Middle East

OpEd: Global Roundup of Recent Displays of Antisemitism

The end of the summer was dominated by allegations of ‘genocide’ and ‘famine’ thrown against Israel and its supporters. These collapse under even causal examination, but have been coupled with relentless campaigns, particular on the far right, to legitimize antisemitism. [Press Release]

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Antisemitism, International, Israel, Jewish History, Jewish Religion, Middle East, Opinion, Press Release, Science, Medicine, & Education, USA

‘The Boomer Archaeologist’ is UCSD Prof. Thomas Levy’s Very Readable Personal Memoir and Scientific Findings

Illustrated by Lily Almeida, this paperback chronicles Levy’s remarkable five-decade career as a Levantine archaeologist, weaving a rich narrative that blends autobiography with groundbreaking discoveries in the ancient Near East. [Rabbi Dr. Michael Leo Samuel]

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Antisemitism, Books, Poetry & Short Stories, International, Israel, Jewish History, Lifestyles, Michael Leo Samuel-Rabbi, Middle East, San Diego County, Science, Medicine, & Education, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Technology, Travel and Food, USA

Sephardic and Mizrachi Jews Have Stronger Connection to Israel Compared to Ashkenazi Jews

The research, directed by Dr. Mijal Bitton and based at the NYU Wagner Graduate School of Public Research, includes recommendations for community leaders, educators, and researchers to better include Sephardic Jews in the community. The myriad specific recommendations in the report are informed by five new recommended frameworks to approach diversity work in the Jewish community. [Press Release]

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International, Israel, Jewish Religion, Lifestyles, Middle East, Press Release, USA

AJC: Macron’s Recognition of Palestine Removes Hamas’ Incentive for a Ceasefire

Three months ago, the President declared that France might recognize a Palestinian state — but only under certain conditions: the release of the hostages still held in Gaza and the disarmament of Hamas. Today, those conditions have not been met. [Press Release]

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International, Israel, Middle East, Opinion, Press Release

UC San Diego Conference Explores the Exodus Through Multiple Perspectives

“Whether we approach this story as believers or skeptics, as historians or theologians, as archaeologists or from other fields of science,” he continued, “we encounter fundamental questions about freedom, community and hope that remain as urgent today as they were over 3,000 years ago.” [Mika Elizabeth Ono]

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Jewish History, Jewish Religion, Middle East, San Diego County, Science, Medicine, & Education, Staff and Bylined Contributors

Jewish Federation’s Summary of Israeli Wartime Developments

This week, we mourn the devastating violence against Druze civilians in Syria and stand in solidarity with our Israeli Druze brothers and sisters as they respond with courage and heartbreak. The escalation along the Israeli-Syrian border underscores the deep interconnection of our communities and the urgency of global attention. [Press Release]

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Israel, Jewish Religion, Middle East, Press Release, San Diego County

OpEd: Democrats, By and Large, Support a Strong Israel-U.S. Relationship

There are some Democrats, including Jewish Democrats, who support cuts, conditions, and restrictions on aid to Israel. Importantly, this is not the position of the majority of Democrats, Democratic Leadership, JDCA, or the Democratic Party itself. [Halie Soifer]

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Israel, Middle East, Opinion, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USA

‘We are not our governments’ – Israeli-Iranian film ‘Tatami’ makes San Diego debut

Co-directed by Israeli-Iranian duo Guy Nattiv and Zar Amir, the sports drama Tatami will make its San Diego debut at the Media Arts Center on Friday and be shown through Thursday, July 3. [Alexa Vazquez, Times of San Diego]

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Israel, Middle East, San Diego County, Theatre, Film & Broadcast

Jewish Women Around the World Have Demonstrated ‘Chutzpah’ for Millennia

Beautifully illustrated, Chutzpah Girls tells the stories of remarkable Jewish women from biblical times through the present with six continents represented. [Donald H. Harrison]

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Books, Poetry & Short Stories, Donald H. Harrison, Holocaust, International, Israel, Jewish History, Jewish Religion, Lifestyles, Middle East, Music, Dance, and Visual Arts, Obituaries & memorials, Science, Medicine, & Education, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USA

Israel Provided Perfect Environment for Beta Testing of Bunker-Busting Bomb

Prime Minister Netanyahu understood the seismic shift in world order achieved by this masterful joint effort with the United States. In giving his congratulatory speech to Trump after the completion of the successful operation, Bibi effused his joy, exhilaration, and relief that Iran’s nuclear facilities were finally destroyed, thereby averting a daunting arms race in the Middle East. [Amy Neustein, Ph.D.]

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Amy Neustein, Israel, Jewish Religion, Middle East, Opinion, Science, Medicine, & Education, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USA

U.S. Attacks 3 Nuclear Sites in Iran; Jewish Reactions Generally Favorable

In a nationally televised address, President Donald Trump announced Saturday night, June 21, that the U.S. military had conducted “massive strikes” on Iran’s nuclear facilities at Fordow, Natanz and Isfahan. [Donald H. Harrison]

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Donald H. Harrison, International, Israel, Middle East, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USA

San Diegans Make Their Way Back from War-Torn Israel

From war-torn Israel, some Jewish San Diegans have returned home via a stopover in Jordan.  Among those arriving home safely on separate flights Wednesday, June 18, were Linda Bennett, 79, and Nava Weiser, 14. [Donald H. Harrison]

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Donald H. Harrison, International, Israel, Jewish Religion, Middle East, San Diego County, Science, Medicine, & Education, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Travel and Food, USA