Mideast Report

JERUSALEM (JTA) -- The Middle East should be "free of all the weapons of mass destruction," said Secretary of State Colin Powell.

Answering questions at the Washington Foreign Press Center on Tuesday, Powell did not comment directly on concerns in the Arab world about Israel's arsenal.

The Bush administration lately is pressuring Syria to curtail its development of weapons of mass destruction and support for terrorist groups.

Debt pushes couple into double suicide

JERUSALEM (JTA) -- An Israeli couple committed suicide April 18, apparently over financial difficulties from their flower-growing business.

At least three other Israeli flower growers faced with mounting debts have taken their lives in recent months, Ha'aretz reported.

Israeli guide plans to give tours of Iraq

JERUSALEM (JTA) -- An Israeli tour guide instructor is organizing a course for leading trips to Iraq.

Shmuel Ben-Naftali said 12 people already have signed up for the June course, which will cost some $395, the daily Ma'ariv reported. The planned highlight is an eight-day trip to Iraq in October.

Ancient coins found from Bar-Kochba era

JERUSALEM (JTA) -- Israeli archaeologists found rare coins dating back to the second century.

The nine silver coins, found recently, date back to the end of the Bar-Kochba revolt against Roman rule, when some Jews hid in caves in the Judean Desert.

The coins are believed to have been minted by the Romans.

Israel Prize revoked for no-show painter

JERUSALEM (JTA) -- An Israeli painter had his Israel Prize revoked because he refused to attend the award ceremony.

Moshe Gershoni said he would not attend the ceremony because of the "current political and economic situation in Israel."

But Education Minister Limor Livnat said Gershoni would not receive the award without attending the ceremony.