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This article originally appeared in the Yiddish Forverts.

Among the many holidays in the Jewish calendar, May could easily be called Israel Month.

It begins with Memorial Day, which commemorates the fallen soldiers of the Israeli Defense Forces, and is followed immediately by Yom Haatzmaut, Israels Independence Day. Several weeks later comes Jerusalem Day, celebrating the citys reunification in 1967.

Of the three, though, only Israeli Independence Day, which falls this year on May 2, is widely celebrated by Jews outside of Israel. JCCs and college Hillel groups organize pro-Israeli events, invite Israeli speakers and nosh on felafel and hummus.

Although those events arguably serve an important purpose by publicly declaring solidarity with the State of Israel, I confess I rarely go to the festivities because I find them uninspiring. I prefer connecting to Israel in a more personal way throughout the year. On Tuesday evenings I go to an Israeli folkdance class, and every Shabbos afternoon I get together with a group of friends to read Israeli literature together.

And whenever I buy a bottle of wine, I choose one made in Israel.

Rukhl Schaechter

It amazes me to see the growing number of sophisticated wines - Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz - produced by Israeli companies today, especially when I compare it to the stark, primitive conditions in Israel during the 1970s when most homes and stores didnt even have air-conditioning for relief during the hot and sweaty Tel Aviv summers, and when telephone conversations were often cut short because of bad connections.

Youve come a long way, Israel.

One reason I buy Israeli-produced wines is because of their high quality. (Last year, Wine Spectator Magazine scored 120 Israeli wines as outstanding). But another reason is to combat the troubling growth of the Boycott, Divest and Sanction movement (BDS), especially among certain political circles in Europe. These groups dont just condemn the present Israeli government (a legitimate action in any democracy) but the very existence of a Jewish state at all.

Most disturbing is seeing high-ranking political leaders complicit in the move to boycott Israel. Two years ago, Mayor Ilmar Reepalu in Swedens third-largest city, Malmo, permitted the organization Isolate Israel to use a city-owned building during its Israeli Apartheid Week, and openly urged Malmos shop owners to not sell Israeli products.

Last year, former London Mayor Ken Livingston, known for his anti-Israel sentiments, advocated for an international boycott on Israeli products, telling an interviewer that I never buy anything that comes from Israel. I like dates, but I dont buy dates that come from Israel, he said.

Its surprising then that so little has been mentioned of a bold step taken recently made by the European Union with very positive ramifications for Israel: for the first time, its annual report on commercial competition has included a clear rejection of boycott initiatives Although the document doesnt mention Israel by name, the reference is clear when it states that the European Commission underlines the need to fight against unfair collective boycotts, since no other country is targeted in this way.

The statement on boycotts was introduced by Fulvio Marusciello, a pro-Israel European Parliament lawmaker from Italy. His spokesperson confirmed that he introduced the clause to translate for the first time into EU commercial policy the stated objections of EU leaders to BDS.

Marusciello isnt the first high-ranking European Union official to condemn attempts to boycott Israel. The former president of the European Parliament, German politician Martin Schultz, has said that the EU would not support these initiatives, as have other EU politicians in their public speeches. But this is the first time that an anti-boycott stance appears in an official European Parliament document.

In the face of the growing influence of the BDS movement, it couldnt have been easy for Marusciello to convince other EU leaders to adopt this bold anti-boycott stance in official policy. He deserves praise his courage.

Rukhl Schaechter is the editor of the Yiddish Forward.

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European Union Aids Israel With Anti-BDS Policy - Forward

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The failed Democratic candidate had devised a strategy which included dispatching officials on a tour of the continent to drum up support and publicly denouncing critics of the project in White House statements.

She wanted to develop a closer relationship with Brussels during her tenure, building on the foundations laid by Barack Obama, and felt that the European Union needed more support from Washington.

The strategy was revealed by Julianne Smith, who was the head of Mrs Clintons Europe team during last years presidential election campaign, in an interview with EurActivs Jorge Valero.

She suggested that if elected President the Democratic nominee would have been prepared to wade full on into domestic European politics in a way even her predecessor generally eschewed.

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Mr Obama was heavily criticised when he took a clear stance on Brexit, telling British voters that the UK would be back of the queue for a trade deal if they voted to leave the EU.

The ill-advised intervention was broadly seen as being of huge help to the Leave campaign, which made huge capital out of the perception that a US President was trying to boss Britain around.

It appears Ms Clinton would have carried on in that vein, however, with her top advisor suggesting she would have condemned the eurosceptic stance currently being taken by countries like Hungary.

Hungarian PM Viktor Orban is currently embroiled in a series of rows with Brussels over his policies on migration, an attempt to shut down a university owned by George Soros and a Stop Brussels consultation on repatriating certain powers.

