Israel

B’nai B’rith International Voices Gratitude to Trump for Promising to Secure Hostage Release

“We thank the president and his team for their commitment to securing the release of all of the hostages Hamas is holding. He has made it clear that the return of all hostages is a priority for the United States. In its brutal, barbaric attack on Israel on Oct. 7, 2023, Hamas murdered 1,200 Israelis and kidnapped some 250 others. Now, more than 515 days later, Hamas still holds Israelis hostage.  [Press Release]

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International, Israel, Middle East, Press Release, USA

Jewish Community Ally: Iranian-American Dentist Stands with Israel

At a time when advocacy for Israel has become increasingly contentious, Farhoud Rastegar, a dentist with Smile Makeover Center in Mission Valley, has made his position clear: he stands with Israel and its right to defend itself. [Claudia Katsale]

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Israel, San Diego County, Science, Medicine, & Education, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USA

Jewish Man Thrown Out of Oakland Cafe Files Lawsuit

Harara approached Hirsch and demanded to know if he was a “Zionist.” When Hirsch refused to answer the question, Harara demanded that Hirsch leave the premises, threatened to call the police, subjected him to physical contact and verbal slurs. Harara raised his voice at Hirsch and he and another employee attempted to physically push Hirsch toward the exit.  Harara stated, “this is a violent hat and you need to leave.”  [Press Release]

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Antisemitism, California, Israel, Press Release, USA

Jewish Biography: Stanislaw Jerzy Lec, Satirist who Survived the Shoah

Stanisław Jerzy Lec, a prominent Polish satirist of Jewish origin, said: “The tragedy of an epoch is best conveyed by its laughter.” Lec, Yiddish for “jester, clown, mocker,” lived a short life full of suffering, during which he made people laugh. Sholom Aleichem said: “a Jew laughs to keep from crying.” Lec suffered a lot and, in order to endure this suffering with honor, he laughed a lot. He wrote: “When people do not have time to laugh – satire is born.” [Alex Gordon]

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Alex Gordon, Books, Poetry & Short Stories, Holocaust, International, Israel, Jewish History, Staff and Bylined Contributors

Memoir Describes Nasser’s Egypt from a Jewish Boy’s Perspective

Elio’s bitterly divorced parents were among those who lingered notwithstanding the hostile political climate.  His mother was a queen bee of a social circle that included prominent Muslims, Coptic Christians and Jews.  His father, a merchant, delayed his emigration decision and subsequently was unable to secure an exit permit even after paying bribes. [Donald H. Harrison]

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Antisemitism, Books, Poetry & Short Stories, Donald H. Harrison, International, Israel, Jewish History, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Travel and Food, USA

In ‘Kugel,’ Nuchem Shtisel is a Must-Watch Haredi Version of Larry David

According to the worldview of Nuchem Shtisel, one of the lead characters in the newly released series Kugel, it’s important to distinguish between the important and petty matters in life — and always focus on the petty. [Jacob Kamaras]

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International, Israel, Jacob Kamaras, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Theatre, Film & Broadcast

California Court Strikes Down Prejudiced Ethnic Studies Courses

The Santa Ana decision came 18 months after a coalition of organizations sued the district in Sept. 2023, accusing it of violating California’s open meetings Brown Act and not protecting the public, including members of the Jewish community, from intimidation and harassment at board meetings. [Marsha Sutton, Times of San Diego]

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Antisemitism, California, Israel, Middle East, San Diego County, Science, Medicine, & Education, Times of San Diego

Oscar Predictions 2025

This year making Oscar predictions is difficult for several reasons.  Oscar prognosticators originally thought that Emilia Perez was the frontrunner in many of the 13 categories for which it was nominated.  Then past Islamophobic and racist social media posts by it its transgender lead Karla Sofía Gascón surfaced undermining its Oscar chances. [Laurie Baron]

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California, International, Israel, Lawrence Baron, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Theatre, Film & Broadcast, USA

A Few African-American Jewish Entertainers Noted During Black History Month

Where did February go? It is the shortest month of the year but seems to be packed with the most events and celebrations. One of those being Black History Month. Below are a few African-American Jewish entertainers. [Cailin Acosta]

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Cailin Acosta, Israel, Jewish Religion, Obituaries & memorials, San Diego County, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USA

Dumisani Washington Rebuilds Bridge Between San Diego’s Black and Jewish Communities

The weekend of February 21-23 was one to remember for me as an African American, as a Jewish American, as a woman. It was deeply rewarding to be affirmed on multiple levels by the teaching and preaching of Dumisani Washington, Pastor and CEO of Institute for Black Solidarity with Israel on the Stronger Together Weekend. [Barrett Holman Leak]

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Antisemitism, Barrett Holman Leak, Israel, Jewish History, Jewish Religion, Opinion, San Diego County, Science, Medicine, & Education, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USA