Israel

Jewish Political Briefing: Saturday Evening, Dec. 6, 2025

More than 200 cultural and public figures have signed a petition urging Israel to release convicted terrorist Marwan Barghouti from prison.  Among Jews signing the petition are singer Paul Simon and journalist Peter Beinart. [Donald H. Harrison]

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California, Donald H. Harrison, International, Israel, Jewish History, Middle East, Music, Dance, and Visual Arts, Opinion, San Diego County, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USA

Jewish Political Briefing: Friday, Dec. 5, 2025

Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s plane was the target of four drones as he landed at the Dublin, Ireland, airport around 11 pm., Monday, Dec.1  Who sent the military-class drones and why they were sent are open questions now under investigation by Ireland’s security forces. [Donald H. Harrison]

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Donald H. Harrison, International, Israel, Middle East, News Media, San Diego County, Sports & Competitions, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Travel and Food, USA

Jewish Political Briefing, Thursday, Dec. 4, 2025

Although not all information at a closed-door meeting was disclosed, U.S. Admiral Frank “Mitch” Bradley on Thursday told select senators and congressmen that Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth did not issue explicit “kill them all” orders prior to the second-strike Sept. 2 on an alleged drug-running boat off the Venezuelan coast. [Donald H. Harrison]

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Donald H. Harrison, International, Israel, Jewish History, News Media, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USA

Two San Diego Reform Rabbis Named as Amplify Israel Initiative Fellows

Rabbis Benj Fried of Temple Emanu-El and Jeremy Gimbel of Congregation Beth Israel are among 24-early career rabbis nationwide whose selections were announced by Rabbi Ammiel Hirsch of the Stephen Wise Free Synagogue in New York on Thursday. [Press Release]

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Israel, Jewish Religion, Press Release, San Diego County, Science, Medicine, & Education, USA

When Memory Becomes Action

Moshe teaches us that greatness doesn’t come from good intentions alone- it comes from turning compassion into concrete action. A true leader, and a true member of Klal Yisrael, is someone who shows up, who takes responsibility and asks: “What can I do to help?” Every one of us has daily opportunities to be a “do-er”- to step in, support others, and make a difference. Even small actions, when done with sincerity and courage, can have an everlasting effect. [Ilanit Zakowski]

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California, Ilanit Zakowski, Israel, Jewish History, Lifestyles, Opinion, Philanthropy & Volunteerism, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USA

A Second Chance Coming for New Year’s Resolutions

December has arrived, and the end of 2025 is upon us. Some of my friends say that if they didn’t follow through with their Rosh Hashanah resolutions, they get a re-do on December 31st. [Cailin Acosta]

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Cailin Acosta, International, Israel, Jewish History, Jewish Religion, Lifestyles, Obituaries & memorials, Philanthropy & Volunteerism, San Diego County, Science, Medicine, & Education, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Travel and Food

Jewish Political Briefing: Sunday, Nov. 30, 2025

Ha’aretz reports that Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu filed a 107-page petition on Sunday with Israel’s President Isaac Herzog asking that he be pardoned in three long-running cases charging him with corruption.  [Donald H. Harrison]

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Antisemitism, Donald H. Harrison, International, Israel, Jewish History, News Media, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USA

Thanksgiving a Harbinger of Chanukah Tikkun Olam

As I looked on Facebook, I was thrilled to see La Mesa neighbors posting they were gifting plates of Thanksgiving turkey. I am vegan, but I thought it was so generous of neighbors to give to those who do not have a place to go or are struggling to make ends meet. [Cailin Acosta]

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Cailin Acosta, Israel, Jewish Religion, Lifestyles, Music, Dance, and Visual Arts, Obituaries & memorials, Philanthropy & Volunteerism, San Diego County, Science, Medicine, & Education, Sports & Competitions, Travel and Food