It has been said that war is a drug – and indeed the same may be said for music, and certain forms of musical experience. Music, it is well known, has an intoxicating power. [Sam Ben-Meir]
Music, Conflict, and Social Transformation Read More »
International, Israel, Middle East, Music, Dance, and Visual Arts, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USA
When he adorned his suit lapel with a “Free Palestine” pin in early March, I had to wonder if he deserved his nomination for best supporting actor in The Brutalist. Did he need to do any acting to portray an antisemitic industrialist? [Bruce S. Ticker]
Actor Guy Pearce is Ill-Informed about Israel and Gaza Read More »
Antisemitism, Bruce Ticker, Holocaust, Israel, Middle East, Opinion, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Theatre, Film & Broadcast, USA
The phrase “Can a leopard change its spots?” (Jeremiah 13:23) best captures the global skepticism surrounding Ahmed al-Sharaa, Syria’s interim president since Bashar al-Assad’s ouster in December 2024. [Rabbi Dr. Michael Leo Samuel]
Alawites and Christians Targets of Mass Killings in Syria Read More »
International, Michael Leo Samuel-Rabbi, Middle East, Opinion, Staff and Bylined Contributors
“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]
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]
California Court Strikes Down Prejudiced Ethnic Studies Courses Read More »
Antisemitism, California, Israel, Middle East, San Diego County, Science, Medicine, & Education
Up to and including the present, the Palestinian Arabs in Gaza have been prevented from escaping the war zone, except for some thousands who successfully bribed their way over the border with Egypt. (This reminds one of East Germany, where citizens were also prevented from leaving the country.) [Steve Kramer]
No Nation Wants the Gazans Read More »
Israel, Middle East, Opinion, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Steve Kramer, USA
In contrast to Black-Jewish amity, Dumisani Washington said, Arab Muslims have historically enslaved millions of Africans, a practice that still goes on today. The Palestinian Liberation Organization and its political rival, Hamas, have cynically cozied up to Black leaders to portray themselves as interested in civil rights, but “they couldn’t have cared less; they just wanted other people to think that they did,” Washington declared. [Donald H. Harrison]
Jews and Blacks are Natural Allies, IBSI Founder Tells Ministers and Rabbis Read More »
Antisemitism, Donald H. Harrison, International, Israel, Jewish Religion, Middle East, San Diego County, Science, Medicine, & Education, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USA
On Feb. 20, the Argentine Senate approved a bill that incorporates the so called “Trial in Absentia” into Argentina’s criminal procedure law. [Adriana Camisar]
Argentina Adopts ‘Trial in Absentia’ Law Read More »
International, Israel, Middle East, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USA
This book has 30 biographical sketches, which are divided into six sections: 4 Healers; 11 Leaders and Ambassadors; 4 academics; 2 artists; 5 innovators; and 4 philanthropists and entrepreneurs. [Donald H. Harrison]
30 Trailblazing Israeli Women Profiled in ‘Beyond Division’ Read More »
Books, Poetry & Short Stories, Donald H. Harrison, International, Israel, Middle East, San Diego County, Staff and Bylined Contributors
We knew this moment would come, but that does not make it any less agonizing. The images of caskets being paraded in Gaza are searing proof of Hamas’ brutality and the depths of its inhumanity. [Ronald S. Lauder]
WJC: Hamas Death Cult Threatens Peaceful Future for Middle East Read More »
Israel, Middle East, Opinion
In a letter signed by 143 members of Congress, including a dozen Jewish members, House Democrats on Thursday urged President Donald Trump to retract his plan to take over Gaza and to resettle its residents elsewhere. [SDJW staff report]
143 House Democrats Urge Trump to Retract His Gaza Plan Read More »
Israel, Middle East, San Diego County, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USAPresident Trump’s vision of an eastern Mediterranean resort to rival the Riviera exposed the scope of the dangers in Gaza. He would have been better off letting his concept stay in Vegas, or Palm Beach. The very act of talking about it during a news conference last week, on Tuesday, could trigger greater hazards. [Bruce S. Ticker]
Trump’s Gaza Plan Roils the Middle East Read More »
Bruce Ticker, Israel, Middle East, Opinion, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USATrump’s suggestion of offering Gazans the choice to temporarily relocate with international support breaks away from old paradigms, much like the child’s truth encouraged those around the emperor to see clearly for the first time. [Rabbi Dr. Michael Leo Samuel]
Trump’s Gaza Proposal and ‘The Emperor’s New Clothes’ Read More »
Israel, Jewish History, Michael Leo Samuel-Rabbi, Middle East, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USA
One thing is clear about U.S. President Trump’s plan for Gaza: the whole world, except for Israel’s government and the U.S. administration, is united in rejecting the idea. Most vociferous in opposing it are the Arab countries, especially those two (Egypt and Jordan) slated to accept the Gazans who agree to leave that benighted piece of real estate. So much for Arab solidarity. Not to mention human compassion in the rest of the world. [Dorothea Shefer-Vanson]
Trump’s Gaza Plan Leaves the World Aghast and Confused Read More »
Dorothea Shefer-Vanson, International, Israel, Middle East, Opinion, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USA