InfoAnda - Israel's home-grown danger |

Pakistanis angry over detentions in Times Sq. case
Monday, May 24, 2010
ISLAMABAD – Relatives of three men detained by Pakistan for alleged links to the suspect in the attempted Times Square bombing say the men are innocent.
They

Taiwan denies boycotting Australian film festival
Thursday, August 6, 2009

AFP - Thursday, August 6TAIPEI (AFP) - - Taiwan's Beijing-friendly government on Wednesday denied boycotting an Australian film festival amid a row over the e

Merkel's support dips, regional ally resigns International
Thursday, September 3, 2009

By Sarah Marsh and Noah Barkin

BERLIN (Reuters) - Chancellor Angela Merkel suffered a double blow on Thursday as a senior party ally in east German

Minister seeks closure of anti-Berlusconi websites
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
ROME (AFP) - – The Italian government moved Tuesday to close down Internet sites encouraging further violence against Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi, who

Asian markets mixed after Wall Street rally
Wednesday, March 18, 2009

By ELAINE KURTENBACH,AP Business Writer AP - Wednesday, March 18SHANGHAI - Asia's stock market rally seemed to be running out of steam Wednesday, despite an

Indian exports dive 33% in March | 2 May 2009
AP source: US knew of terror suspect | 27 December 2009
iPhone exec departs Apple after "Antennagate" | 8 August 2010

Asian literary prize shortlist to be unveiled | 16 February 2011

Forum Views () Forum Replies ()

