International

Reps. Jacobs and Eshoo Introduce Act to Protect Abortion Privacy

In recognition of the 50th anniversary of Roe v. Wade, Democratic Congresswomen Sara Jacobs (CA-51) and Anna Eshoo (CA-16) today introduced the Secure Access for Essential Reproductive (SAFER) Health Act to strengthen the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) in the post-Roe era. The legislation would prohibit medical providers from disclosing personal health information related to pregnancy termination or loss without patient consent. [Press Release]

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Lifestyles, Science, Medicine, & Education, USA

Anti-Jewish Threats to School Administrator Prompts His Resignation

After nine days as dean of students at a middle school, Michael Woodberg resigned. The offense? Being Jewish. His bosses are not antisemitic. Nor is there evidence of rampant antisemitism among the students. In early January, the Richmond Community Schools received frightening threats directed at Woodberg and other staff at the middle school. The school district serves a rural area 45 miles northeast of Detroit. [Bruce S. Ticker]

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Bruce Ticker, Jewish History, Opinion, USA

Middle Eastern Studies Association Honors Anti-Israel Professor at S.F. State

The naming of Professor Rabab Abdulhadi, director of the SFSU’s Arab and Muslim Ethnicities and Diasporas Studies (AMED) program, for MESA’s 2022 award reveals both the pathological animus against Israel harbored by the group and also its willingness to reward Abdulhadi for her execrable record of radical anti-Israel, antisemitic campus activism at San Francisco State University. [Richard L. Cravatts, Ph.D]

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California, Israel, Opinion, Richard L. Cravatts, Science, Medicine, & Education, USA

Albert Einstein’s Special Relationship with Israel

In October 2022, the Israeli government approved the establishment of a museum in honor of Albert Einstein, to be located on The Hebrew University’s Safra Campus in Givat Ram, Jerusalem. In addition to the new museum, Albert Einstein’s name is prevalent in Israel, as it adorns street signs in Lod, Petach Tikva, and Haifa. These cities have honored Einstein because, in addition to being arguably the most brilliant scientific mind in the twentieth century, and a Jew, he was also a devoted supporter of the State of Israel.    [Gedaliah Borvick]

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Gedaliah Borvick, Israel

Holocaust Refuge at Fort Ontario, New York, Recalled

President Franklin D. Roosevelt was too concerned about negative public opinion to take the leadership on finding refuge in the United States for European Jewry during the early years of the Holocaust, scholar Lawrence Baron told a bruncheon audience at Tifereth Israel Synagogue on Sunday. [Donald H. Harrison]

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Donald H. Harrison, Holocaust, International, Jewish History, San Diego County, USA

Sunday Soundoff: Transgendered Women, Christening Ceremonies, and Israel

Having been “retired” as editor and publisher of San Diego Jewish World for more than a year, I find myself wanting to write occasional opinion columns in addition to the book reviews and features which I’ve continued to submit to our publication’s new leader Jacob Kamaras. So, with the indulgence of you readers, I’m going to sound off periodically on issues of concern to me as a Jew. [Donald H. Harrison]

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Donald H. Harrison, Israel, Jewish Celebrities, Lifestyles, Opinion, San Diego County, USA

A Case of Theological Thuggery in Israel

Horrifying statement from a newly elected MK: “Our banner is one of unambiguous war on progress. The status-quo has to be changed, ensuring that Judaism is acknowledged in every corner of the life of the State. Israel will be a country that observes the Sabbath in public, homosexual families will not be given recognition, and women will not serve in the army; their contribution will be to marry and produce a family. We will not be like countries that are for all their citizens. Heaven forfend. The values of Judaism supersede all individual rights. Look, I’m getting tools and budgets, I’m here to work, and we will clean up the public systems. Watch me, I’m patient, this is just the beginning of the beginning.” [Dorothea Sherfer-Vanson]

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Dorothea Shefer-Vanson, Israel, Jewish Religion, Opinion

County Supervisors to Vote Jan. 24 on Funding Holocaust Exhibit

“The exhibit … aims to combat bigotry and hate by investing in greater education and understanding of the history of hate and racism towards the Jewish community and other victims of the Holocaust,” Fletcher continued.  “The United States Institute of Peace emphasizes the role that memorialization plays in reconstructing social fabric and relations following conflict.  It is important that the initiative is led by those with personal connections to the Holocaust, as well as with the San Diego community, to encourage authentic representation and meaningful engagement.” [Donald H. Harrison]

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California, Donald H. Harrison, Holocaust, International, Jewish History, San Diego County

Santos, the ‘Jew-ish’ Congressman: How Perilous is He?

Until Tuesday, our first “Jew-ish” Congressman established himself as a serial liar, a possible criminal suspect and a punchline. Now it is far worse: George Santos is scary, and maybe dangerous. The Washington Post reports a web of connections that begs questions as to what he is capable of, in or out of Congress. It compounds other disturbing elements of the controversy. [Bruce S. Ticker]

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Bruce Ticker, International, Opinion, USA