05/15/12

* Palestinians mark 'Nakba Day' Palestinians in the West Bank and Gaza Strip, as well as pro-Palestinian supporters in other Arab nations, will mark "Nakba Day" Tuesday, marking the "catastrophe" of the inception of the State of Israel.

* King David's 3,025th Birthday Celebrated at New Museum A new museum in Tel Aviv – the Beit David Museum, dedicated to the House of David – offers two fun-filled free days honoring the holiday of Shavuot.

* Francois Hollande becomes France's new president He said he was aware of the challenges ahead, including the debt crisis, and vowed to "open a new path in Europe".

* Right-wing march to pass through East Jerusalem, despite past spats An upcoming Jerusalem Day flag procession organized by religious Zionist groups will march through the Muslim quarter of Jerusalem's Old City.

* Turkey suspects bird of being Israeli spy Turkish authorities believe that they have found a bird used for espionage purposes by Israel.

* Islam Is a Problem, but Ignore It Americans believe Islam is in global conflict with the West, a Rasmussen poll reveals, but most think the US should ignore the Islamic world.

* Terrorists Begin Nakba Day with Kassam Rocket, Firebombs Arab terrorists attacked southern Israel with a Kassam rocket early Tuesday and attacked Jews in the Hevron area with two firebombs.

* Copts to shun Islamists in Egypt presidential vote Egypt's Coptic Christians complained of discrimination under former Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak but fear it may get worse if an Islamist takes his place in next week's presidential election.

* Israel Watches Syrian Factions Battle in Lebanon Israeli defense personnel are watching closely as Syrian gunmen begin to carry their battle into Lebanese territory.

* EU castigates Israel over settlements, Palestinians EU foreign ministers on Monday issued a harsh critique of Israel, saying the gathering pace of settlement-building, settler extremism and ill-treatment of Palestinians threatens a two-state solution.