California

Former Druze Israeli diplomat Reda Mansour tells Technion’s story

Fluent in five languages, he was both the youngest ambassador and the first non-Jewish individual appointed as an Israeli diplomat. His career included postings as Israel’s ambassador to Ecuador, Brazil, and Panama, and as consul general in San Francisco and Atlanta, among other roles. [Press Release]

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California, International, Israel, Jewish Religion, Judaism, Middle East, Press Release, Technology, USA

A Bezos-backed PAC and Irwin Jacobs are bankrolling Ammar Campa-Najjar

Irwin Jacobs dropped $500,000 to support Campa-Najjar, one of the leading Democratic candidates in a toss-up district that could determine control of Congress. The Bezos-backed group added another $250,000 on his behalf. [Tessa Balc, Times of San Diego]

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California, Israel, Middle East, San Diego County, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USA

Bill introduced to ban demonstrations within 100 feet of Houses of Worship

The SACRED Act would create federal penalties for targeted harassment and engaging in conduct intended to intimidate or obstruct people exercising their right to religious worship within 100 feet of a place of worship, while simultaneously protecting the First Amendment rights of those who seek to protest, picket and/or demonstrate. [Press Release]

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Antisemitism, California, Israel, Jewish Religion, Lifestyles, Press Release, USA

Anti-Israel screed published in California’s voter pamphlet

California’s candidate statement guidelines (page may be down) are clear: statements must be limited to a candidate’s personal background and qualifications. The statement published by Don J. Grundmann does not meet that standard. Instead, it promotes hateful rhetoric and conspiracy theories unrelated to his background or qualifications. (Press Release)

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Antisemitism, California, Israel, Press Release

AMCHA Initiative supports request by Jewish professors to intervene in lawsuit alleging antisemitism at UCLA

AMCHA Initiative on Monday expressed support for the motion filed by seven Jewish UCLA faculty members seeking to intervene in the pending federal civil rights case against the University of California.  [Press Release]

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Antisemitism, California, Israel, Jewish History, Press Release, Science, Medicine, & Education, USA

Anti-Israel protester stickered matzah box at grocery store

A small square sticker had been placed in the center of the box: “ZIONISM IS FACISM.”

My mind started to spin, my arms moved in slow motion as I tapped my card and walked out of the store. After sitting outside for a few minutes, I went back in, still holding the box, now damp from my tears. I found the manager, a young woman wearing a large gold cross around her neck. I didn’t know exactly what to say, so I just showed her. She gasped and was immediately apologetic …” [Karen Klein]

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Antisemitism, California, Israel, Jewish Religion, Lifestyles, Opinion, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Travel and Food, USA

Pacific Beach has ‘rising star’ in Mission Bagel – an award-winning sandwich too

Is it possible for a sandwich to be “sinus and soul clearing”? The meal in question, a gefilte fish bagel sandwich from Pacific Beach’s Mission Bagel, earned that high praise at BagelFest West as one of the standouts at the Los Angeles competition to crown the best bagel makers “west of the Rockies.” [Noah Perkins]

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Business & Finance, California, San Diego County, Sports & Competitions, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Travel and Food, USA

Seeing the Iranian struggle in the Passover story

For 2,500 years, Jews lived in Iran, long before the rise of Islam. There were periods of relative stability, even prosperity, but they were never truly equal. At best, they were second-class citizens. At worst, they were targets. There were times when Jews were forced to mark themselves as Jews, when false accusations spread easily, and when they were reminded that no matter how long they had lived there, they did not fully belong. [Chloe Levian]

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Antisemitism, California, Jewish History, Jewish Religion, Middle East, Opinion, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USA

Finding beauty in nature at the Cardiff Library

Cali notes that his photographs are meant to be lived with. They are not asking for interpretation or explanation. Instead, they offer a space to slow your breath, rest your eyes, and feel a sense of connection. In searching for beauty, he is really seeking moments that feel honest and true. [Cailin Acosta]

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Cailin Acosta, California, Jewish Religion, Lifestyles, Music, Dance, and Visual Arts, San Diego County, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USA

Antisemitic statements rattle Jews in two states; goof in advertisement draws adverse comments in a third

Georgia legislative candidate Nathalie Kanani risked offending Atlanta-area Jews when she took out a Passover ad that featured a loaf of challah which was decidedly leavened. In Connecticut’s Fairfield County, a bunch of spoiled rich Catholic high school students proclaimed “at least we are not Jews.” [Bruce Ticker}

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Antisemitism, Bruce Ticker, California, Jewish History, Jewish Religion, News Media, Opinion, Science, Medicine, & Education, Sports & Competitions, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Travel and Food

Documentary memorializes Hillel Slovak of the Red-Hot Chili Peppers

The film focuses on the formative years of the Los Angeles-based rock/funk/alternative band Red Hot Chili Peppers and highlights the lasting impact of their original guitarist, Hillel Slovak, who tragically passed away in 1988 at just 26 years old. [Cailin Acosta]

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Cailin Acosta, California, Israel, Jewish History, Music, Dance, and Visual Arts, Staff and Bylined Contributors