International

Gaza death toll continues to rise as UN chief visits Rafah crossing

Published by DPA The Israeli army continued attacks on Hamas targets in Gaza and dozens more Palestinians were killed as UN chief António Guterres, on a visit to the Rafah border crossing on Saturday, once again demanded an “immediate humanitarian ceasefire.” The Israeli air force struck some 35 targets on Friday, including operational command centres, […]

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International, Israel, Nordot

Injection of Purim Joy So Needed in Our Lives

As we head into Purim this weekend, I am reminded that being Jewish is a gift; one that has so much to offer and brings such meaning and purpose to my life. It can also bring so much joy. So, this year, although I’m stretched, stressed and wildly busy, it feels more important than ever to make room for joy. [Heidi Gantwerk]

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Antisemitism, Heidi Gantwerk, Israel, Jewish Religion, Lifestyles, San Diego County, Staff and Bylined Contributors

OpEd: During Purim Especially, Jews Should Speak Up for Israel

There is a chilling exchange in the Megillah when Mordechai charges Esther to intercede with the King. Esther demurs, fearing for her own life. Mordechai warns her, “Do not imagine that you, of all the Jews, will escape with your life by being in the king’s palace. On the contrary, if you keep silent in this crisis, relief and deliverance will come to the Jews from another quarter, while you and your father’s house will perish.” [Misha Galperin]

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

Ron Hassner: UC Berkeley Has Accepted My Requests for Protection of Students

First, I asked that “all students, even the ones wearing Stars of David, should be free to pass through [Sather Gate] unobstructed. The right of protestors to express their views must be defended. It does not extend to blocking or threatening fellow students.” [Ron Hassner]

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Antisemitism, California, Israel, Science, Medicine, & Education, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USA

Remembering and Honoring 18 Jewish Medal of Honor Recipients

The day, March 25, was selected because March 25, 1863, was the date when the first Medal of Honor was presented. It was awarded to Private Jacob Parrott for “extraordinary heroism in April, 1862, while serving in action with Company G, 21st Ohio Infantry, during the Andrew’s Raid in Georgia,” an event also known as “The Great Locomotive Chase.” [Dorian de Wind, The Moderate Voice]

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Antisemitism, Dorian de Wind, Holocaust, Jewish History, USA

Russia, China veto US bid on Gaza ‘ceasefire’ at Security Council

Published by AFP United Nations (United States) (AFP) – Russia and China on Friday vetoed a US-led draft resolution at the Security Council on a ceasefire in Gaza, with Moscow accusing Washington of a “hypocritical spectacle” that does not pressure Israel.  The United States, Israel’s main ally which has vetoed previous ceasefire calls, put forward

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International, Israel, Middle East, Nordot, USA

California Gov. Gavin Newsom Calls for a Gaza Ceasefire

“I support President Biden’s call for an immediate ceasefire as part of a deal to secure desperately needed relief for Gazan civilians and the release of hostages,” he wrote in a letter addressed to California’s Muslim, Palestinian American, and Arab American communities. “I also unequivocally denounce Hamas’s terrorist attack against Israel. It is time to work in earnest toward an enduring peace that will furnish the lasting security, autonomy, and freedom that the Palestinians and the Israeli people both deserve.” [CalMatters]

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California, Israel, USA

Today’s Jewish Birthday: William Shatner

Star Trek gained fame after it went into reruns, with fans of the show known as Trekkies organizing conventions at which they could meet like-minded enthusiasts, buy Star Trek merchandise, and meet members of the original cast.  This development, along with the box office success of George Lukas’ Star Wars in 1977, prompted Paramount Pictures to reunite the cast in Star Trek: The Motion Picture, released in 1979.  Five sequels followed, including one he directed: Star Trek V: The Final Frontier. [SDJW staff]

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Books, Poetry & Short Stories, International, Music, Dance, and Visual Arts, Science, Medicine, & Education, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Theatre, Film & Broadcast, Travel and Food, USA

OpEd: Purim and the Holocaust

My motto is never again, never forget, and never forgive. While some have criticized me for never forgiving the Nazis for what they did to my family, it is precisely this hatred that makes me the fighting Rabbi I am. I refuse to forgive. This is what motivates me to speak out against injustice wherever it may be found. [Rabbi Dr. Bernhard Rosenberg]

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Bernhard H. Rosenberg-Rabbi, Holocaust, International, Israel, Jewish History, Middle East, Opinion, Staff and Bylined Contributors

Pro-Israel but anti-Netanyahu: Democratic Party leaders try to find the middle ground

Published by The Moderate Voice Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has come under unusual criticism from Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer. Jacquelyn Martin / POOL / AFP Naomi Schalit, The Conversation Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer said on March 14, 2024, “The Netanyahu coalition no longer fits the needs of Israel.” It was an extraordinary

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Israel, Nordot, USA

US pushes for truce and hostage deal as Gaza war grinds on

Published by AFP Gaza Strip (Palestinian Territories) (AFP) – The US top diplomat said Thursday “gaps are narrowing” in talks for a ceasefire in Gaza, and a deal to free hostages held by militants in the devastated coastal territory. Secretary of State Antony Blinken spoke in Cairo after Israel said its spy chief would head

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International, Israel, Middle East, Nordot, USA