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Nov 13, 2023, 8:04 AM

Studies in courage, bravery and cowardice

Bravery is usually defined as mental or moral strength required to face danger, difficulty, pain, uncertainty, often while fulfilling essential tasks. Some see bravery as lack of fear. Others define courage as lack of fear, while bravery manifests itself...

Oct 31, 2023, 11:47 PM

Beware the plans of Israel’s messianic right

This may be the final call to religious Zionists, to plead that they speak up against dangerous trends which are bubbling, and threaten to engulf us all, yet are all but ignored. I am appealing to adherents of classic...

Oct 12, 2023, 12:26 PM

They Have No Shame

They have no shame. If our ministers had a bit of shame or dignity, if they were aware of their responsibility, they would invite traumatized families from the south, or concerned residents of the north, into their homes. Have you...

Oct 1, 2023, 4:04 PM

I had a dream, but then I woke up

I had a dream I dreamt that, as part of the Big Plan, which includes normalization with Israel, Saudi Arabia will develop a nuclear program for civilian purposes only, and will never desire an upgrade, equivalent to Iranian capabilities. I had...

Sep 20, 2023, 4:38 PM

My prime minister accused me of siding with Iran

Nelson Mandela and Zelda La Grange, his personal secretary. (via X, formerly Twitter)

Netanyahu should learn from Mandela's generous leadership, when it comes to handling those who oppose him

Aug 28, 2023, 4:36 PM

This government is a joke

Louis de Funes Louis in The Gendarme and the Extra-Terrestrials (1979)

Our defense minister is in America, but is he having crucial meetings with his US counterparts? Funny you should ask

Aug 1, 2023, 12:36 PM

To counterbalance Netanyahu’s words: An open letter to Congress

Benjamin Netanyahu holds his first cabinet meeting since returning as prime minister, hours after his coalition was sworn in, at the Prime Minister's Office in Jerusalem on December 29, 2022. (Ohad Zwigenberg/ POOL)

The government was elected to serve the whole country, not to undermine its democracy with an agenda few knew of before voting

Mar 30, 2023, 12:34 PM

Stop the madness

If I were a psychiatrist, I would be able to diagnose self-destructive behavior, and hopefully treat it, thus enabling the patient to return to a normal life. Alas, I am merely a retired diplomat. Therefore, I have no good...

Feb 3, 2015, 12:38 PM

Pity that poor Israeli diplomat

When Netanyahu gets invited to address Congress and all hell breaks loose, guess who has to sweep up

Jul 12, 2013, 11:25 AM

A diplomat and her human shadows

Illustrative photo: Israeli bodyguards outside a Knesset committee hearing (Photo by Olivier Fitoussi / Flash90)

What is life like for an Israeli ambassador posted abroad, under the constant watch of bodyguards?

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About Me

Tova Herzl served twice as congressional liaison in Washington DC, was Israel's first ambassador to the newly independent Baltic states, and took early retirement after a tumultuous ambassadorship in South Africa. She is the author of the book, Madame Ambassador; Behind The Scenes With A Candid Israeli Diplomat.