Donald H. Harrison

Comedian Alex Edelman jokes about different streams of Judaism at JFEST opener

After greeting the audience Edelman, who grew up Orthodox, opened with a groaner. “What’s the difference between a reform Rabbi and Donald Trump?” He asked. The answer, “Donald Trump has Jewish grandchildren.” As the crowd groaned in unison, he noted that yes, it was a bad joke, and yes, everyone would be repeating it.  He wasn’t wrong on either count. [Sandi Masori]

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Jewish Celebrities, Jewish Religion, Lifestyles, San Diego County, Sandi Masori, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Theatre, Film & Broadcast, Trivia, Humor & Satire

Attractiveness of life in U.S., Israel compared

Today, the above average financial position of many Jews continues but other aspects of normal life in American are deteriorating. This fact may not affect those who live in gated communities, but what about their grandchildren? Will they want to attend Harvard, Columbia, or NYU? Will they want to live in New York, where a Jew-hating mayor is eroding the position of Jews and their businesses? [Steve Kramer]

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Antisemitism, Business & Finance, Israel, Lifestyles, Opinion, Science, Medicine, & Education, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Steve Kramer, Travel and Food, USA

Traveling Holocaust exhibit asks what Americans knew and how they responded

Important questions about morality, responsibility, and public awareness are at the center of the “Americans and the Holocaust” exhibit at Grossmont College. [Cailin Acosta]

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Antisemitism, Cailin Acosta, Holocaust, International, Jewish History, Obituaries & memorials, San Diego County, Science, Medicine, & Education, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USA

President Trump calls on Jews to celebrate America’s 250th birthday by observing National Shabbat May 15-16

Prinz’s address is remembered for its contention that in the face of discrimination, “the most urgent, the most disgraceful, the most shameful and the most tragic problem is silence.” [Cailin Acosta]

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Antisemitism, Cailin Acosta, Jewish History, Jewish Religion, Music, Dance, and Visual Arts, Obituaries & memorials, San Diego County, Science, Medicine, & Education, Sports & Competitions, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Theatre, Film & Broadcast, Travel and Food, USA

Plaque donated for grave of mass murderer’s teenage Jewish victim

With the help of a remarkable West Haven, Connecticut, genealogist, John Doe’s unmarked burial site was identified.  JASHP’s obligation was clear.  The boy deserved a stone of memory.  No longer, unintentionally, would feet stand on his grave. [Jerry Klinger]

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Antisemitism, Holocaust, International, Jerry Klinger, Jewish History, Obituaries & memorials, Opinion, Philanthropy & Volunteerism, San Diego County, Science, Medicine, & Education, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USA

Local poets Rolfe, Chait, and Lynch to be featured at the JCC May 19

Three local poets, Donna Rolfe, David Chait, and Betzy Lynch, will be featured in the final program of the 2025-26 season of Jewish Poets—Jewish Voices, Tuesday, May 19, 7 p.m. in the Astor Judaica Library of the Lawrence Family Jewish Community Center. [Eileen Wingard}

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Books, Poetry & Short Stories, Eileen Wingard, Staff and Bylined Contributors

Congressional candidate advocates tightening rules on campus antisemitism

Mandate complete transparency of foreign funding to universities and nonprofits under Section 117 of the Higher Education Act, with severe financial penalties and loss of tax-exempt status for nondisclosure. Congress must close loopholes that allow foreign governments and entities to influence American education. [Stan Caplan]

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Antisemitism, California, Israel, Jewish History, Opinion, Science, Medicine, & Education, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USA

Jewish Biography: Emmerich (Imre) Kálmán, operetta composer

When three Jews in a troubled, hostile-to-their-people Vienna put on a jester’s cap and write an operetta with a happy ending, one might think they were indulging in wishful thinking or trying to drown their fears, to dissolve their worries in the desired joy. [Alex Gordon]

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Alex Gordon, Antisemitism, Books, Poetry & Short Stories, International, Jewish History, Music, Dance, and Visual Arts, Staff and Bylined Contributors

Nationwide antisemitic incidents occur inside and outside synagogues

Of the 6,274 antisemitic incidents recorded across the United States in 2025, 671 targeted synagogues specifically. The overwhelming majority (85%) were harassment, with verbal and written threats comprising the largest single category. But the threats were not only words: nine were physical assaults, two of which involved a deadly weapon. [Press Release]

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Antisemitism, Jewish Religion, Press Release, USA