THE HUMAN RIGHTS HAGGADAH BLOG
The Real Human Rights Violation Is Not Offering Gazans a Choice
By now most of us are familiar with Trump’s stunning comments about relocating the current population from Gaza and rebuilding it as ‘The Riviera
Condemn Israel, Starve Miners: South Africa Makes a Mockery of Human Rights
According to the Talmud, Rabban Gamliel banned from the study hall any student whose deeds were not in keeping with their values (Brachot 28a). This
Hostage Agreement Says Human Rights Are Dirt
While I of course share in the joy at the return of the first three hostages, I’m also saddened because the agreement that freed them
Judge Rules Against Israel One Day, Becomes Prime Minister of Lebanon the Next
Of course the ceasefire deal is the main topic currently in the news, but the abrupt resignation of ICJ President Nawaf Salam to become Prime
Flaws in International Law Were Exploited Against Israel at the ICC
Many of us are somewhere between perplexed and outraged by the decision of the International Criminal Court (ICC) to issue arrest warrants for Netanyahu and
Six More Urgent Questions for the ICJ to Address
Israel has come to dominate the calendar of the International Court of Justice (ICJ). Last winter, South Africa asked the ICJ to find Israel in
What Has Amnesty Got Against the International Court of Justice?
Yesterday Amnesty International released a report accusing Israel of genocide. It begins with the Genocide Convention, then uses evidence from hundreds of eye witnesses, satellite
Stop Calling the ICC Antisemitic: Four Better Ways to Respond Instead
A three-judge panel at the International Criminal Court recently approved arrest warrants against Netanyahu and Gallant for alleged war crimes in Gaza. In response, Netanyahu declared the
Can Israel Deport Families of Terrorists and Revoke Their Citizenship?
As Israel faces yet more terrorist attacks, there has been a renewed push to revoke the citizenship of terrorists and their families as punishment. It’s
ICC Warrants Requested and Six Months Later Still No Word: What’s Going On?
I often try to show how the international legal system and human rights organizations fail to help bring about their lofty visions. This piece is
How Did You React When You Heard About Sinwar?
How did you react when you heard the news about Sinwar? There’s been a lot of discussion about whether joy was appropriate. Some say yes,
Ta-Nehisi Coates: But What’s the Solution?
I admit that I did not purchase or read Ta-Nehisi Coates’ (TNC) new book. Ordinarily that ought to disqualify me from writing a review. But
The UN Should Blame Itself When Israel Doesn’t Listen
The United Nations was established to promote human rights and safeguard international peace and security. Over the past year, its many organs have devoted tremendous
Self Determination: The Crucial Question That Hasn’t Been Asked
In its recent advisory opinion, the International Court of Justice decided that Israel’s occupation of Palestinian territory violates the Palestinian right to self-determination. It was
Attack on Nasrallah Likely Conformed with Law
Israel’s recent strike on Beirut killing Hezbollah’s leader was welcomed by U.S. officials and praised in Israel across the political spectrum. However, countries and political
Why the Pager Attack Causes Alarm: Condemnations are Biased, but Concerns Are Real
My purpose here is not to pass judgment or even give an opinion as to whether the pager attack was right or wrong. (For a
Help Human Rights by Overlooking Them? What Releasing Aid to Egypt Says About Israel
After Israel, Egypt is the second-highest recipient of U.S. foreign aid, with $1.3 billion in military assistance allocated each year. Of that sum, $225 million
From the River to the Sea, Facebook is Free
Numerous Palestinian activists have used the slogan, ‘From the river to the sea, Palestine will be free’ on Facebook. This was flagged by other Facebook
Khan Must Be Careful
On August 27th an organization called UK Lawyers for Israel (UKLFI) sent a detailed, 25 page letter to International Criminal Court (ICC) Prosecutor Karim Khan.
ICC Indictments: An Update
On May 24th Karim Khan, the prosecutor of the International Criminal Court (ICC), announced that he was seeking arrest warrants for Israel’s Prime Minister and
Why the U.S. Won’t Punish Netzah Yehudah: State Department Says Leahy Law Doesn’t Apply
On August 12th U.S. State Department Spokesman Mathew Miller explained that the U.S. will not restrict assistance to certain units of the Israeli military that
Now How Can Turkey Get Involved?
On August 7th Turkey officially requested to join the International Court of Justice (ICJ) genocide case brought by South Africa against Israel. By filing its
ICC Indictments- Now the Judges’ Dilemma
On May 20th, ICC Prosecutor Karim Khan announced that he was seeking arrest warrants for both Israeli and Hamas leaders for Gaza war crimes. However,
What Does Francesca Albanese Comparing Bibi to Hitler Say About the United Nations?
