are not interested in peace. They want war - they get it. We want our lives, our kids to be educated, etc. Life in the shade of danger has always been a part of Jewish existence, what many of you are unable to understand. Once it was about loving about not-always-friendly gentiles, now it is about - how do you call'em? Yes, Palestinians. If you love them so much go and spend your vacations there as volunteers and contribute your money to the Pal kids. Or you think that by spilling your hatred at the site of the most liberal Israeli newspaper you've done enough for the Palestinian caause?

The article is factual- most Israelis are more concerned about having a good life than about the peace process.

Q. In your opinion, what are the most important subjects for the coming year? Education—36%; the Iranian threat—13%; the war on corruption—12.7%; peace with the Palestinians—11.3%; traffic accidents—11.2%; dealing with poverty—7.9%

No one reads Time anyway. Only at the supermarket counter.

come on...everyone knows that time is a shill for obama...its classic obama campaign tactics....he's using it to try to suggest that if only israel cared there would be peace. This is softening the ground so that when the peace summit fails, in comes obama to dictate his terms...and israel will have been seen to be the reason it failed. Its classic obama tactics....its no secret how his admin uses the mainstream press to try to pre-condition the american public. Abe foxman is quite right in the nuance of this article ....it is supposed to give ordinary people the "aha, you see, I knew it" feeling....personally, I think it ought to be uncovered as to who directed time to write this....

The way I see it, after 62 years Israelis are sick and tired of war and they prefer to concentrate on something else, normal stuff, just like other people in other countries do.

Why didn't Time choose to "provoke" with the far more truthful headline "Why the Palestinians Reject Peace" and an article that examined Palestinian rejectionism or their readiness to utilize deadly violence in place of peaceful negotiations? It seems Time believes anti-Semitism, rather than truthful analysis, sells more magazines. In an environment where Israelis and Jews are increasingly demonized as unworthy of possessing a sovereign state of their own, Time Magazine's decision to run the article and cover is not only a violation of journalistic standards of objectivity and accuracy, but an incitement to hatred.

No one can ever say anything about jews or Israelis without the ADL trying to pubblicize itself by shouting out ´´wolf! wolf!!´´ I think that israelis would care for peace but are tired of the situation, tired of hoping and completely insensitized by their terrible MEdia as well as deep down knowing that netanyahu and abbas wont really get anywhere substantial. These things put together ultimately make them NOT CARE about the political situations with the palestinians and care more about having fun and making money. nothing antisemitic about this.

Because I don't get the impression that average Israelis think this will even lead to any sort of agreement at all, much less a peace agreement. It seems pretty straight forward to me that if you don't actually believe talks will lead to a real peace agreement, that you would pay more attention to the economy than to some pipe-dream side-show that exists only for political gamesmanship. OOPPS!! I must be an anti-semite according to the ADL for thinking so rationally!! Bad on me!! *groan*

If Hamas and their psycotic bretheren are not dealt with, there will be no peace.

Under Foxman ADL, in the distant past a respectable organization, has become an acute embarrassment to a large and growing number of American Jews. It tries to justify its existence by looking for anti-Semites under every bed and smearing legitimate and reasonable critics of Israel's policies as anti-Semites or self-hating Jews.

I picked up a copy of this issue on Sunday and in absolutely no way can it be considered anti-semitic..... it wasn't even critical of Israel or Israelis. From the headline I thought it would be but the story was an analysis of what Israelis consider their priorities at the moment. ADL needs to concentrate on true anti semitism which stil exists today and not jump every time they don't think a story puts Israel in a positive light.

He needs to drum up claims of anti-Semitism for the sake of donor management and fund-raising.

for this you may need raw Israeli talent to succeed in war and economic development, at the same time.

Foxman gets paid to cry wolf...this is just another lame attempt for him to stay relevant. He is neutering the term "anti-semitism" by misusing it this way.

The Israeli public need to see what is being done in their name. The crimes committed by their IDF. The poverty and suffering inflicted on the Palistians so they can have more land, more water, more of what is not theirs. How long can a so called democratic society turn a blind eye to what is being done before you have to conclude they are complicit ?

One need only look at the ownership of the parent company of CNN/Time to understand its perspective: Prince Alalaweed of the Saudi Royal Family (the same Prince that provided financing to the 9/11 murderers and bin Laden) and Ted Turner - the perennial provider of Anti-American diatribes. So why the surprise?

As I already wrote to Time, in its attempt to be sensational, it has joined the European anti-Semetic media. In the long run Time will loose credibility and readership.

