Israel and the United States have agreed over the past two weeks to set out the principles for a peace deal and to try to prevent a unilateral recognition of an independent Palestinian state at the UN in September.

A Washington courtroom settled down for a ringside seat this week at what must be one of Jewish America's most lurid family disputes.

The case is the latest chapter in a decades-old feud between two heirs of the Ringling Bros & Barnum and Bailey Circus, estimated to be worth $750 million.

A group of Jewish philanthropists is planning to create an international television news channel to counter the influence of outlets like Al-Jazeera.

As the United States debated federal funding for public broadcasting after the release of a sting video of a National Public Radio executive attacking the Tea Party movement, Jewish organisations focused on certain comments pertaining to control of the media.

The nomination of White House adviser Daniel Shapiro as US ambassador to Israel has won praise across the spectrum from US Jewish organistions which saw Shapiro as the best man for the job-and one who has the President's ear.

Mr Shapiro, 41, will replace Bush appointee James Cunningham. The nomination must be confirmed by the US Senate.