International

Holocaust-related postage stamps subjects for Comic-Con panel

The panelists discussed “Operation Mail,” a Nazi initiative launched during the summer of 1942 that used prisoner correspondence as both propaganda and a means of gathering intelligence. Prisoners were required to state that they were in good health and that their “resettlement” was going well, creating the false impression that conditions in the camps were humane. (Cailin Acosta)

Holocaust-related postage stamps subjects for Comic-Con panel Read More »

Cailin Acosta, Holocaust, International, Jewish History, Music, Dance, and Visual Arts, San Diego County, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Travel and Food

Simon Wiesenthal Center blasts NYC Mayor Zohran Mamdani

“Mayor Mamdani did not simply express a personal political opinion. He used the authority, symbolism and credibility of the mayor’s office to issue what amounted to an official public address declaring that the democratically elected leader of the world’s only Jewish state is a ‘war criminal’ who is ‘not welcome in New York City. [Press Release]

Simon Wiesenthal Center blasts NYC Mayor Zohran Mamdani Read More »

Antisemitism, Israel, Jewish History, Press Release, USA

Wasserman Schultz, colleagues, introduce resolution commemorating 32nd anniversary of AMIA bombing in Buenos Aires

…resolution to commemorate the 32nd anniversary of the 1994 bombing of the AMIA Jewish Community Center in Buenos Aires and demanding justice and accountability for those responsible for the attack. (Press Release)

Wasserman Schultz, colleagues, introduce resolution commemorating 32nd anniversary of AMIA bombing in Buenos Aires Read More »

Antisemitism, International, Jewish History, Obituaries & memorials, Press Release

Jonathan Grossman reveals who Jacob was and more

The series emphasizes careful reading of the biblical text, literary structure, recurring themes, character development, biblical dialogue and narrative techniques, theological and ethical lessons, and connections between different parts of the Bible that aid in understanding their significance. (Rabbi Dr. Israel Drazin)

Jonathan Grossman reveals who Jacob was and more Read More »

Israel, Israel Drazin-Rabbi Dr., Jewish Religion, Lifestyles, Science, Medicine, & Education, Staff and Bylined Contributors

Jewish biography: Émile Waldteufel, waltz king of Paris

In 1865, Waldteufel was appointed pianist to Empress Eugénie and soon received the position of conductor and ball manager at the court of Napoleon III. He was also the conductor of the ball orchestra “Bals de l’Opéra” in Paris (1865). [Alex Gordon]

Jewish biography: Émile Waldteufel, waltz king of Paris Read More »

Alex Gordon, Antisemitism, International, Jewish History, Music, Dance, and Visual Arts, Obituaries & memorials, Staff and Bylined Contributors

Democrats vote on aid to Israel not what GOP paints it to be

While it’s easy to try to look at the Massie vote through a binary lens of being “for” or “against” Israel – precisely how Republicans wanted us to see it – the truth is much more complicated, nuanced, and tells a different story. The real story includes Donald Trump’s reckless and at times incoherent policies toward Israel and Iran, and it’s important to understand these complexities before judging anyone solely because of their vote on the Massie amendment. (Halie Soifer)

Democrats vote on aid to Israel not what GOP paints it to be Read More »

Israel, Jewish History, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USA

Being an invited guest in the German city that my father fled

My father left Germany, but had to leave his mother behind, hoping that he would manage to bring her over to England, but that turned out to be impossible. For the rest of his life my father lived with the sense of guilt and remorse at not having succeeded in rescuing his mother, who perished in Theresienstadt from malnutrition and neglect. (Dorothea Shefer-Vanson)

Being an invited guest in the German city that my father fled Read More »

Antisemitism, Dorothea Shefer-Vanson, Holocaust, International, Israel, Jewish History, Obituaries & memorials, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Travel and Food

Come witness the remarkable resilience in Sha’ar HaNegev

After years of war, extended evacuation, separation, and profound grief, there is a new energy in Sha’ar HaNegev focused on rebuilding and reconnecting its 10,000 residents. I came away moved, inspired, and immensely proud that San Diego has been such a critical partner in this work. (Heidi Gantwerk)

Come witness the remarkable resilience in Sha’ar HaNegev Read More »

Heidi Gantwerk, Israel, Jewish History, Philanthropy & Volunteerism, San Diego County, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Travel and Food