Israelis have lived with this conflict for decades and have offered peace, and thought peace was imminent, many times. They have always found a way to continue living normally — having families, making a living, achieving personal goals — despite their political problems. When peace seems far away they focus on other things, when peace seems possible they get very excited indeed. At present, despite pressure from Washington, they do not see peace at hand, so other matters receive their energies.

Foxman is inventing antisemitism where none exists. Israel, by the quirk of its unique electoral process, elected a minority party to head a coalition of minority parties, every one of which opposed a Palestinian state. And Netanyahu tried every trick imaginable to set preconditions to keep Abbas away from the negotiations table.

I have a friend who is an Israeli who does want peace with Palestinians, and he says many Israelis are focused much more on going to the beach, work, having fun, just living their lives rather than what the Palestinians are dealing with or not dealing with under occupation. Time Magazine is saying the truth. It's just that Abraham Foxman doesn't like the title because it might lead some people to think Israelis are cold people. If that wasn't the intention of Time Magazine, then they should have chosen another title. I say this as someone who is against the occupation. They could have said "Growing apathy amongst Israelis regarding peace process" .

MikeSailor - I have a few questions about your "poll" - who was it commissioned by? What was the representative sample? What was the preominant demograph? The so-called "truth" may not be as simple as you think it is...

It is not because it is not flattering that it is not true.... Come on, be objective guys!!!!!!!!!!

Foxman has been wrong on just about every issue so I guess there is no reason for him to break his streak now. Just spend a week here in Israel, and you'll find there is more truth than fiction to the Time article.

As the man says, the wicked flee where no man pursues. One is looking for insults will find them whether they are there or not. This was not a rehash of that old canard.

All states are concerned with the collateral offshoots of stability. The wall build although not 100% humane is utilitarian and has protected Israeli lives and well being. So they're entitled to relax and live with the freedoms and sense of security that any other people would. They are not unique. There is nothing anti semitic about what was in Time. I think Abe has to step down he is becoming paranoid.

the Time article couldn't be more accurate. So long as there is no threat to their personal security, the vast majority of young to middle aged, politically-moderate professionals (those are the people to whom I was mostly exposed) don't give a darn about what's happening in Gaza or the territories. From what I witnessed, these urban Israeli Jews are obsessed with money, hedonism and travel- they appear to possess zero social consciousness. And the majority of the women want desperately to marry at an early age (compared to professional western women)- so long as it doesn't interfere with making money, hedonism, and travel. The people who were my colleagues make their American counterparts look deep, and that's saying something!

wotta loada. with practically every family in israel sending its kids to the IDF i doubt this times article very much. israel has learned to live with it and the cafe life of israel is nothing more than a proud example of jewish resilience. long may you thrive.

Times mag is somehow at fault for reporting the comments of "various prominent Israeli figures" and Abraham H. Foxman accuses the mag of perpetuating an age old slander. So who is anti-Semitic here, is it the Israeli’s quoted or the mag for quoting? Maybe good ol Abe wants everyone to run things past him for approval before going to print? I’m just curious.

i've read the time article. it should be noted that it's already been released... it was last (this) week's article, not next week's. the article quotes in-depth studies from two israeli universities that only 8% of people in israel believe that peace is their nation's most pressing concern. most put the economy far higher. the adl wishes to paint this article as jew-hating and anti-semitic, but it is not. there is simply no sane way to pretend that it is. the world has grown tired of the adl's stale lies about how every critique of israel is anti-semitic. they are irrelevant.

Apparently, Israel cannot be treated as a normal country. Can anyone imagine anyone taking similar umbrage at a piece striking a similar note about Mexico, or France, or the Philippines? Abe Foxman is embarrassing -- and I'm not even Jewish.

Abe Foxman and his organization (ADL) are undoubtedly loosing ground and momentum, his obsession to protect/defend Israel at any price, at any cost leads him to react in a childish and foolish manner, no one is taking him seriously,

Wherever you go in the "West Bank" these days you will find the same cafe and disco crowds Ramallah Bethlehem Bet Jalla Jenin.Why I tell ya its gettin harder and harder to find a poor Palestinian shanty to photo anymore between the million dollar villas posh cafes and shops selling Gucci-shmoochies.Time Magazine like the NY Times is on its last legs Consider this artlicle a "a death throw "

In a recent poll of Israelis, peace with the palestinians was ranked either fourth or fifth behind education, the economy, etc. Therefore, with settlements expamding despite the so-called 'freeze', one must wonder whether or not Israelis truly want peace, or merely a subservient occupied population from which they can take more and more property.