Byliners

Some La Mesa Residents Oppose City Council’s Ban on Remote Testimony; Ban was Implemented to Curb Hate Speech

East County Magazine recently interviewed La Mesa activists Janet Castaños, PhD, and Gene Carpenter, who raise concerns over La Mesa City Council’s Feb. 27 decision to end remote public comments.  The action came after antisemitic comments were made by several callers at the previous meeting, though the city’s stated reason for ending the public’s ability to call in with comments was that the COVID-19 pandemic is over. [East County Magazine]

Some La Mesa Residents Oppose City Council’s Ban on Remote Testimony; Ban was Implemented to Curb Hate Speech Read More »

Antisemitism, California, East County Magazine, Miriam Raftery, News Media, USA

Israel’s foreign minister says UN ceasefire vote helps Hamas

Published by DPA International The UN Security Council’s demand for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza has strengthened the Palestinian militant Hamas movement and prompted it to reject a US compromise proposal on a new hostage deal, Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz said on Tuesday. Katz, speaking to Israeli Army Radio, said he was disappointed that

Israel’s foreign minister says UN ceasefire vote helps Hamas Read More »

International, Israel, Middle East, Nordot, USA

Steven Spielberg: ‘The echoes of history are unmistakable in our current climate’

Published by Euronews (English) “The echoes of history are unmistakable in our current climate.” Legendary filmmaker Steven Spielberg said these words at a ceremony to honour the USC Shoah Foundation – a non-profit organisation he founded 30 years ago, which documents interviews with survivors and witnesses of the Holocaust. The 77-year-old director of Schindler’s List

Steven Spielberg: ‘The echoes of history are unmistakable in our current climate’ Read More »

Antisemitism, California, Holocaust, International, Israel, Jewish Celebrities, Jewish History, Nordot, Theatre, Film & Broadcast, USA

Parsha Tzav: Gratefulness Can Inspire Others

Dr. David DeSteno and his colleagues reveal a profound truth – that gratitude is a powerful force, capable of igniting a radiant chain reaction of goodness and compassion. Perhaps this is what is behind the good Moshe delivers to Aharon…not so much “making” him “feel good,” but rather when one’s heart is filled with gratitude for the blessings received, it becomes a wellspring from which kindness and generosity flow forth. [Michael R. Mantell, Ph.D]

Parsha Tzav: Gratefulness Can Inspire Others Read More »

Jewish Religion, Lifestyles, Michael Mantell, Staff and Bylined Contributors

UN Security Council passes resolution demanding immediate Gaza ceasefire

Published by ANI News New York [US], March 25 (ANI): The United Nations Security Council on Monday approved the resolution calling for an “immediate ceasefire” in Gaza and the “unconditional” release of all hostages held by Hamas following the October 7 attack on Israel, United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said. He asserted that the resolution

UN Security Council passes resolution demanding immediate Gaza ceasefire Read More »

International, Israel, Middle East, Nordot, USA

‘Ordinary People’ Examines Family Members’ Response to Loss

Lucinda Moaney and Stephen Pickens in a therapy session in 'Ordinary People' now playing at the PowPac theatre. (Photo: Steve Murdock)

Each member of the family processes the loss in his/her own way, clearly without being seen, heard or understood by each other. The sense of isolation, guilt, and grief are palpable in each character whether they are withholding or exploding with the overwhelming emotions.  [Eva Triegere]

‘Ordinary People’ Examines Family Members’ Response to Loss Read More »

Eva Trieger, San Diego County, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Theatre, Film & Broadcast

Jewish Biography: Leon Blum, Natural Socialist

Reflecting on the Dreyfus affair, on the aggression of the anti-Dreyfusards, Blum puzzledly asked: “What drove them to do this? What drove them? Even today, 35 years later, when I reflect on the past with a mature, cold rationality, it seems to me that I still do not have some of the elements of an answer to this question.” [Alex Gordon]

Jewish Biography: Leon Blum, Natural Socialist Read More »

Alex Gordon, Books, Poetry & Short Stories, Holocaust, International, Jewish History, Staff and Bylined Contributors

What are the Messages of Purim?

The story, with its depictions of grand feasts and complex administrative structures, resonates with the grandeur of the Achaemenid Persian Empire. Yet, elements of legend, such as the exaggerated descriptions of beauty treatments and gallows, interweave history with myth, painting a captivating picture that blurs the lines between reality and folklore. [Rabbi Michael Leo Samuel]

What are the Messages of Purim? Read More »

Israel, Jewish Religion, Michael Leo Samuel-Rabbi, Staff and Bylined Contributors

Antisemites threaten to boycott next James Bond movie if Aaron Taylor-Johnson lands role over Jewish background

Published by GB News James Bond fans have threatened to stay away from the upcoming set of films in the franchise and made racist threats if Aaron Taylor-Johnson lands the role. According to The Sun, a source said: “Bond is Aaron’s job, should he wish to accept it. The formal offer is on the table

Antisemites threaten to boycott next James Bond movie if Aaron Taylor-Johnson lands role over Jewish background Read More »

Antisemitism, International, Jewish Celebrities, Nordot, Theatre, Film & Broadcast

Harris says US not ruling out consequences in case of Rafah offensive

Published by DPA International The US government is not ruling out consequences for Israel if it goes ahead with plans for a ground offensive in Rafah, plans that the White House, Israel’s main backer, strongly opposes. “I am ruling out nothing,” US Vice President Kamala Harris said in an interview broadcast on Sunday when asked

Harris says US not ruling out consequences in case of Rafah offensive Read More »

Israel, Nordot, USA

Irv Elson: Retired Navy Chaplain Advocates for Jewish Service Personnel as Jewish Welfare Board’s Director

Not far inside the main entrance of the 125,000-acre Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton is the Camp Del Mar headquarters for the storied I Marine Expeditionary Force. There, from 2012 through 2014, Navy Capt. Irv Elson worked as a Force Chaplain on the way to his ultimate assignment in uniform as the Deputy Chaplain of the Marine Corps, the first Jew to achieve that rank. [Donald H. Harrison]

Irv Elson: Retired Navy Chaplain Advocates for Jewish Service Personnel as Jewish Welfare Board’s Director Read More »

California, Donald H. Harrison, International, Jewish Religion, Middle East, San Diego County, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USA

Gaza death toll continues to rise as UN chief visits Rafah crossing

Published by DPA The Israeli army continued attacks on Hamas targets in Gaza and dozens more Palestinians were killed as UN chief António Guterres, on a visit to the Rafah border crossing on Saturday, once again demanded an “immediate humanitarian ceasefire.” The Israeli air force struck some 35 targets on Friday, including operational command centres,

Gaza death toll continues to rise as UN chief visits Rafah crossing Read More »

International, Israel, Nordot