USA

An Israeli-American Perspective: Shabbats in Both My Countries

In Israel, Shabbat is more than just a religious observance; it is a national rhythm that influences the entire country. The word “Shabbat” itself stems from the Hebrew root “shin-bet-tav,” which means to cease or to rest. For Israelis, Shabbat is a time to “sit” and relax, to pause the hectic pace of life and find peace. [Shahar Masori]

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Israel, Jewish Religion, Shahar Masori, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Travel and Food, USA

Jake Sullivan: If Ceasefire Plan is Accepted, It May Lead to Israel’s Full Integration in the Middle East

Sullivan: “We can begin down a pathway of Israel’s full integration into the region including normalization with additional countries, including potentially Saudi Arabia, where the end result is Israel embedded in a regional security architecture that makes it more secure and that helps it work with other countries, including us, countries in the region, countries in Europe, against common adversaries.” [Press Release]

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International, Israel, Middle East, Press Release, USA

OpEd: ‘Screams Before Silence’ an Intense Documentary

Many individuals did not want to watch alone the film about the horrific attacks on Jewish women during the Oct 7 massacre. Limiting the number of reservations to women-only, having mental health clinicians facilitate and not listing the location facilitated this event. [Cailin Acosta]

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Cailin Acosta, Israel, San Diego County, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Theatre, Film & Broadcast, USA

Rabbi Laurence Bazer Named as Director of JWB Jewish Chaplains Council

As a senior ranking Jewish chaplain in the U.S. military, Bazer had a three-decades-long career that included both reserve officer and active-duty stints in both the Army and the National Guard. Most recently, he was the deputy director of the National Guard Bureau Office of the Joint Chaplain and simultaneously served, from 2020 to 2022, as chief of religious affairs for the Army National Guard. [Press Release]

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International, Jewish Religion, Press Release, USA

Jewish Federation Invests in ‘Transformational Experiences’

At Jewish Federation of San Diego, we are deeply committed to investing in transformational experiences that ensure a brighter, stronger, and more connected Jewish community for generations to come. Our initiatives focus on inspiring a life-long love of Judaism, fostering a robust pipeline of future leaders, and deepening community bonds. [Heidi Gantwerk]

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Heidi Gantwerk, Philanthropy & Volunteerism, San Diego County, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USA

Santa Monica College Professors Demand Students Take Anti-Israel Viewpoint on Tests

The StandWithUs Saidoff Legal Department sent a demand letter on Monday to Santa Monica College  (SMC) after two professors issued mandatory class assignments compelling students to adopt anti-Israel political propaganda as objective truth in order to complete the assignments. [Press Release]

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California, Israel, Press Release, USA

AJC Survey: American Jews Feel Increasingly Connected to Israel

Amid a sometimes raucous public debate around U.S. support for Israel, 85% of American Jewish adults believe it is important for the U.S. to support Israel in the aftermath of October 7 and 57% of American Jews report feeling more connected to Israel or their Jewish identity after October 7 than before. [Press Release]

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Antisemitism, Israel, Press Release, USA

The Power of Science Fiction at the Comic-Con Museum

The Rat’s Dilemma takes only minutes but the emotions it stirred up were unbelievable. Perhaps because it took place during the Holocaust or that it’s in Hebrew, or maybe because we connect to losing someone, or perhaps all things combined. Whatever it is, filmmaker Meningher did a phenomenal job with this creation. [Miriam Gershenson]

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Albert Kreimerman, Holocaust, Israel, Miriam Gershenson, San Diego County, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Theatre, Film & Broadcast, USA

U.S. Senate Republicans Block ‘Right to Contraception Act’

Congresswoman Sara Jacobs, a Democrat whose district includes part of San Diego’s East County, voiced outrage at her colleagues’ action. “I went on birth control in high school for debilitating cramps. I’ve used Plan B. I have an IUD. Birth control is health care for me and millions of others—and we deserve the right to access it,” she posted on X (formerly Twitter) yesterday. [Miriam Raftery]

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Miriam Raftery, San Diego County, USA