Israel

Former Congressman Eliot Engel dies at 79

“We are deeply saddened by the passing of Eliot Engel, a devoted public servant to his constituents in Westchester and the Bronx, a tireless advocate for democracy and global security, and a steadfast champion of the U.S.-Israel relationship. As Chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, he was a fierce leader who advanced American interests and promoted peace and security. [Press Release]

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Israel, Jewish History, Obituaries & memorials, Press Release, USA

Distrust for Netanyahu-led government sours some Israelis’ outlook

Bad decisions, miscalculations and hubris have caused Israel’s current government to lead the country along a path that seems to bring only more death and destruction. No attempt ever seems to be made to seek peace by negotiation or any diplomatic means of settling disputes. Admittedly, countries that openly proclaim their desire to eradicate Israel and all Jews everywhere should be regarded as a threat, but Israelis should be given an alternative to living by the sword alone. [Dorothea Shefer-Vanson]

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

Jewish Democrats crown successful opposition to anti-Israel resolutions with a bagel brunch

The Chair reasonably suggested referring the first two resolutions to the DNC’s Working Group on the Middle East, an entity established by Chair Martin in August to discuss the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The Committee voted in both cases to refer them to the Working Group, effectively defeating them ahead of today’s full DNC meeting. The AIPAC resolution was also rejected by the Committee. [Halie Soifer]

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Israel, Jewish Religion, Opinion, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USA

Lawrence Family JCC to play 13 curated songs about the impact of Israel’s early wars

At the Thursday, April 16, 2:00 p.m. program of Treasures from the Music Collection of the Astor Judaica Library: Music of Yom Hazikaron, my guest, Guri Stark, and I will introduce a playlist of 13 recorded songs. [Eileen Wingard]

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

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

ADL, AEN rap Palestinian bias of the American Association of Geographers

Multiple sessions organized by “Geographers for Justice in Palestine” promoted efforts to boycott Israeli academia and featured presentations that were overwhelmingly one-sided. Sessions such as “BDS and the AAG,” “Mapping and Counter-Mapping Genocide,” and “No Geographic Technology for Apartheid” raised particular concern. (Press Release)

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Antisemitism, International, Israel, Press Release, Science, Medicine, & Education, USA

Seven weeks of counting starts now

One, Two … forty-nine. Counting the Omer. Last night, we began the first day of counting the Omer. This leads up to the night before Shavuot, when the Jewish people received the Torah and celebrated freedom from Egypt. I have an app that I download every year, which reminds me to say the blessing, so I don’t miss a day. [Cailin Acosta]

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Cailin Acosta, Holocaust, Israel, Jewish Religion, Lifestyles, Philanthropy & Volunteerism, San Diego County, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Travel and Food