Asked what the Democrats strategy would have been, Ms Smith replied: We could work with the European partners to call out countries that are rolling back democratic reforms.

There could be political statements that are made in tandem between Washington and Brussels to call out, for example, what Orban did to the Central European University.

She added: There could be visits by US officials to European capitals to show resolve and unity in the face of Russian aggression.

There was a broad feeling among the team and Clinton herself that Washington would need to extend a hand and build on the partnership between Barack Obama and Angela Merkel, and have a closer relationship to many of the leaders in Europe and Brussels, and work with our European allies to strengthen our cooperation.

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In her interview she also laid into Donald Trump, who shocked the world by beating Mrs Clinton in last Novembers election, saying the Republican had no plan for US relations with the EU.

Brussels has been alarmed by Mr Trumps eurosceptic stance, with the US President having been a vocal backers of the campaign for Britain to leave the EU.

Relations plunged into the deep freeze following the Republicans election in November, with Germany and its leader Angela Merkel becoming a particular focus of his criticism.

He has since softened his tone somewhat, although he has still made clear his preference for dealing with individual countries rather than supranational organisations.

The rest is here:
Clinton plan to save EU: Democrat plotted to meddle in European politics to shore up bloc - Express.co.uk

April 26

Regarding the April 23 news article Will Charles de Gaulles France survive this election?:

French President Charles de Gaulle and German Chancellor Konrad Adenauer probably formed the most decisive duo for modern European history. By turning the Franco-German hereditary enmity into a long-lasting amity, the two politicians created the foundation for the European Union. However, it seems that the fruits of their work are rotting as France designates a right-wing populist as a candidate in the runoff election.

Marine Le Pens alarming success reveals a lot about the attitude of the French toward their international partners. Opponents of the European Union claim it is a costly burden rather than a fertile soil for economic growth and cultural exchange. The French are not alone in raising their voices against the European Union. The desire for more nationally focused politics is perceptible all over Europe. In many countries recently, right-wing parties have significantly gained influence.

Taking the present world situation into consideration, one can only hope that this swing to the right serves as a wake-up call to E.U. politicians. The persistence of a strong European Union, which is essential to the solutions of many current issues of global politics, can be achieved only by making the union more attractive for each citizen.

Gereon Wintz, Kreuzau, Germany

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Saving de Gaulle's legacy, the European Union - Washington Post

Photo: Courtesy of Eurotic

The European Union flag has been having a bit of a micro fashion moment. At London Fashion Week Mens in January, British label Agi & Sam put the symbolic circle of 12 gold stars on a scarf and a jacket. For Vetementss Euro-centric Stereotypes collectionwhich brought together the Gabber culture of Rotterdam, Englands chavs, and the regions many touriststhere was a distressed sweater printed with the same design. Now, it has even prompted the emergence of Eurotic, a young, cult label that has turned the EU flag cameo into a direct political statement.

Agi & Sam Fall 2017 Menswear; Vetements Fall 2017 Menswear Photo: Indigital.tv

Started by photographer Lea Colombo and model Valter Trsleff, Eurotic recently launched its small line of hoodies, T-shirts, and sweatshirts. On its lo-fi website, described as Europes Unofficial Souvenir Store, there are two versions of the flag: the standard blue with gold stars and a red version titled Eurasia. According to Trsleff, Eurotic is a direct reaction to Brexit, the United Kingdoms controversial decision to leave the EU. For us, the European Union has always stood for openness and togetherness across our bordersthe feeling of being united and open is something that our imagery tries to portray, he says. Growing up in the European Union and the freedom of movement that it has given me, I found it strange that people were repelling something that has been a guarantee for peace and stability for the last couple of generations.

The flag trend was sparked by a European Union in crisis, not unlike the way Americana swept the New York Fall 2017 runways in response to the U.S.s own political backdrop. The fallout from Brexit shed light on the growing nationalist sentiment in countries like France, where current presidential candidate Marine Le Pen is running on the platform to abandon the EU. It doesnt stop there: Politicians in Finland are reportedly pushing their own Brexit, known as Fixit, while earlier this year, Dutch far-right politician Geert Wilders (who draws comparisons to President Donald Trump in both looks and agenda) also voiced a desire to leave the Union. Of late, the call to exit has dominated the narrative, but there is also strong opposition. Back in March, pro-EU demonstrations took place in more than 40 cities. And what were some of those participants wearing? Nothing less than the EU flag.

