After October 7, I sent him a message. Nothing dramatic. Just letting him know I was alive, that my family was alive, that I was thinking of him. He never answered. (Ari Melnik)
Warmest hug, coldest shoulder Read More »
International, Israel, Jewish History, Obituaries & memorials, Philanthropy & Volunteerism, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Travel and Food
In 1865, Waldteufel was appointed pianist to Empress Eugénie and soon received the position of conductor and ball manager at the court of Napoleon III. He was also the conductor of the ball orchestra “Bals de l’Opéra” in Paris (1865). [Alex Gordon]
Jewish biography: Émile Waldteufel, waltz king of Paris Read More »
Alex Gordon, Antisemitism, International, Jewish History, Music, Dance, and Visual Arts, Obituaries & memorials, Staff and Bylined Contributors
The Jewish response to destruction has never been simply to mourn. It has always been to ask: What are we being called to rebuild? (Betzy Lynch)
Choosing repair over destruction Read More »
Jewish Religion, Obituaries & memorials, Staff and Bylined Contributors
While it’s easy to try to look at the Massie vote through a binary lens of being “for” or “against” Israel – precisely how Republicans wanted us to see it – the truth is much more complicated, nuanced, and tells a different story. The real story includes Donald Trump’s reckless and at times incoherent policies toward Israel and Iran, and it’s important to understand these complexities before judging anyone solely because of their vote on the Massie amendment. (Halie Soifer)
Democrats vote on aid to Israel not what GOP paints it to be Read More »
Israel, Jewish History, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USA
My father left Germany, but had to leave his mother behind, hoping that he would manage to bring her over to England, but that turned out to be impossible. For the rest of his life my father lived with the sense of guilt and remorse at not having succeeded in rescuing his mother, who perished in Theresienstadt from malnutrition and neglect. (Dorothea Shefer-Vanson)
Being an invited guest in the German city that my father fled Read More »
Antisemitism, Dorothea Shefer-Vanson, Holocaust, International, Israel, Jewish History, Obituaries & memorials, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Travel and Food
The Israeli-American Council (IAC) and partner organizations are convening a national tribute to the legacy of the great American patriot and lover of Zion, Senator Lindsey Graham. (Press Release)
Israeli-American Council sponsors on-line tribute for the late U.S. Sen. Lindsey Graham Read More »
Israel, Jewish History, Obituaries & memorials, Press Release, USA
After years of war, extended evacuation, separation, and profound grief, there is a new energy in Sha’ar HaNegev focused on rebuilding and reconnecting its 10,000 residents. I came away moved, inspired, and immensely proud that San Diego has been such a critical partner in this work. (Heidi Gantwerk)
Come witness the remarkable resilience in Sha’ar HaNegev Read More »
Heidi Gantwerk, Israel, Jewish History, Philanthropy & Volunteerism, San Diego County, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Travel and Food
Watergate, Tiananmen Square, and Tehran shootings—mere mention of these names evokes national trauma and profound questions of leadership and moral conduct. In his final address to the Israelites on the threshold of the Promised Land, Moses similarly invokes specific places to allude to past national failings without shaming the people directly. (Rabbi Dr. Michael Leo Samuel)
Parsha Devarim: The art of veiled criticism Read More »
Jewish Religion, Lifestyles, Michael Leo Samuel-Rabbi, Staff and Bylined Contributors
It is with profound sadness that we mark the passing of Shoshana Bryen, Senior Director of the Jewish Policy Center and editor of inFOCUS Quarterly, who died on Thursday, July 16, 2026. [Press Release]
Shoshana Bryen, senior director of the Jewish Policy Center, mourned Read More »
Israel, Jewish History, News Media, Obituaries & memorials, Press Release, Shoshana Bryen, USA
Many American Jews are unwittingly playing a dangerous game. They are much too critical of Israeli policies and Israel’s prime minister, and they are often loud about it. Progressive Jewish politicians take stands against Israel, playing to anti-Israel sentiment among voters including some hyper-critical Jewish ones. “Genocide” is bandied about when no such thing happened in Gaza. [Steve Kramer]
Gaza genocide didn’t happen; American public duped by Palestinian propaganda Read More »
Antisemitism, Holocaust, Israel, Jewish History, Opinion, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Steve Kramer, USA
Thousands of supporters of the land and people of Israel will gather at the Gaylord Pacific Resort & Convention Center in San Diego from November 12–15, 2026, for the Global Conference for Israel, which has grown from several hundred attendees to the largest annual gathering of Zionists in the United States. [Press Release]
San Diego’s Global Conference for Israel in November to attract thousands Read More »
Israel, Jewish History, Press Release, San Diego County, Travel and Food, USA
This competition, created by Variety, is raising funds for globally responsible and important causes. The Los Angeles Regional Food Bank and Oceana are the recipients. Both of these worthy groups nurture people and provide stewardship for our environment. [Eva Trieger]
Why I support the Mantells’ quest to be named ‘America’s Favorite Couple’ Read More »
Eva Trieger, Jewish Religion, Lifestyles, San Diego County, Science, Medicine, & Education, Sports & Competitions, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USA
This workshop is designed to equip parents of elementary, middle, and high school students with the knowledge, strategies, and resources to advocate for their children and be partners in their education journey. (Cailin Acosta)
Workshop Aug. 20 for parents on how to combat antisemitism in the schools Read More »
Antisemitism, Cailin Acosta, Obituaries & memorials, San Diego County, Science, Medicine, & Education, Staff and Bylined Contributors
The Sages notice something remarkable about Moshe’s words. When Moshe recalls Israel’s past failures, he does so indirectly. Rather than publicly recounting every sin, he refers to places whose names evoke memories the people would immediately recognize. [Michael R. Mantell, Ph.D.]
Parsha Devarim: When wisdom speaks softly Read More »
Jewish Religion, Michael Mantell, Staff and Bylined Contributors