Matthew Bell
Syria’s Civil War Ends Long Quiet in Israeli-Controlled Golan Heights
The sounds of the fighting in Syria can be heard clearly and often from Alonei Habashan. Residents are more careful about hiking in the area. They are sure to coordinate with the Israeli army when they go on long walks. They are also applying for permits to keep weapons in their homes.
As Boston Plans Its Future Memorial, How Has Israel Memorialized Terror Victims?
Authorities in Boston are wrestling with how to preserve the makeshift memorials that have sprung up near the sites of marathon bombings. As The World’s Matthew Bell reports, Israelis have lots of experience with the delicate issues involved in memorializing victims of terror attacks. Some memorials to past attacks are barely noticed today on Israeli streets.
Israel on Alert After Syria Strikes
Israeli officials say it’s business as usual after this weekend’s reported Israeli airstikes in Syria. But anti-rocket defense batteries have been deployed in the country’s north just in case.
Member of a Jewish Holocaust ‘Revenge Squad’ Tells Story
A few weeks ago, Israel commemorated Holocaust Memorial Day. The World’s Middle East Correspondent Matthew Bell met a man there with a unique Holocaust story that he was somewhat reluctant to talk about. It’s a story about revenge.
Hezbollah Comes Clean: It Stands With Syrian Government
The leader of the Lebanon-based Hezbollah militant group this week declared that friends of Bashar al-Assad would not let the Syrian president fall. The World’s Matthew Bell reports on Hezbollah’s role in the Syrian conflict.
Palestinian Prisoners: A Sticking Point Between Israel and Palestinians
A Palestinian prisoner who’s become a hero because of his long-term hunger strike, has agreed to end his fast. Samer Issawi had been on a hunger strike for more than 200 days while in an Israeli prison. Issawi is one of the nearly 5,000 Palestinians being jailed in Israeli prisons for various charges. The World’s Matthew Bell reports.
Israeli Doctor Paved the Way for Emergency Response in Boston
When doctors and medical staff at Boston hospitals found themselves facing the horrific aftermath of the bombings on marathon day, they were well-prepared. That is thanks in part to lessons shared by emergency medical personnel in Israel. The World’s Matthew Bell reports, they’ve been re-writing the book on “terror medicine.”
Israeli General: ‘Syria Used Chemical Weapons’
A senior Israeli military official has said Syrian forces have used chemical weapons against rebels several times.
Runners at Bethlehem’s First Marathon Honor Victims in Boston
Last week’s bombing at the Boston Marathon put police and security forces in London on high alert Sunday. More than 35,000 runners took part. Participants wore black ribbons and held a moment of silence in honor of the victims of the Boston bombings. There was a similar scene – though on a much smaller scale – at the first international marathon in the biblical town of Bethlehem.
Reactions from Israel, Palestinians and the Muslim Brotherhood
It’s a holiday in Israel – Independence Day – so there hasn’t been a whole lot written in reaction to the Boston bombing in the Israeli press. Though, there was a a thoughtful piece at Ha’aretz from writer, Dina Kraft. In Egypt, the political wing of the Muslim Brotherhood issued a statement [...]
East Jerusalem Teens: Want Peace? Start Here
Secretary of State John Kerry is in the Middle East this week. He met with Israeli and Palestinian officials, reportedly in an effort to revive the peace process. But some believe the US is putting its energies in the wrong place. The World’s Matthew Bell pays a visit to Arab East Jerusalem, where some young people share their hopes for the future.
Hamas Puts Hebrew in the Curriculum
Hamas rejects Israel’s right to exist. So, it might come as a surprise to hear that Hamas-run schools in Gaza have started offering Hebrew language classes. Government-run schools in Gaza put the main language of the Jewish State on the curriculum at the start of the school year.
President Obama Tells Palestinians They Deserve an End to Occupation
President Obama visited the West Bank Thursday to meet with Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas. Obama said the US supports a sovereign Palestinian state, and that the Palestinian people deserve an end to occupation.
Obama Visits Israel, Lauds An ‘Unbreakable Alliance’
On the first day of President Obama’s three-day trip to Israel, he and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu showcased the alliance between their two nations. The World’s Matthew Bell tells host Marco Werman why making that alliance work for both partners has been so difficult.
West Bank Israelis Hoping to Woo Obama
About 14,000 students attend Ariel University, which sits deep inside the West Bank, on the edge of a large Jewish settlement. “I see Ariel as part of this country,” said Reut Menahem, a 26-year-old psychology student. She said Obama would be missing an opportunity if he doesn’t engage with students here.
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