Barrett Holman Leak has dedicated her life to being a bridge builder. With that in mind, it was no surprise that she noticed a gap between the Jewish and African American Jewish communities. Recognizing the need for connection, she decided to organize a shared Shabbat dinner. [Miriam Gershenson]
Rape survivors are questioned about their mental health, their ability to tell reality, their veracity and their recollection of events. Their dignity is diminished and they are accused of nefarious motives for reporting a crime. In The Accusation the blurry, dark hinterlands between “he said” and “she said” are vivid in this entry in the San Diego International Jewish Film Festival. [Barrett Holman Leak]
‘The Accusation’ at SD International Jewish Film Festival Tells Story of a Rape Trial Read More »
Barrett Holman Leak, International, San Diego County, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Theatre, Film & Broadcast, USA
What spoke loudly throughout the February 2 event was the realization among the American Jewish community that standing strong in the fight against the pervasive antisemitism ravaging American society (including school and university campuses) means standing together with non-Jewish allies. [Barrett Holman Leak]
AJC Calls for Standing Together, Fighting Antisemitism through Alliances Read More »
Barrett Holman Leak, Israel, San Diego County, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USA
So, here I stand at the intersection, in my skin, in my culture, in my community, as a human being who is African American, Jewish American and female. I always recognize quite clearly when one of those components is being left out of a conversation or consideration. I am very aware that collaboration between Black and Jewish communities can create a powerful alliance to combat hate, promote mutual understanding, and protect the peace and well-being of all. [Barrett Holman Leak]
OpEd: ‘Protecting My Peace,’ Part 2 Read More »
Antisemitism, Barrett Holman Leak, Lifestyles, Opinion, Staff and Bylined ContributorsThis inauguration, for me, was a tragic way to honor this day, which is the American federal holiday of Martin Luther King Jr. Day. There was a celebration and inauguration of Trump and his oligarchic Cabinet of mostly elite rich white men on a day commemorating one of the greatest Americans, one of the most globally recognized African Americans, and one of the most ardent Zionists and activists for racial and economic justice in history – The Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. [Barrett Holman Leak]
OpEd: After Donald Trump’s Inauguration, I’ll Be ‘Protecting My Peace’ Read More »
Barrett Holman Leak, Israel, Opinion, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USA
I do like a good murder mystery and definitely, a good comedy. ‘Glass Casa’ is both. The cast includes Lizet Benrey, Harley Bronwyn, Nicole Clifford, Geri Courtney-Austein and Braden Garner. The film is a wild rollercoaster ride with bizarre twist and turns. (Barrett Holman Leak)
San Diegan’s Film Comedy ‘Glass Casa’ Now Streaming on Amazon, Apple and YouTube Read More »
Barrett Holman Leak, San Diego County, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Theatre, Film & Broadcast, Trivia, Humor & Satire
“You want the best weapon in the world (against antisemitism), the most strategic weapon? It’s pride. And it’s commitment, And it’s identity” said Carr. [Barrett Holman Leak]
Zionist Pride Feted at IAC Gala Read More »
Antisemitism, Barrett Holman Leak, Israel, San Diego County, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USA
In Monday evening’s conversation, she explained the social situation on the ground in Israel since the October 2023 Hamas attack on Israel. “For Israelis, there was life before; then there is NOW,” she said. [Barrett Holman Leak]
OpEd: An Evening with Israeli Journalist Tal Schneider at the Lawrence Family JCC Read More »
Barrett Holman Leak, Israel, News Media, Opinion, San Diego County, Staff and Bylined ContributorsThen there are the times when you are trying to get into a parking garage and the pro-Palestinians surrounding your vehicle are bashing their fists on your car doors, banging on your car window, chopping huge protest signs on your hood, and then laying it on your windshield so you cannot see to drive forward. [Barrett Holman Leak]
OpEd: Standing Together Through It All Read More »
Antisemitism, Barrett Holman Leak, Israel, Lifestyles, Middle East, Opinion, San Diego County, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USAAs soon as we were done celebrating Halloween, we got ready in the USA for Thanksgiving. But there is another observance that the Jewish community can still embrace: November is Mizrahi Heritage Month. [Barrett Holman Leak]
Before the Turkey Comes the Kubbeh: Mizrahi Heritage Month Read More »
Barrett Holman Leak, International, Israel, Lifestyles, Middle East, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Travel and Food, USABina Roklov, her daughter-in-law Miriam, Miriam’s friends, and Rebecca the ex-girlfriend, are all portrayed in stereotypes and tropes of Jewish women as toxic: the overbearing mother, manipulative, materialistic and status-conscious, dishonest, secretive, a religious hypocrite, nagging and critical. [Barrett Holman Leak]
‘Nobody Wants This’ Trades in Stereotypes of Jewish Women Read More »
Antisemitism, Barrett Holman Leak, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Theatre, Film & Broadcast
As former U.S. President Jimmy Carter celebrates his 100th birthday today, we have the opportunity to reflect on the remarkable life and enduring legacy of a man who has particularly impacted Israel and the Jewish community. [Barrett Holman Leak]
OpEd: Jimmy Carter at 100: A Legacy of Service and Peace Read More »
Barrett Holman Leak, Israel, Jewish History, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USA
As the lights dimmed and Winkler took the stage, the audience erupted in a standing ovation (he commented humorously, “The one night my wife is not here!”). With his characteristic charm and humor, he shared anecdotes from his Emerson College days, landing commercials in New York City, his journey in Hollywood, and from his breakout role on Happy Days to his recent successes in shows like Barry. [Barrett Holman Leak]
An Evening with Henry Winkler Read More »
Barrett Holman Leak, Jewish Celebrities, Lifestyles, San Diego County, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Theatre, Film & BroadcastI spoke with Hila Baruch, 15, who relocated to San Diego with her family from Israel when she was six. The Carmel Valley teen recently returned from her Chetz v’Keshet (CVK) experience this summer and shared that it was a life-changing, transformative experience. (Barrett Holman Leak)
San Diego Teen Returns From Chetz v’Keshet Trip to Israel Read More »
Barrett Holman Leak, Holocaust, Israel, San Diego County, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Travel and Food, USA, Videos