United Nations Special Rapporteur Francesca Albanese recently triggered an uproar by reposting on X a comparison of a photo of Bibi’s recent speech at the
UN Accusations, Israel’s Response: What Gives?
On June 12th the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) released the results of an investigation into the Gaza war. This included a 59 page
Was the Hostage Rescue Disproportionate?
The June 8th rescue of four hostages from Gaza was celebrated throughout Israel as joyful family reunions were broadcast throughout the country. Unfortunately, the rescue
If Israel’s Leaders Would Just Shut Up Everything With the ICJ Would Be Fine
Unlike what some media have reported, the International Court of Justice’s May 24th ruling was hardly an indictment of Israel. The main operative clause ordered
ICC Arrest Warrants: Outrageous or Valid?
On May 20th ICC Prosecutor Karim Khan announced he is seeking arrest warrants for Bibi Netanyahu and Yoav Gallant, along with three leaders of Hamas.
Are Criminal Indictments of Israeli Leaders on the Way?
These last few days the press has been abuzz with rumors that the International Criminal Court (ICC) is on the verge of issuing indictments against
Discussing War Crimes at the Seder
When reciting the ten plagues at the seder, many of us have the custom of spilling drops of wine. My father used to spill a
Third ICJ Decision a Warning to Israel: Similar on the surface, but a big shift in the court’s view
On March 28th The International Court of Justice (ICJ) ruled on South Africa’s third and most recent request, asking that it impose additional measures on
Weapons Sales to Israel: Questions For Those Advocating a Ban
Mary Lawlor, a UN Special Rapporteur, recently wrote that there is no moral justification for continued weapons sales to Israel. She says that Israel’s conduct
UNRWA: Illegal To Fund, Illegal Not To Fund. Can Both Sides Be Right?
Two lawsuits were recently filed about the United Nations Relief Works Agency (UNRWA), the UN body charged with assisting Palestinian refugees. One, at the International
Sanctions No Replacement For Israeli Justice
Recently the U.S. government announced sanctions against four Jewish residents of the West Bank. They will be prohibited from entering the United States, and also
When are Parents Responsible for Their Children’s Crimes?
For what I believe is the first time since October, I thought to share something not related to the horrible war in Gaza. It says
Why Criticize Israel’s Targeted Raid on a Jenin Hospital?
Last week an undercover team of Israeli soldiers, disguised as doctors, patients, and even a woman carrying a baby, snuck into a Jenin hospital, entered
Don’t Get Upset: ICJ Decision Not That Bad
On January 26th the International Court of Justice (ICJ) indicated provisional measures against Israel designed to protect Gaza Palestinians against possible genocide. It of course
Why Oppose Bernie’s Bill
Three reasons senators voted down Bernie Sanders’ bill requiring a report on Israel’s conduct in Gaza This week, Senator Bernie Sanders (I-VT) forced a vote
I Read Through South Africa’s 84 Page Complaint Against Israel- Here Are Some Problems It May Have
As is by now well known, South Africa is suing Israel at the International Court of Justice (ICJ), alleging that Israel is committing genocide
Israel Heads to the International Court of Justice
South Africa recently accused Israel of genocide in a complaint filed with the International Court of Justice (ICJ). Evidently the ICJ will agree to hold
ICC Fails by Not Indicting Hamas
The International Criminal Court (ICC) was created to make sure those who commit the most serious of atrocities are punished, in the hopes this would
Why the Red Cross Must Visit the Hostages
The International Committee of the Red Cross recently had a highly visible role, transporting released hostages out of Gaza in vans displaying plastered with
Antonio Guterres: Job A Lot Like a Rabbi’s
UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres has been heavily criticized for his handling of the Gaza war, including these last few days by Israel’s Minister of
Don’t Panic Over Accusations That Israel is Committing Genocide
All it means is that the definition of genocide has been watered down to the point that it applies in nearly every war Charges that
Humanitarian Law is Not An Answer
Right now we are hearing endless calls for Israel to obey humanitarian law in its war against Hamas. This comes most loudly from Israel’s
Death Penalty for the Tree of Life Massacre?
On August 2nd a federal Jury recommended the death sentence for Robert Bowers, perpetrator of the 2018 massacre at the Tree of Life synagogue
Torah Burning Protests: Let’s Just Forget It
Today Sweden once again granted permission for a Torah burning protest outside the Israeli Embassy, this time by a woman concerned about children’s rights
Who Decides english and math in Yeshivas?
Last week the New York City Department of Education sent a warning letter notifying 18 yeshivas that they are failing to teach secular subjects at
Biden’s Plan to Counter anti-semitism: don’t judge this book by its cover
Recently, the Biden administration released an impressive 60 page plan titled “The U.S. Strategy to Counter Anti-Semitism.” It contains hundreds of detailed action items.
