Noah, Don and Times of Israel Ops & Blogs Editor Miriam Herschlag discuss three topics of incomparable importance and end with an anecdote about something in Israel that made them smile this week. Palestinians and Peace in the Age of Trump We discuss the quick and remarkable developments in Palestinian diplomacy, with Pres. Abbas coming away optimistic from his meeting with US President Trump, Hamas suggesting they’re ready for territorial compromise and, in the background, a thousand Palestinian prisoners continuing their hunger strike: What does it all mean? The High Cost of God We mull over a commissioned study finds that Israel spends almost 9 billion NIS a year on religion: Is that an outrageous sum, a reasonable sum, or something in between? The Lasting Legacy of the Likud We ponder on the fortieth anniversary of Menachem Begin and the Likud winning leadership of the country for the first time, what is the lasting legacy of the Likud?   Songs by Skin Blues, in honor of their show this week at Levontin 7, launching a new album after an 18-year breakup-spurred hiatus. Welcome back! Faradasi (פארדסי) Keltish Sheryl Crowe Down Hill She Jumps