The word “demonization” has earned a place in political science dictionaries. Unfavorable politicians and country leaders are demonized. The troubles and failures that have befallen countries are attributed to one person, the head of state or the head of government. [Alex Gordon]
Politics in Israel have devolved into ‘Netanyahu, for or against him?’ Read More »
Alex Gordon, Israel, Staff and Bylined Contributors
The Times of Israel translated Rodríguez’s quotes this way: “The governments of the world are simply shocked that it is the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela which is the victim and subject of an attack of this nature, which has, without a doubt, a Zionist tint.” [Donald H. Harrison]
Jewish political briefing: Sunday, Jan. 4, 2026 Read More »
Antisemitism, Donald H. Harrison, Holocaust, International, Israel, News Media, Obituaries & memorials, San Diego County, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USA
The United States’ surprise capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores early Saturday morning generated both negative and supportive statements from Jewish officeholders around the world. The Maduros were put aboard the amphibius assault ship USS Iwo Jima and then an airplane for a trip to New York where they will face charges of trafficking drugs, especially cocaine and fentanyl, to the United States. [Donald H. Harrison]
Jewish political briefing: Saturday evening, Jan. 3, 2026 Read More »
Donald H. Harrison, International, Israel, Jewish History, San Diego County, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Travel and Food, USA
Prominent Jewish individuals and organizations, including New York City Councilwoman Inna Vernikov, a Republican, criticized on social media the first-day actions of Muslim Mayor Zohran Mamdani, who cancelled all the executive orders issued after September 2024 by his predecessor at City Hall, Eric Adams. [Donald H. Harrison]
Jewish political briefing: Friday, Jan. 2, 2026 Read More »
Antisemitism, Israel, Music, Dance, and Visual Arts, News Media, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Theatre, Film & Broadcast, USA
It is the second day of 2026, and the gym is busier than usual with new faces, new clothes, and shoes, as people dedicate themselves to a healthier lifestyle. [Cailin Acosta]
Keeping healthy in 2026 is a matter of keeping that resolution Read More »
Cailin Acosta, Israel, Jewish History, Jewish Religion, Obituaries & memorials, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Theatre, Film & Broadcast
Post-colonial governance worked out poorly. The regime of Siad Barre in Mogadishu prosecuted horrific wars against Somaliland and, when Barre was deposed in 1991, Somaliland negated the original treaty and declared independence. [Shoshana Bryen]
[A]s the plane took off for Santiago, a young family in the row across from us brought out electric candles and began singing the holiday blessings with their toddlers. We sang along, and everyone wished each other a chag sameach. The mother looked over at me and said, “We all need to do everything we can to bring light into the world today.” I felt a weight lift, and off we went. [Heidi Gantwerk]
A trip to Chile and spreading the light here in San Diego Read More »
Antisemitism, Heidi Gantwerk, International, Israel, Jewish Religion, Lifestyles, San Diego County, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Travel and Food
A self-described Muslim who told thousands of well-wishers that he grew up “eating bagels and lox every Sunday” was sworn in twice on New Year’s Day 2026 as New York City’s 112th mayor. [Donald H. Harrison]
Jewish Political Briefing: Thursday, Jan. 1, 2026 Read More »
Donald H. Harrison, International, Israel, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USA
David Bocarsly, executive director of the Jewish Public Affairs Committee of California (JPAC), hailed a ruling in federal court on Wednesday upholding the constitutionality of AB 715, California’s law attempting to end antisemitism in the public schools. [Donald H. Harrison]
Jewish Political Briefing: Wednesday, Dec. 31, 2025 Read More »
California, Donald H. Harrison, Israel, Jewish Religion, News Media, Shanda File, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USA
Monday’s Bibi-Donald summit in Palm Beach produced hardly any news, but it spotlighted a lovefest for the leaders of Israel and America. [Bruce S. Ticker]
OpEd: Trump’s and Netanyahu’s Mutual Admiration Society Read More »
Bruce Ticker, Israel, Opinion, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USA
At the request of the Los Angeles police department, the public will not see immediately the autopsy reports for actor/ director Rob Reiner and his photographer wife Michele Singer Reiner who allegedly were stabbed to death Dec. 14 by their son Nick Reiner. [Donald H. Harrison]
Jewish Political Briefing: Tuesday, Dec. 30, 2025 Read More »
Business & Finance, Donald H. Harrison, Israel, News Media, Science, Medicine, & Education, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Technology, USA
That two Jewish leaders – Zelenskyy and Netanyahu – had back-to-back meetings with President Trump, selected Cabinet officials and White House aides, and with U.S. peace envoys Steve Witkoff and Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner were remarkable occasions, sure to be mentioned in Jewish history books of the future. [Donald H. Harrison]
Trump Meets with Netanyahu about Gaza, West Bank, Iran and Other Trouble Spots Read More »
Donald H. Harrison, International, Israel, Jewish History, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USA
I don’t get the feeling that Putin rained destruction on Ukraine because he seeks to replace outdated facilities and housing with more modern ones. [Laurie Baron]
Satire: Trump’s Trust Read More »
International, Israel, Lawrence Baron, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Trivia, Humor & Satire, USA
Among the new immigrants who arrived this year are 297 families, 946 children, 1,476 single men and women, and 548 retirees. The average age of Olim over the last year is 31 years old, with the oldest being 96 years old, and the youngest being a four-month-old baby. The Olim come from all over North America, most notably New York, New Jersey, California, Maryland, Florida, and Illinois. [Press Release]
4,150 Americans Made Aliyah to Israel in 2025 Read More »
Israel, Press Release, USA