Read more with google mobile : Israel's home-grown danger |

Edition: U.S. Article Save Email Print Reprints Most Popular Most Shared CORRECTED-FEATURE-Debate over GM eggplant consumes India 12:03am EST Taliban commander held in Pakistan: U.S. officials 2:24am EST Kevin Smith fuels row over "fat" plane passengers 15 Feb 2010 Lobster and lamb at lunch with Saudi King Abdullah 15 Feb 2010 Poor fit may explain why men refuse condoms 15 Feb 2010 Operators unite to challenge Apple's apps 15 Feb 2010 Taliban commander held in Pakistan: U.S. officials 2:24am EST CORRECTED-FEATURE-Debate over GM eggplant consumes India 12:03am EST "Love" hormone may help autism symptoms: study 15 Feb 2010 Western sukuk left floundering after Dubai: lawyer 15 Feb 2010 Israel's home-grown danger Joseph Nasr NEHALIM, Israel Mon Feb 15, 2010 7:18pm EST NEHALIM, Israel (Reuters) - Threats to Israel typically come in the form of rockets. But economists also see a profound risk to the state that is entirely within its control: its education system. World Inside a modern economy renowned for its innovative high-tech sector, they see a growing problem. Critics say the Jewish pupils who attend ultra-Orthodox schools can recite chapter and verse of the Bible, but most can't spell the name of their largest Arab neighbor, Egypt, in English. About half of Israel's pupils either attend Arab schools that are under-funded, or ultra-Orthodox Jewish seminaries where "secular" subjects such as English, science and mathematics take a back seat to biblical studies, or are completely ignored. It's a far-from-typical profile for a developed member of the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), which Israel hopes to join formally in May. "The threat we are facing, the existential threat, is not external. It's internal," said Daniel Ben-David of Tel Aviv University. "It's not even Arab versus Jew. It's a completely social problem." It's also one of the most intractable. Senior Israeli officials have long acknowledged the need for reform, there have been inquiries and public anger, but no government has yet had the political will to grasp the nettle. "The socio-economic chasm between the general Jewish population and the two large minority groups is widening," the OECD said in a report last month. It's a situation rooted in complex attitudes to Israel's two fastest-growing minorities: Israeli Arabs and ultra-Orthodox Jews, known in Hebrew as Haredim, who dress in distinctive black garb. Both groups generally live in separate communities -- in Haredi areas, roads are blocked to cars during the Sabbath and Jewish holidays -- and neither typically serve in the Israeli army, which earns some resentment among the majority. Also the youngest population group, they are projected to increase to half of Israelis in a generation, from 30 percent now. Both have high rates of poverty and non-employment, which means they are not only out of work, but aren't seeking it. The problem is manifest in international tests. All Israeli teenagers rank close to the bottom, at about 90 percent of the OECD average. Arab students have the lowest scores of all at just above 75 percent of the OECD average -- and ultra-Orthodox Jewish pupils do not participate in the "secular" tests at all. This is also hardly the level of enlightenment that could be relied on to build the understanding so sorely needed for peace in the Middle East between Palestinian, Arab and Jew. BRAIN DRAIN An exception which proves the rule is the Nahardea school in Nehalim near Tel Aviv, where ultra-Orthodox pupils learn all the core subjects in the national curriculum as well as biblical studies: "Our goal is to give the Haredim a chance to become integrated into the Israeli labor market without having to give up their religious identity," said educator Hanosh Verdiger. "Everything is possible," said 15-year-old pupil Idan. "I'd either become a rabbi or an engineer. I haven't decided yet," he added, walking from the on-campus synagogue to a science class. But there are only five schools like this in Israel. And incentives to find such work are thin on the ground. The high-tech industry accounts for about 43 percent of exports but employs only 7 percent of the workforce. Only one in four Haredi men has a job: the rest are engaged in full-time biblical studies, the OECD said. The Arab minority shares the Haredim's immediate causes of poverty: large families and low employment. And the evidence suggests public spending on education per child in Arab localities is about one-third lower than in predominantly Jewish municipalities, according to the OECD. Ben-David pointed out that if a large part of Israel's potential workforce remains sidelined or under-utilized, the economy's decline will lead to a brain drain, starting a vicious cycle of lower living standards. It's a process already in evidence. Israel has the highest non-employment rate among 30 OECD countries, according to the OECD: 40 percent of Israelis aged between 15 and 64 do not work, versus an OECD average of 33 percent. Research conducted two years ago by economists at the Hebrew University in Jerusalem found that Israelis with a bachelor's degree or higher are 2.5 times more likely to emigrate than those with less education. POLITICS AS USUAL Technically, the problem is also entrenched in Israel's parliament where the politics of interests prevail. The main parties never win enough seats to rule alone, relying on smaller parties that can make or break governments, such as the ultra-Orthodox parties Shas and United Torah Judaism, which oppose state interference in their schools. And ultra-Orthodox parties usually make participation in any government coalition conditional on guarantees of funding for their schools and social causes, which perpetuates the educational bias toward the biblical. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's Likud party would risk the end of his coalition if he pushed for reform that alienated its Shas and United Torah Judaism partners. Likud last year agreed an increase of 1.4 billion shekels ($376 billion) in child welfare funding over three years and an undisclosed budget boost for Haredi schools, in return for their participation. Arab Israelis have long complained of under-funding and discrimination in the labor market, but their parties refuse to join governing coalitions led by Zionist parties: Israel says only political participation can secure equal rights and funding for their constituents. "Tackling the causes of such entrenched and wide inequalities as exist in Israel will not be easy," the OECD said. "It will require a sustained effort across a broad range of policy areas." OLD CHESTNUT Under a previous Likud government six years ago, a state inquiry was launched after a wave of public anger at the bad state of education. Then, a series of cuts had shrunk the education budget by 5 percent between 1999 and 2004, as the number of pupils grew by 18 percent. Known as the Dovrat Commission, it recommended raising teacher pay, attracting more qualified professionals, encouraging competition among schools, providing extra assistance for deprived children and enforcing a unified national curriculum to teach core subjects to all pupils. "The technical recommendations of the Dovrat Commission were not implemented partly because of lack of funding," said Barbara Swirski of the Adva Center in Tel Aviv, which provides information on equality and social justice in Israel. "Its main recommendation -- that a single national curriculum must be taught to all children, regardless of race, religion or social background -- was ignored," she added. Meanwhile, the would-be new member of the club of rich countries has the highest poverty rate of any OECD country, and 60 percent of its poor are Arabs and Haredim. "If we don't do something today to give them a much better education and make them a central part of Israeli society, in 20 to 30 years we are going to have a major problem here," said Ben-David. "It's unsustainable." (Additional reporting by Douglas Hamilton; Editing by Sara Ledwith and Samia Nakhoul) World More from Reuters Taliban commander held in Pakistan: U.S. officials WASHINGTON/KABUL (Reuters) - The Taliban's top military commander has been captured in Pakistan in a joint raid by Pakistani and U.S. spy agencies, a U.S. official said, but the Taliban said he was still at work. Barclays profits $18.2 billion, beat forecasts Eurozone gives Greece 30 days to show good on deficit | Video Asian shares make mild gains, euro edges up Fed sees paper loss on Bear portfolio: report Democratic Sen. Bayh won't seek re-election » More Top News Analysis: China's spending problem With Greece in a debt crisis and the U.S. deficit under close watch, China finds itself in the center of a very different kind of spending blame game. Full Article China seen re-evaluating yuan Factbox: Five political risks to watch China Vancouver 2010: Going for gold Get all the latest news and videos as the world competes in the Winter Olympic Games. Full Coverage Homer and Marge rock the house Slideshow: Best of the Olympics Olympics Notebook 2010 winter olympics © Copyright 2010 Thomson Reuters Editorial Editions: Africa Arabic Argentina Brazil Canada China France Germany India Italy Japan Latin America Mexico Russia Spain United Kingdom United States Reuters Contact Us Advertise With Us Help Journalism Handbook Archive Site Index Video Index Analyst Research Mobile Newsletters RSS Podcasts Widgets Your View Labs Thomson Reuters Copyright Disclaimer Privacy Professional Products Professional Products Support Financial Products About Thomson Reuters Careers Online Products Acquisitions Monthly Buyouts.com Buyouts Europe: Buyouts Conferences: Venture Capital Journal EVCJ International Financing Review International Securitisation Report Project Finance International PEhub.com PE Week Thomson Reuters is the world's largest international multimedia news agency, providing investing news, world news, business news, technology news, headline news, small business news, news alerts, personal finance, stock market, and mutual funds information available on Reuters.com, video, mobile, and interactive television platforms. Thomson Reuters journalists are subject to an Editorial Handbook which requires fair presentation and disclosure of relevant interests. NYSE and AMEX quotes delayed by at least 20 minutes. Nasdaq delayed by at least 15 minutes. For a complete list of exchanges and delays, please click here.