Pogrom at RightsCon?
I recently had the opportunity to attend RightsCon, a convention which brought over 8000 participants from 174 countries to discuss ‘human rights in the digital
Human Rights Watch (Finally) Criticizes Palestinians Too
In the Jewish community, Human Rights Watch (HRW) is frequently accused of anti-Israel bias. It’s fair to say that Human Rights Watch is sometimes even
Saudis responsible for mass executions, not the quran
On March 12th Saudi Arabia executed a staggering 81 prisoners all at once. The Saudis claim each of them had been duly sentenced to death
How to kick Russia out of world sports
On February 28th, the FIFA council, governing body of world soccer, suspended Russia from participating in international soccer matches, including the upcoming World Cup.
Torture in A Small Cell
One of Chicago’s newer museums is also its most frightening. It’s the museum of Medieval Torture, located just North of the loop. It displays a
Environment as a human right
Last Friday, Oct. 8th, the United Nations Human Rights Council voted overwhelmingly to declare that access to a ‘safe, clean, healthy, and sustainable environment’
What We Can Say when Israel is Accused of War Crimes
Unfortunately, we frequently hear Israel accused of war crimes. On the news, in op-eds, and for that matter in discussions at the gym or supermarket.
Not a Right Doesn’t Mean Wrong
Recently, the organization nonhumanrights.org scored a legal win. Yes, nonhumanrights.org! What is this about, you may wonder? Do they work against human rights? Is
Limits of Religious Freedom and the Atlanta Spa Shootings
The tragic Atlanta spa shootings may have been motivated by religious guilt, for which the perpetrator’s Church bears some responsibility.
difference between a 15-year-old stabber and 19-year-old Holocaust Guard?
What should be done with a man in his 80s or 90s who way back when they were a teenager committed a crime?
Israel has little to fear from the International Criminal Court
Israel need not be so afraid of the ICC’s investigation into Gaza and the West Bank. Consequences for Israel will likely be limited, if at all.
ICC Jurisdiction Over Gaza Not Anti-Israel at All
The ICC determined that it has jurisdiction over Gaza. While this angers Israel, it is a reasonable decision that may actually be good.
Controversy On State Department Report On Human Rights
The U.S. State Department recently released a document titled ‘Report of the Commission on Unalienable Rights’, with the purpose of clarifying and assessing the role
Human Rights and Statues
Recently there has been much argument over statues of historical figures that owned slaves or carried out other such injustice. People argue that honoring these
Book Review: Evicted, by Mathew Desmond
In his recent book Evicted, Mathew Desmond follows the detailed stories of poor Milwaukee residents as they struggle with the threat of eviction, are evicted,
court can be worse than crime
Chanel Miller wrote her memoir, titled ‘Know My Name’, to give readers a window into sexual assault and the toll on victims from prosecuting it
Who Will Prevent Death in the Desert?
In 2017, four volunteers from the ministry ‘No More Deaths’ left food and water for migrants in the Cabeza Prieta National Wildlife Reserve along the Mexican
Today’s Land Mines May be smarter, but bringing them back is still a mistake
In 1997, the use, manufacture, and stockpiling of anti-personal land mines was banned via what’s commonly referred to as the Ottowa Treaty. This was
Wisconsin’s Enormous Prison Count and Mistreatment of Prisoners
Last week I attended a panel titled ‘Reentry: Ready or Not’ organized by Milwaukee’s Community Advocates Public Policy Institute, the Milwaukee Turners, and other local
Mississippi Restitution Centers Are an Unwelcome Throwback to slavery
Imagine being imprisoned because you can’t pay $656 that you owe. That can happen today in Mississippi, where poor people who cannot afford court ordered
Why We Can’t Target Iranian Cultural Sites
As tensions with Iran rise, Donald Trump today threatened to retaliate against 52 potential Iranian targets should that country strike the United States. Evidently
Bloomberg Discovers Prison Labor
Michael Bloomberg, billionaire late entrant to the presidential race, was recently found using prison labor to make campaign calls. When this was discovered by The
If Shelter Isn’t A Right, Sleeping Surely Is
The Universal Declaration of Human Rights lists food, clothing, housing, and medical care, along with the right to security in the event of unemployment, sickness
Should Israel Give The International Criminal Court Another Look?
Many of us who care about Israel are frequently up in arms about the bias international organizations tend to have against it. Most notorious
Boycotts May Do More Harm Than Good
Boycotts and sanctions against human rights violators is a common tactic to bring about change. Refusing to purchase abusers’ products seems like a simple,
Pardons for The Worst of All Reasons
Last week, evidently against the advice of many of his military advisors, President Trump pardoned three U.S. soldiers. One is army First Lt. Clint Lorance.
