Google Sidewiki entry by Russell

Wow, we’ve certainly come a long way! Back then, it was the British occupation that prevented us from exercising our religious rights at the Kotel. Now we have a Jewish government that prevents Jewish women from sounding the Shofar, carrying a Torah and reading aloud from the Torah at the Kotel. Once it was British tyranny that Zionism and the Yishuv needed to overcome. Now it’s the tyranny of the ultra-Orthodox and their camp-followers. Progress indeed!

in reference to:

"Under a British law in Palestine passed in 1930, Jews were forbidden to blow the shofar at the Kotel, pray loudly there, or bring Torah scrolls, so as not to offend the Arab population. Despite this restriction, for the next seventeen years, the shofar was sounded at the Kotel every Yom Kippur. Shofars were smuggled in to the Kotel where brave teenagers defiantly blew them at the conclusion of the fast. Some managed to get away - others were captured and sent to jail for up to six months."
- YouTube - Echoes of a Shofar (view on Google Sidewiki)

Google Sidewiki entry by Russell

Yes, “recognition” (whatever that means) of Israel as the Jewish State is important, but certainly not important enough to derail the peace process, such as it is. Israel exists on the ground. That fact is far more important than any recognition. And, to be honest, how many of our people and institutions would pass the test of recognition for the Palestinians?

The issue of continued or resumed settlement building activity is a real show-stopper, and one can hardly blame the Palestinian side for seeing it as such. What’s the point of negotiating over the pie while one side eats the pie as they speak? I actually cannot believe that a sane society is prepared to countenance the possibility of these peace talks failing over the issue of settlements that are important to only a tiny minority of Israelis and Jews!

You said:
“In contrast, Interior Minister Eli Yishai claimed that "we need to face the truth and not hide our head in the sand. I am very sceptical. I do not believe that the Palestinians want political negotiations."”

Well, many of us no longer believe that the Israelis want political negotiations!

in reference to:

"In contrast, Interior Minister Eli Yishai claimed that "we need to face the truth and not hide our head in the sand. I am very skeptical. I do not believe that the Palestinians want political negotiations.""
- PM demands Palestinians recognize Israel as Jewish state (view on Google Sidewiki)