International

ADL: Antisemitism on the Rise in San Diego County

In the San Diego region, ADL recorded an unprecedented total of 108 local incidents of assault, harassment, and vandalism in 2023, a 200% increase from 2022. This dramatic spike in antisemitic acts includes 58 incidents occurring after October 7th, comprising 54% of total incidents. This reflects a global trend as Jewish communities worldwide face heightened tensions and hatred in response to the Oct 7 massacre and ongoing conflict – on campuses, in the public square and at anti-Israel demonstrations. [Fabienne Perlov]

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Antisemitism, San Diego County, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USA

Cornel West Evades CNN’s Question about Whether Israel Should Exist

Phillip confronted West during an interview last Thursday night after he announced the appointment of his running mate, Melina Abdullah, who appeared with him. They both blamed Israel for the war in Gaza and refused to condemn the terror group Hamas, which touched off the war with its Oct. 7 invasion of southern Israel. Maybe they blame Israel for Iran’s massive bombing attack on Saturday, the Jewish Sabbath. [Bruce S. Ticker]

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Bruce Ticker, Israel, News Media, Opinion, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USA

Today’s Jewish Birthday: Leo Frank

He was an American factory superintendent and lynching victim. He was convicted in 1913 of the murder of a 13-year-old employee, Mary Phagan, in Atlanta, Georgia. Frank’s trial, conviction, and unsuccessful appeals attracted national attention. His kidnapping from prison and lynching became the focus of social, regional, political, and racial concerns, particularly regarding antisemitism. Modern researchers generally agree that Frank was wrongly convicted. [Wikipedia]

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Antisemitism, Jewish History, USA, Wikipedia

USC Cancels Speech From Pro-Palestine Valedictorian After She Posted Israel Should Not Exist

Published by The Daily Caller The University of Southern California (USC) decided Monday its valedictorian would no longer speak at the university’s graduation ceremony, citing safety concerns. There was a growing “intensity of feelings” and “an alarming tenor” of discussions around the university’s choice of Asna Tabassum as valedictorian, USC’s Provost and Senior Vice President

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California, Israel, Nordot, Science, Medicine, & Education, USA

Faculty Opposing Antisemitism to Demonstrate Across Country

Inspired by the courageous actions of Academic Engagement Network (AEN) member and UC Berkeley Professor Ron Hassner, who recently staged a sit-in protest and ate, slept, and taught from his office until UC Berkeley leadership took measures to address escalating antisemitism on their campus, AEN on Tuesday, April 16, announced the launch of the Faculty Against Antisemitism Movement (FAAM) and #KeepTheLightOn campaign.  [Press Release]

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Antisemitism, California, Press Release, Science, Medicine, & Education, USA

ADL Reports 8,873 Antisemitic Incidents in U.S. in 2023

ADL (the Anti-Defamation League) on Tuesday, April 16, released the final statistics for antisemitic incidents in 2023, reporting a total of 8,873 incidents of assault, harassment, and vandalism across the country. The total represents a 140-percent increase from 2022 – already a record-setting year – and the highest level recorded since ADL started tracking this data in 1979. [Press Release]

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Antisemitism, California, Israel, Press Release, USA

Joshua Bell to be Featured May 6 at Baker-Baum Concert Hall

The La Jolla Music Society’s performing arts center, The Conrad, is celebrating its fifth anniversary this year. It is the recent recipient of the United States Institute for Theatre Technology’s 2024 Architecture Honor Award for its Baker-Baum Concert Hall, recognized as one of the most acoustically excellent venues in the world. [Eileen Wingard]

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Eileen Wingard, Israel, Music, Dance, and Visual Arts, San Diego County, Staff and Bylined Contributors

Today’s Jewish Birthday: Antony Blinken

Antony John Blinken (born April 16, 1962) is an American lawyer and diplomat currently serving as the 71st United States secretary of state. He previously served as deputy national security advisor from 2013 to 2015 and deputy secretary of state from 2015 to 2017 under President Barack Obama. Blinken was previously national security advisor to then-Vice President Joe Biden from 2009 to 2013. [Wikipedia]

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International, Today's Jewish Birthday, USA, Wikipedia

Russian-Israeli Immigrant to U.S. Leads Weekend ‘Alignment Retreat’

After October 7th, it was natural for her to organize a Community Healing Circle for the Jewish community which she facilitates with Keren Zuzan. With event organization and mastering the journey of self-healing and finding belonging, it was fitting that Pinhas facilitated the Alignment Retreat. [Miriam Gershenson]

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California, International, Israel, Lifestyles, Miriam Gershenson, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USA

Israel vows to take revenge ‘clearly and forcefully’ after Iran drone attack

Published by Mirror By Mataeo Smith Israel said it’s decided to attack Tehran “clearly and forcefully,” and is preparing multiple warplanes to carry out the strike, according to reports. The decision comes after two war cabinet meetings in which Israeli leaders huddled to decide how the Jewish nation would respond to the unprecedented strike that

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Israel, Middle East, Nordot, USA

Pro-Palestinian protesters block Golden Gate bridge, roads across US

Published by AFP Los Angeles (AFP) – Pro-Palestinian demonstrators blocked San Francisco’s Golden Gate Bridge on Monday, completely halting traffic for hours as part of a coordinated day of action against Israel’s war in Gaza. Aerial footage Monday morning showed stationary traffic in one direction on the iconic bridge, while lanes in the other direction

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California, Israel, Middle East, Nordot, USA

Out of This World Singing in ‘Natasha, Pierre & the Great Comet of 1812’

Let’s talk about the songs- this cast can sing!  It’s hard to focus my accolades on any particular actor because the entire cast is so incredibly talented.  Even with all the talent, Ceja’s wonderfully playful expressions telegraphed much about her character and made her stand out in the lead role. [Sandi Masori]

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Music, Dance, and Visual Arts, San Diego County, Sandi Masori, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Theatre, Film & Broadcast, USA

A Time for Israel to Decide: Herzl or Rav Kook

Herzl and Rav Kook differ greatly in both their diagnoses of what ails the Jewish people, and their programs for what needs to be done. For Herzl the problem is antisemitism, and the solution is an internationally recognized Jewish state achieved through negotiations. For Rav Kook the problem is Exile and the solution is for Jews to return to the Land of Israel. [Rabbi Philip Graubart]

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Antisemitism, Israel, Jewish History, Opinion, Staff and Bylined Contributors

Israelis’ Sense of Confidence, Optimism Go Up, Down as Peace Hopes Vanish

And so we try to stay optimistic and carry on as before as much as possible, but with the constant nagging awareness that the situation is probably going to go from bad to worse before there can be any improvement. [Dorothea Shefer-Vanson]

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Dorothea Shefer-Vanson, Israel, Lifestyles, Middle East, Staff and Bylined Contributors