Even though he only advocates against settlements, Israel has reasons to deport omar shakir
Several days ago Israel’s high court voted to uphold the Israeli government’s revocation of Omar Shakir’s visa to work in Israel, thereby clearing the path
the Right Time to Condemn Armenian Genocide?
Last week, the U.S. House voted to recognize the Ottoman Empire’s 1915 massacre and displacement of 1.5 million Armenians as genocide. This angered the government
Trump’s New Rule Asks The Wrong Question
The Trump administration announced yesterday that asylum seekers who have previously been through a third country may no longer apply for asylum in the U.S.
Dead Eye and the Deep Blue Sea
In The Dead Eye and the Deep Blue Sea, Vannak Prum tells how he was taken from Cambodia and enslaved for years on a Thai fishing boat. His story shows how easily even today people can still be taken as slaves.
Alabama prison Conditions Are A Human Rights Disaster
The United States has 5% of the world’s population, but houses approximately 25% of the world’s prisoners. The confinement of such a vast number of
Why We Can’t Live and Let Be Stoned
The small nation of Brunei announced this week that it intends to punish homosexuality and adultery with death by stoning, in keeping with their strict
Don’t Deny Asylum Because of the Bible
Britain’s Home Office just rejected the asylum application of a man who converted from Islam to Christianity. We do not know the formal basis of
Slavery Reparations- David Brooks Changing His Mind
David Brooks, noted columnist for the NY Times, wrote a remarkable column today in which he calls himself a ‘slow convert’ to the cause of
Migrants Don’t Deserve Death
Immigration into the United States over the Southern border is currently the source of major political controversy. Legally, the people crossing into the country are
Focus on the Traffickers, not Robert Kraft
The recent charges against Patriots owner Robert Kraft for allegedly soliciting prostitution at a Florida massage parlor have brought human trafficking back into the public
Asylum Seekers Forced to Work for $1/ Day while Waiting for Immigration Courts
Many readers here are likely familiar with the troubling use of prison labor in the United States. Somewhat less known is that not only people
Colorado Votes to Outlaw Slavery: No More Exceptions
In the recent midterm elections, Colorado’s vote to amend the state’s constitution was easily overlooked because of the extensive focus on the races for congress.
The Importance of Restoring Voting Rights to Felons
ACLU Justice Tour This weekend I attended an event called ‘The Justice tour’ sponsored by the ACLU of Wisconsin. There were a number of informative
Trump Can’t Blame Asylum Seekers for Their Own Mistreatment
“Tell people not to come to our country illegally,” Trump told reporters. “That’s the solution. Don’t come to our country illegally. Come like other people
Asylum Seekers Have The Right To Due Process of Law
Donald Trump tweeted today that people caught sneaking into the U.S. from Mexico should be sent back immediately, with no judges or court cases. He
Consumer Activism No Substitute for Government Regulation
Most people would rather not consume products that are produced by slave labor. Some people are also willing to spend a little extra money for
Help Refugees Before They Leave Home
A boat with 600 odd refugees from Africa finally found a port in Spain after being turned away by Italy and other countries. You can
Sessions’ Decision on Solid Legal Ground, But Asylum Is a Moral Question Also
Attorney General Jeff Sessions made a significant change this week to how immigration courts will evaluate requests for asylum. His legal logic is reasonable, but
NJ Child Marriage Ban Defeated Due To Orthodox Opposition
Last week the New Jersey state legislature was set to make that state the second (after Delaware) to set 18 as an absolute minimum age
In Interviewing Asylum Seekers, Moral Difficulties the Hardest
In April, the Atlantic magazine ran an informative article by Graeme Wood about the techniques German immigration authorities use to try to sort legitimate asylum
15 Year Old Runaway Girl Trafficked For Sex
Unfortunately, this news report of a 15 year old girl drugged, raped, and sold for sex is nothing new. I want to highlight it, though,
Just Because Asylum Seekers Enter U.S. Illegally That Doesn’t Mean They Are Committing A Crime
What do you call someone who takes another person, straps him down to a table, then cuts open his stomach with a knife and starts
Credibility of Asylum Seekers
Many news outlets report today that several members of the Guatemalan caravan have been allowed to enter the U.S. for the purpose of being processed
Visitor Strip-Searches at Rikers Island Show How Vulnerable Inmates Are to Abuse
A recently filed lawsuit has brought to light allegations that visitors to Rikers Island prison in New York are subjected to frightening, invasive, demeaning, and
Guatemalan Asylum Seekers and Coaching
Approximately 400 people have traveled through Mexico from Guatemala to the U.S. border for the purpose of seeking asylum in the United States. There has