Other News on Tuesday, 16 February 2010
Netanyahu asks Russia for 'biting' Iran sanctions
Greece enters debt tug-of-war with EU
White House press secretary joins Twitter
Western powers challenge Iran over 'bloody repression'
Microsoft launches Windows phone 7
Greece must do more to meet debt targets: EU
Dubai hunts 11 with EU passports for Hamas murder
Operators unite to challenge Apple's apps
Study: Hospital Specialty Figures In Number Of Post-Surgery Problems
Abbas seeks U.S. answers before talking to Israel |
Researchers: Some Groups Have Harder Time Quitting Smoking
Microsoft launches mobile software overhaul
Dubai to issue warrants for 11 in Hamas killing |
National Heart Month Good Time To Learn Heart Attack Symptoms
Clinton says Iran moving toward military dictatorship
Israel asks Russia for Iran sanctions with teeth |
Five billion people to use mobile phones in 2010: UN
Google calls Apple valuable partner, sees no change
Nigeria's acting president bans congratulations |
Indiana Sen. Evan Bayh To Announce Retirement
Fans Campaigning On Facebook To Have Betty White To Host "SNL"
Mobile firms unite to offer single apps platform
Texas Gov. Perry Leads Poll As Early Voting Begins
Georgia Anti-Abortion Billboards Label Black Children Endangered Species
Nick Jonas, Selena Gomez Head "Radio Disney Jams 12" Compilation
"Family Guy" Apparently Mocked Sarah Palin's Son
Poor Weather Causes Massive Kansas Pileup
Nokia, Intel team up in phone software race
Five billion people to use mobile phones in 2010: UN
NATO says airstrike in Kandahar kills 5 civilians
Nokia says free satnav to lift services sales |
Cyclone Rene pounds Tonga, major damage in capital
Clinton meets Saudi king after tough talk on Iran
Suspected Maoists kill 17 Indian police: official
UN rights envoy holds talks on elections in Myanmar
Military medics try to keep Afghan boy alive
Builder convicted in journalist's killing on Bali
28 whales euthanized after New Zealand stranding
Philippine army presents alleged rebels to court
Guns, tanks displayed as India spends on defense
Tata Motors appoints GM's Forster new group CEO
Peter Gabriel discards drums, guitar for new album |
Twilight star Stewart plays pole-dancing prostitute |
Twilight star Stewart plays pole-dancing prostitute
Peter Gabriel discards drums, guitar for new album
Giant Obamas, 'Thriller' bankers at German carnival
World's top fashion prize increased to 220,000 euros
Crying child samba queen, killings sour Rio's Carnival
Carly Simon seeking videos for "You're So Vain"
News
News
News
News
News
US, Pakistan capture top Taliban commander: report
Europe seizes control of Greek budgetary sovereignty
Clinton: Iran moving toward military dictatorship |
Afghan offensive clearing out Taliban: military
Taliban commander held in Pakistan: U.S. officials |
Italians, Germans buy most fake medicines: research
ISS gets room with a view as astronauts attach space cupola
US toys in 2010 are 'green,' high-tech... and cheap
Economy dogs North Korea's brilliant Kim on birthday |
Wartime Vatican archives to go online
Major powers deny new nuclear offer for Iran
Fresh questions complicate Haiti missionaries case |
World needs a reboot: TED
Nokia says free satnav to lift services sales
Israel asks Russia for Iran "sanctions with teeth"
Musharraf says Afghan peace undermined by withdrawal talk
Israel's home-grown danger |
Nokia says free satnav to lift services sales
Whaling protester in custody on Japanese boat
Nokia, Intel team up in phone software race |
Utah State Senator Eyes Making 12th Grade Optional To Cut Budget Deficit
Two Britons detained near Delhi airport: reports
Supreme Court to Define When Charity Becomes Terrorism
Sony pulls plug on OLED TV in Japan |
Myanmar sentences 4 activists as UN envoy visits
Health Officials Warn Of Skin Disease Affecting School Age Children
Florida Couple, Two Dogs Overcome By Carbon Monoxide In Family Home
India detains four over restaurant bombing: police
Obama hit hard as Bayh bows out
In Afghanistan, a small step toward trust
British airport body scanners may breach rights: watchdog
New York City Police Officer Denies Sodomy Accusation
Taliban commander held in Pakistan
Economy dogs N.Korea's "brilliant" Kim on birthday
Google Changes Gmail Buzz Privacy Setting After Users Complain
Civilian death toll climbs in Afghan offensive
High Profile U.S. Trade Mission Heading to Libya
Suspected Maoists kill 24 in Indian police attack
Intel And Nokia Announce Merger Of Linux Based Software Platforms
Maoist rebels kill 24 police in eastern India
Seoul shares rise; POSCO, Daewoo E&C up in thin trade
