International

It’s tough being a Zionist on many campuses

I wonder if I would have survived in college back in the 1960s if the animus on campus toward Jews and Israel were as great as it is today. Two examples of the kind of hatred and bigotry that Jewish students face can be found at the University of Southern California, up in Los Angeles, and across the country at Florida State University in Tallahassee. [Donald H. Harrison]

It’s tough being a Zionist on many campuses Read More »

Donald H. Harrison, Middle East, Science, Medicine, & Education, Shor M. Masori, USA

Adin Steinsaltz, translator of Talmud, other Jewish texts

JERUSALEM (Press Release) – Rabbi Adin Even-Israel Steinsaltz, one of the greatest commentators on Judaism of our generation, died Friday in Jerusalem, aged 83, after suffering from acute pneumonia. Rabbi Steinsaltz was born in Jerusalem in 1937. After graduating in chemistry and physics from the Hebrew University, he began his career as an educator and

Adin Steinsaltz, translator of Talmud, other Jewish texts Read More »

Jewish History, Jewish Religion, Middle East, Obituaries & memorials

The revival of Jew-hatred in the U.S.

The rise in terrorism perpetrated by Islamists around the world is blamed on Israel, as are the problems of the Middle East. Even blood libels against Jews are common again, such as Jews having spread the current pandemic to make money. Media personalities – athletes, rappers, actors, and other “celebrities” – make/spread atrocious comments about Jews with little or no backlash. To top it off, younger, Jewish, so-called intellectuals, writers, entertainers, and others have taken to disparaging Israel and undermining their co-religionists for the sake of – what? [Steve Kramer]

The revival of Jew-hatred in the U.S. Read More »

Middle East, Steve Kramer, USA

Morocco a model for U.S. multiculturalism

As the United States embraces improving race-relations, Black culture and heritage become more than just an expression of the Black community, but something that is inherently all-American. As the movement brings light to nationwide change, it may be helpful to consider the methods of Moroccan multiculturalism, where cultural protection is tied to development, limiting socioeconomic divides and welcoming diversity. [Jacqueline Skalski-Fouts]

Morocco a model for U.S. multiculturalism Read More »

International, Jewish History, Lifestyles, Middle East, Science, Medicine, & Education, Travel and Food, USA

Black v. Jewish row continues in ‘City of Brotherly Love’

Solomon Jones, a Philadelphia Inquirer columnist and WURD radio host, should thank every Black leader in town who would “tear down our own.” They have sought to clean up the mess created by Rodney Muhammad after he shared a meme depicting an anti-Semitic cartoon next to photos of Black celebrities who were recently accused of anti-Semitism. [Bruce S. Ticker]

Black v. Jewish row continues in ‘City of Brotherly Love’ Read More »

Bruce Ticker, USA

Improvements, flaws in proposed Ethnic Studies Curriculum

StandWithUs, in conjunction with other Jewish groups, reports that the revised recommendations for an Ethnic Studies Model Curriculum (ESMC) improve upon the original version that was rejected by the State Board of Education but still has its flaws.  Enumerating, the pro-Israel group listed the perceived improvements and problems with the current version which, like its predecessor, will go before the State Board of Education for approval. [Our Shtetl San Diego County column by Donald H. Harrison]

Improvements, flaws in proposed Ethnic Studies Curriculum Read More »

Bernhard H. Rosenberg-Rabbi, Shoshana Bryen, Stephen D. Bryen, USA

Gratitude to the One Who makes it all possible

After eating a fine meal at a friend’s home, we go out of our way to thank the host, send a thank you note, sometimes even send a gift after the meal, if we haven’t brought one in advance. But how much time do we spend thanking the true Host? In Birkat HaMazon, we have an opportunity to bring this week’s teaching alive, “And you will eat and be sated, and you shall bless the Lord, your God, for the good land He has given you” (Deuteronomy 8:10). If you believe Hashem plays a personal role in your life and you genuinely recognize that whatever you have comes through His hand, you’re likely to be filled with Hakarat Hatov, recognizing the good, gratitude. [Michael R. Mantell, Ph.D]

Gratitude to the One Who makes it all possible Read More »

Michael Mantell, Middle East

Five challenges to participatory development

Today, the people-driven approach to development is widely considered a way to create sustainable projects to advance economic growth, education, and health. However, it is not without its challenges and limitations, and has therefore been met with several pervading criticisms. For those of us who support and encourage participatory development (PD), we must ask ourselves what we need to do in order to ensure maximally productive and life-enhancing experiences for the communities with which we work, in the time we are in. (Yossef Ben-Meir, Ph.D)

Five challenges to participatory development Read More »

International, Lifestyles, Middle East, Yossef Ben-Meir

Pandemic, opposition to Netanyahu mark August

Dog days of August? Or political morass, with no effective leadership? And wandering amidst a pandemic that can be ignored. By some. Israel has recently been mired in a quarrel as to whether to budget for one year or two. The major parties are divided. And if they do not solve the issue this month, they will come up against a deadline that will dissolve the Knesset and require an election. [Ira Sharkansky, Ph.D]

Pandemic, opposition to Netanyahu mark August Read More »

Ira Sharkansky, Middle East

Wi-Charge may make charging truly wireless

Numerous attempts have been made to make wireless electricity a reality. Finally, I think the technology is not only becoming a reality but will be available to most consumers. Via Zoom, I chatted with Ori Mor, CEO of Wi-Charge, to discuss his company and the new technology that it has created. In essence, Wi-Charge has developed a wireless power source that can be put anywhere in a room and, via an infrared frequency, recharge any electric device that has been fitted with a tiny receiver that is within a direct line of sight. [Shor M. Masori]

Wi-Charge may make charging truly wireless Read More »

Business & Finance, International, Middle East, San Diego County, Shor M. Masori, USA