Jewish History

Spain must ban its celebratory medieval toast ‘kill Jews’

It is a phrase uttered with a smile, a wink, and the clinking of glasses. Yet, to dismiss this as harmless folklore is to ignore the blood-soaked soil from which such language grew and the moral rot it continues to nourish in the modern era. [Rabbi Dr. Michael Leo Samuel]

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International, Jewish History, Lifestyles, Michael Leo Samuel-Rabbi, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Travel and Food

Tennessee legislature sends ‘Judea and Samaria’ directive to governor

This measure reflects the enduring historical and cultural ties of the Jewish People to their ancestral homeland and reinforces the importance of the use of accurate place names in government affairs, education, media, and public conversation. [Press Release]

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Israel, Jewish History, Press Release, Science, Medicine, & Education, USA

Blame for civilian deaths shared by all belligerents in Middle East war

We have strong reason to be concerned about Israel’s military response to Oct. 7. Thousands of civilians were killed in bombing in large part because Hamas built its operations where the people of Gaza live, attend school and receive medical care, so civilian deaths were all but guaranteed. However, it very much appears that Israel went way too far with its attacks, and in the current war American planes killed an estimated 160 schoolgirls, presumably by mistake. [Bruce S. Ticker]

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Bruce Ticker, International, Israel, Jewish History, Middle East, News Media, Opinion, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USA

This year’s inductees into the International Jewish Sports Hall of Fame

The International Jewish Sports Hall of Fame on Wednesday announced the athletes and media personnel who will be inducted later this year as the class of 2026, joining over 500 sports figures who have been so honored since 1979. [Press Release]

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International, Israel, Jewish History, Press Release, Sports & Competitions, USA

My Dad, Nathan Drazin, was a Hero

The board of Shaarei Tfiloh begged Dad to allow the synagogue to move uptown, but Dad said it was wrong; it was immoral and disrespectful. By the early 1960s, after many Jews fled to the suburbs, there were only about 500 congregants on the High Holidays, down from 1500. Dad’s salary was severely reduced, but he still refused to move. [Rabbi Dr. Israel Drazin]

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Israel Drazin-Rabbi Dr., Jewish History, Jewish Religion, Obituaries & memorials, Science, Medicine, & Education, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USA

Jewish rescuers recognized during Yom HaShoah ceremony in Jerusalem

During the ceremony, the “Jewish Rescuer Citation” was presented to four rescuers who operated in the Netherlands, Poland and France. The citation—a joint program of the B’nai B’rith World Center-Jerusalem and the Committee to Recognize the Heroism of Jewish Rescuers during the Holocaust—has recognized 667 heroes since its inception in 2011. The awards were presented to the rescuers’ family members by Alan Schneider, director of the B’nai B’rith World Center; Katz; and Gerbi. [Press Release]

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Holocaust, International, Israel, Jewish History, Press Release

Mideast War report: April 13, 2026

Israel & the United States at War with Iran Special Update from Israel Prepared by and sent from Jewish Federations of North America’s Israel Office Ceasefire between Iran and Israel + the US holding, even as negotiations break down Fighting with Hezbollah continues as talks between Israel and the Lebanese Government begin Unrelenting rocket attacks

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Holocaust, International, Jewish History, Press Release, San Diego County, Science, Medicine, & Education, USA

Childhood of Judy Blume reimagined in poetry

Otherwise Known as Judy the Great: A Poetic Ode to Judy Blume by Selina Alko; New York: Christy Ottaviano Books, an imprint of Little, Brown and Company; © 2026; ISBN 9780316-570633; 42 pages; $18.99. By Donald H. Harrison in San Diego Children’s author Judy Blume (née Sussman) was born in 1938 and through her 7th

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Books, Poetry & Short Stories, Donald H. Harrison, Jewish History, Lifestyles, Staff and Bylined Contributors