This sign at Ben Gurion International Airport welcomes visitors and returning Israelis alike to Israel. /Nancy KirschTEL AVIV – Why on earth would anyone spend three hours on a bus, three hours in an airport, 10 hours on an airplane, another hour in an airport and one hour on a bus?

Consul General of Israel to New England Shai Bazak holds his absentee ballot in Boston. /Nancy KirschBOSTON – Twenty-one Israelis living in New England were invited to cast their absentee ballots at the Israeli Consulate in Boston. Only those Israelis living outside Israel during elections,  by virtue of their positions as diplomats or military personnel, are entitled to vote by absentee ballot under Israeli law.

A certificate from the Jewish National Fund tree fund /Rhode Island Jewish Historical AssociationJanuary in Rhode Island is cold. The trees are bare, save for a sere leaf clinging to a branch here and there.

Ron DermerTEL AVIV (JTA) – Like many Israeli politicians, Ron Dermer is an unapologetic defender of Israel’s actions, even if it might mean being undiplomatic.