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This week in power: Syria, Pope, Population, RH message

[additional-authors]
September 5, 2013

A roundup of the most talked about political and global stories in the Jewish world this week:

The Syria question
“Jewish groups backing President Obama’s call to strike Syria militarily are citing moral outrage and U.S. national security as primary considerations, but concern for Israel — however muted — also looms large in their thinking,” ” target=”_blank”>life goes on, and Rosh Hashana arrives during a precarious time.

Pope's call
During his message for a sweet new year, Pope Francis on Monday ” target=”_blank”>highlighted by blogger MJ Rosenberg for removing a reference to AIPAC. “Obviously the White House and/or AIPAC did not want to be caught saying that the reason we are attacking Syria is to show AIPAC, the '800 pound gorilla,' that we are serious about the war the lobby really craves: Iran,” wrote Rosenberg. “The role of journalism is not to kill special interest groups, but it is to shine a light on their activities—whatever the effect may be—especially as those activities bear on matters as grave as war and peace,” ” target=”_blank”>said Connor Simpson at The Atlantic Wire.

Israel grows
The Israeli Central Bureau of Statistics ” target=”_blank”>new year viral videos out of the way, it's time to turn to the more serious side of the equation: What does Rosh Hashana 5774 mean? “It is simply a reminder, as old as Genesis itself, that we are more connected than we often realize, and that in reminding ourselves of those connections, we can find ways to make this year better than last – whatever calendar we happen to use,” ” target=”_blank”>added Peter Calder at The New Zealand Herald.

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