Photo: Courtesy of Lea Colombo for Eurotic

Though it may be hard to tell whether a protester is wearing a Eurotic tee or a two-dollar piece from a souvenir shop, the label has found a way to stand out and resonate with young people through its smart digital presence . Theyve mastered a tongue-in-cheek Eurotrash flare that attracts oddball fans like model Sasha Melnychuk. Eurotics Instagram, @eurotic_ , is bizarre and funny: Think screen grabs of late night hotline commercials, flashes of German Chancellor Angela Merkel (de facto face of the European Union), and a mash-up of a football hooligan brawl and a bucolic Scandinavian midsummer celebration. That comic attitude is central to Eurotics tone. "Its one of the main messages of Eurotic; it can all be perceived as a joke, which we personally like, says Torsleff. There is so much unspirited in the world, especially when it comes to politics and world issues, therefore it is nice to be able to showcase something with a bit of a lighter energy and nuance.

Laughs aside, Eurotic has a deeper intent: Im not saying the EU is utopia but I think it has some key points and values that we would not want to live without, he adds. Therefore we wanted to create an online souvenir shop, or call it a memorabilia store, for the EU before it is all gone or forgotten. Sure, a flag hoodie isnt going to change the world, but it is an extension of a young generation thats opting for unity. That should count for something.

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The Rise of the EU Flag on the Runway and at Cult Label Eurotic - Vogue.com

The firebrand leader tore into Brussels during a jaw-dropping speech to the EU parliament in Brussels, in which he accused euro representatives of being prejudiced against his country.

In an attack on EU political correctness he raged: We are really irritated by the verbal strait jacket which stops us from calling a spade a spade and this kind of talk has become very common in European public life recently.

Today the EU Commission decided to open infringement proceedings against Budapest over changes to its higher education laws which critics say are designed to shut down a university owned by financier George Soros.

Eurocrats are also considering following suit on proposed legal changes to policies on migration, funding of NGOs and media plurality which they believe contravene European Union law.

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Hitting back today, Mr Orban ridiculed the EUs spectacular and embarrassing judgements about his country in the past which did "not stand the test of time" and accused MEPs of condemning us on untruths.

He blasted: Fairness is not a question of the size of the country. Honourable members, Ive come here to defend my country. This situation is really absurd.

Its almost like someone being accused of murder and being convicted even whilst the alleged victim is alive and kicking.

Hungary and the Hungarian government is committed to the EU and this is unquestionable.

However, in many aspects we are unhappy with how the EU works. When we criticise your EU its because we want to correct these mistakes and we want to reform the EU.

Its our conviction that this is the only way to regain peoples confidence towards EU institutions.

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EbS

Ive come here to defend my country. This situation is really absurd.

Viktor Orban

He raged: If you manage to overcome your prejudices towards us you will find fresh, critical and innovative thinking behind them. This is exactly what lies behind the successes of Hungary.

Mr Orban said that he believed the EU was overstepping its legal remit by trying to impose migrant quotas on Hungary, saying: We reserve ourselves the right to decide who we share Hungary with who we live together with.

And he added: It is also true, I wont deny this, that our vision of Europe is of a Europe built on strong member states.

If you dont like our position, come forward with reasoned arguments but dont judge us and condemn us because we have our own opinion.

Hungary is a proud country, we have always been committed to European Christian values.

REUTERS

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A migrant taunts Hungarian riot police as they fire tear gas and water cannon on the Serbian side of the border, near Roszke

Mr Orban has accused US-based billionaire Mr Soros of using his university and charities which work with asylum seekers in an attempt to undermine his Government.

In his speech today he accused Mr Soros of attacking Hungary and described him as an open enemy of the euro, saying he was actively encouraging illegal migration to Europe.

After his speech the Hungarian PM was roundly condemned by MEPs, who described his migration policies as inhumane and accused him of betraying European values.

Leader of the Socialists and Democrats, the Italian MEP Gianni Pitella, accused him of knowingly lying when he accused the parliament of defending a hidden agenda on behalf of Mr Soros.

He told him: Dont go back to Budapest saying its all our fault, that were the bad guys imposing certain choices on you and trying to stop you with regard to the university, the NGOs, the media and the refugees. I think you should stand by your conscience and tell your people the truth.

Liberals leader Guy Verhofstadt said he saw a sort of modern day version of old Communist Hungary in Mr Orbans authoritarian leadership style, adding: Its like Stalin or Brezhnev are back.

The Brexit negotiator even suggested that the Hungarian leader should think about quitting the EU, accusing him of taking the blocs money but not being prepared to play by its rules.

However, the Hungarian PM found an ally in the form of former Ukip leader Nigel Farage who said Brussels would "go on interfering in the lives of Hungarian people" and urged him to call a Brexit style referendum on membership.

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'This is ABSURD!' Stony-faced MEPs look on aghast as Hungary PM gives them both barrels - Express.co.uk