A wax figure of Adolf Hitler at the De Mata Museum in Indonesia is attracting international backlash. The statue stands in front of a photograph of the Auschwitz-Birkenau extermination camp. Teenagers are reportedly taking gleeful selfies with the figurine, which the museum defended as a “fun” way to interact with photogenic displays. According to the […]
Nazi Display At Indonesia Museum Sparks Outrage Read More »
International, Jewish History
The Skeptic and the Rabbi: Falling in Love with Faith by Judy Gruen, She Writes Press, © 2017; ISBN 978-1-63152-302-1; 219 pages, $16.95. By Donald H. Harrison SAN DIEGO – Author Judy Gruen grew up in a more-or-less Conservative Jewish home, but after falling in love with Jeff, who was embarked upon a journey toward
A journey into Jewish Orthodoxy Read More »
Books, Poetry & Short Stories, Donald H. Harrison, Jewish ReligionChuck Davidson Over the last number of years, the involvement of American Jewry in Israel has been hotly debated in the halls of a number of Israeli institutions, from the Knesset to a wide range of non-profit organizations. Indeed, many Israelis attempt to shut down the voices of American Jewry by claiming, “we serve in
No real freedom for Soviet Jewry Read More »
Jewish Religion, Middle EastBy Cathryn J. Prince NEW YORK — For Matthew Bielski his saba and savta (grandfather and grandmother) were nothing short of modern day Maccabees. As the grandson of Jewish partisans Sonia and Zus Bielski, Mattthew Bielski, 33, frequently heard stories about surviving frigid winters deep in the Nalibaki forest, in northwestern Belarus. He also heard
Grandson of famous Jewish WWII partisans makes resistance meaningful today Read More »
International, Jewish History, USALeonard Cohen’s songs strived for the universal and his voice was often solemn, yet the courtly songwriter had plentiful moments of joy and deadpan humor. One year after Cohen died at age 82, an array of artists testified to his far-reaching impact with a concert Monday evening whose somber yet graceful tone befitted the celebrated
One year on, artists show breadth of Leonard Cohen life Read More »
Music, Dance, and Visual Arts, Obituaries & memorialsA French court on Tuesday ordered the return of a painting by impressionist master Camille Pissarro to the family of a Jewish art collector dispossessed during World War II. The court ruled in favour of the relatives of Simon Bauer, a wealthy businessman whose assets were seized in 1943 by the anti-Semitic wartime French government
French court returns WWII looted Pissarro painting to owner’s family Read More »
International, Jewish Religion, Music, Dance, and Visual ArtsBONN, Germany – Some 250 art works that a reclusive collector hid from the world for decades, including pieces likely looted from Jewish owners under Nazi rule, are on show at a German museum. The paintings being shown starting from Thursday at Bonn’s Bundeskunsthalle – including works by Albrecht Duerer, Claude Monet and Camille Pissarro
German museum shows art from vast trove hidden for decades Read More »
International, Jewish History, Theatre, Film & BroadcastIt’s Anne Frank—without the Jews or the Nazis! A Dutch production of a new take on the diary-writing young girl will open amid criticism from Jewish groups this week for erasing the Frank family’s Jewish identity and failing to mention the Nazis who killed Anne and her sister in a concentration camp. Frank, of course,
New Anne Frank Play Doesn’t Mention Jews And Nazis Read More »
International, Jewish History, Theatre, Film & BroadcastWill one of the world”s most popular Jewish pilgrimage sites be relocated to Israel? Rebbe Nachman of Breslov, founder of the Breslov Hassidic movement, was buried in the Ukrainian town of Uman 207 years ago. Followers of Rebbe Nachman made regular pilgrimages to his tomb, though the annual tradition was largely abandoned during the Cold
Rebbe Nachman coming to Israel? Read More »
International, Jewish Religion, Middle EastLarry David started his Saturday Night Live hosting gig with a joke that’s been slammed as seriously insensitive by some viewers – and defended by others. The Curb Your Enthusiasm star wrapped up his intro with a joke about picking up women in concentration camps. David said: “I’ve always been obsessed with women, and I’ve
SNL: Larry David Holocaust Jokes Slammed Read More »
Jewish History, Theatre, Film & Broadcast, USABy TOI staff Several thousand pro-Palestinians marched through the streets of London on Saturday to protest the centenary of the historic Balfour Declaration that helped lead to the creation of the Jewish state. The marchers held signs reading “Free Palestine” and Justice for Palestine,” while they chanted “Free, Free Palestine and “Occupation no more.” There
Thousands of pro-Palestinians march in London against Balfour Read More »
International, Jewish History, Middle EastA Spanish synagogue is unveiling Europe’s first feminist Torah scroll on Saturday, a move many Jews say signals major progress towards making Judaism more egalitarian. According to Orthodox Jewish law, only men are allowed to write a Torah scroll. And in many traditions women are forbidden from even reading the sacred texts. But Jewish women
Spain Unveils Europe’s First Feminist Torah Scroll Read More »
International, Jewish ReligionBy Jessica Steinberg Jews are often known as the People of the Book, and now “Eretz Nehederet,” Keshet’s satire news show poking fun at anything Israeli, is taking on the Bible. Yes, that book. Comedian Shani Cohen is Sivan Rahav-Meir, a religious writer and speaker who is dressed modestly, with a wig and hairband. She
Popular satire TV show takes on the Torah Read More »
Jewish Religion, Middle EastBy Garry Fabian MELBOURNE, Australia — While well over seven decades have passed, many of ones life the experiences are deeply embedded in our mind and specific dates have a significant impact despite the passage of time. While the aim in life should be take each day as it comes, and generally always be forward looking,
He recalls 75th anniversary of Holocaust train ride Read More »
International, Jewish History