PAKISTAN
S.Korea c.bank says to keep easy stance for time being
Offshore holdings of NZ govt debt steady in Jan-RBNZ
Seoul shares turn higher; Hyundai, Daewoo Eng gain
S.Korea bonds edge up on China, auctions
Seoul shares edge down at open, foreigners sell
India's Tata hires General Motors' ex-European chief
Brazil wraps up Carnival parades
US-ENTERTAINMENT Summary
"24" halts production
Indonesian police say 16 die from illegal liquor
Kevin Smith fuels row over "fat" plane passengers
Magnitude 6.2 earthquake shakes eastern Indonesia
Nominees told to prep two speeches for Oscar night |
Nominees told to prep two speeches for Oscar night
24 halts production |
Keep Oscars speeches short and sweet, stars told
NBC scores with Olympics opening weekend |
Kevin Smith fuels row over fat plane passengers |
"Valentine's Day" like candy at movie box offices
Dutch cinemas to boycott Disney's 'Alice in Wonderland'
Barclays chiefs shun bonuses despite soaring profits
US-TECH Summary
Darfur peacekeepers get helicopters after long wait
Iran says will respond to any new sanctions |
New media can help fight repression: watchdog group
Iraq vow to uphold rights while tackling insecurity
San Antonio Student Arrested For School Shooting Plot
Taliban's top military commander captured
Russia, U.S., France rap Iran's nuclear escalation |
Bacterial Meningitis Kills Wisconsin Teen
Swedish seniors lead Europe in mobile ownership: study
Facing death, freed Iraq detainees may fight again |
Five Die In NJ Plane Crash
Sony pulls plug on OLED TV in Japan
Facing death, freed Iraq detainees may fight again
It's not me, man in Israel says in hit-squad saga |
Carly Simon Wants Fans To Make "You're So Vain" Music Video
Bribery scandal clouds Berlusconi's election hopes |
Iran hits back at U.S. over dictatorship comment
Iran hits back at U.S. over dictatorship comment |
US official: Taliban military commander captured
Police Continue Search For California Church Gunmen
Ukraine's Yanukovich to be sworn in on February 25 |
Rescuers Continue Search For Climber In Mount St. Helens Crater
Upset Hindus Ask For Immediate Withdrawal Of Hanuman Plush Doll
Indian police say CCTV gives some clues on bombing |
Swedish seniors lead Europe in mobile ownership: study
Sony pulls plug on OLED TV in Japan
Kevin James Tapped To Host Kids' Choice Awards
Luise Rainer, Jerry Lewis, Tony Curtis Among Presenters At TCM Film Festival
Barbara Walters To Air Final Pre-Oscar Special After 29 Years
Saudi asks Clinton for 'immediate resolution' on Iran
Tajik court jails terror group members
FCC to propose higher broadband speeds |
Sri Lanka's opposition appeals defeat in court
Smartphones a growing problem for networks |
New media can help fight repression: watchdog group |
Indian police say CCTV gives some clues on bombing
FM: Obama visit boosts US-Indonesian ties
Dalai Lama says he's happy to meet Obama this week
Cambodia to launch $100 million casino complex
Indian police hold 2 in bakery blast: report
Questions about health as NKorean leader turns 68
Bali bombmaker asks president to reduce sentence
Civilian death toll rises in Afghan offensive
Pakistani stocks end up; o/n rates flat; rupee weakens
Asia stocks follow Europe higher in quiet trade
Cambodia to launch $100 million casino complex
S.Korea to start drilling for gas hydrates
Grown-up work wear by Jacobs, Karan in New York
Females set to rule as Brit Awards turn 30
UK police investigate BBC presenter over ex-lover's death
New Orleans readies for Mardi Gras
Keener, Holofcener return in New York comedy film |
Religious rite worries conservationists in Taiwan
Iraq football stars aim for new partnership as MPs
UK police investigate BBC presenter over ex-lover's death |
Greece at new risk of being pushed off euro
Bodies of missing Tenn. mom, Jo Ann Bain, and daughter found
Female Breasts Are Bigger Than Ever
AMD Trinity Accelerated Processing Units Now in Volume Production
The Avengers (2012 film), made the second biggest opening- and single-day gross of all-time
AMD to Start Production of piledriver
Ivy Bridge Quad-Core, Four-Thread Desktop CPUs
Islamists Protest Lady Gaga's Concert in Indonesia
Japan Successfully Broadcasts an 8K Signal Over the Air
ECB boosts loans to 1 trillion Euro to stop credit crunch
Egypt : Mohammed Morsi won with 52 percent
What do you call 100,000 Frenchmen with their hands up
AMD Launches AMD Embedded R-Series APU Platform
Fed Should not Ignore Emerging Market Crisis
Fed casts shadow over India, emerging markets
Why are Chinese tourists so rude? A few insights

USD EUR - 1 year graph		BlogMeter 1.01