Supporters of Alan Gross, who has been imprisoned in Cuba since 2009, rally outside the White House on Dec. 3, 2013. (Alex Wong/Getty Images) WASHINGTON (JTA) — Alan Gross did not warn his family he was launching a hunger strike, but hearing the news, they understood why: The U.S. government subcontractor languishing in a Cuban prison feels forgotten. Gross, a 64-year-old Jewish father of two from Potomac, Md., is currently serving a 15-year sentence… Read more »
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu greets U.S. Defense Secretary Leon Panetta in Jerusalem, Aug. 1, 2012. In 2013, Netanyahu will have to deal with a new U.S. defense secretary on sensitive issues like Iran. Some pro-Israel officials have objected to the rumored top pick, Chuck Hagel. (U.S. Embassy, Tel Aviv) WASHINGTON (JTA) — Will we fall of the fiscal cliff? Plunge into war with Iran? Dive into contentious confirmation battles? One thing’s for certain: There will be plenty of action in Washington that the Jewish community will be watching closely over 2013. Here are some likely focal points: Fiscal… Read more »
