Jewish History

Today’s Jewish Birthday: Leo Frank

He was an American factory superintendent and lynching victim. He was convicted in 1913 of the murder of a 13-year-old employee, Mary Phagan, in Atlanta, Georgia. Frank’s trial, conviction, and unsuccessful appeals attracted national attention. His kidnapping from prison and lynching became the focus of social, regional, political, and racial concerns, particularly regarding antisemitism. Modern researchers generally agree that Frank was wrongly convicted. [Wikipedia]

Today’s Jewish Birthday: Leo Frank Read More »

Antisemitism, Jewish History, USA, Wikipedia

A Time for Israel to Decide: Herzl or Rav Kook

Herzl and Rav Kook differ greatly in both their diagnoses of what ails the Jewish people, and their programs for what needs to be done. For Herzl the problem is antisemitism, and the solution is an internationally recognized Jewish state achieved through negotiations. For Rav Kook the problem is Exile and the solution is for Jews to return to the Land of Israel. [Rabbi Philip Graubart]

A Time for Israel to Decide: Herzl or Rav Kook Read More »

Antisemitism, Israel, Jewish History, Opinion, Staff and Bylined Contributors

Jewish Biography: Eduard Bernstein, Socialist Reformer

In 1878, Bernstein read Friedrich Engels’ just-published book Anti-Dühring, under the influence of which he became a Marxist and entered into correspondence with the author of the book, who later became his friend. Engels accused the philosopher Eugene Dühring of “Judophobia exaggerated to the point of caricature.” [Alex Gordon]

Jewish Biography: Eduard Bernstein, Socialist Reformer Read More »

Alex Gordon, Antisemitism, Jewish History, Staff and Bylined Contributors

How Will Israel Respond?

In the moment, I’m writing while rockets and drones from Iran have just attacked Israel. The American president’s “Don’t” didn’t deter Iran from unleashing 300 drones, rockets, and missiles against “the little Satan,” Israel. Now is the time for Israel to switch from its defensive posture to an active offense against Iran. There will never be a more opportune time! [Steve Kramer]

How Will Israel Respond? Read More »

Israel, Jewish History, Middle East, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Steve Kramer, USA

Community Yom HaShoah Observance Set for JCC on Sunday, May 5

In an era where the lessons of history risk being forgotten or distorted, the theme of this year’s program, “Coming Together in Strength & Unity,” underscores the importance of community solidarity in standing against rising antisemitism and Holocaust denial. Only together can we ensure that the commitment to “Never Again” remains unwavering. [Press Release]

Community Yom HaShoah Observance Set for JCC on Sunday, May 5 Read More »

Antisemitism, Holocaust, International, Israel, Jewish History, Press Release, San Diego County, USA

Spain’s Influence on Jewish Music A Highlight of Upcoming Tour to be Led by Yale Strom and Elizabeth Schwartz

After the expulsion of the Jews from Spain in 1492 and Portugal in 1495, the two largest migrations were to North Africa and to the Ottoman Empire. It was when I first traveled to Romania and Bulgaria (initially researching klezmer) that I met Jews who traced their heritage back to the Iberian Peninsula. Some of these Jews sang songs in Ladino and others played Sephardic music. [Yale Strom]

Spain’s Influence on Jewish Music A Highlight of Upcoming Tour to be Led by Yale Strom and Elizabeth Schwartz Read More »

International, Jewish History, Music, Dance, and Visual Arts, San Diego County, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Travel and Food

Envy, Jealousy Aroused by Jews Prompted ‘Protocols of the Elders of Zion’ Forgery

The German historian, philologist and jurist Theodor Mommsen, author of The History of Rome and winner of the 1902 Nobel Prize for Literature, however, gave a rational explanation for the satanic design of antisemitism: its main cause was rooted in “envy and primal instincts, […] a barbaric hatred of education, freedom and humanism.” [Alex Gordon]

Envy, Jealousy Aroused by Jews Prompted ‘Protocols of the Elders of Zion’ Forgery Read More »

Alex Gordon, International, Israel, Jewish History, Staff and Bylined Contributors

Jonathan Glazer receives fresh support from Jewish artists and filmmakers for Oscars speech

Published by Euronews (English) Jonathan Glazer’s speech is continuing to become one of the Oscars’ most debated and polarizing moments. Heated debate continues to rage after his stirring speech during the 96th Academy Awards, during which the British director, accepting Best International Feature for his staggering Holocaust film The Zone of Interest, drew a parallel

Jonathan Glazer receives fresh support from Jewish artists and filmmakers for Oscars speech Read More »

Antisemitism, Holocaust, Israel, Jewish History, Nordot, Theatre, Film & Broadcast, USA

Jewish Biography: Leon Trotsky, ‘The Red Prophet’

In 1926 Trotsky, who was engaged in an unequal struggle with Stalin in the Moscow party organization, encountered manifestations of antisemitism on the part of his Bolshevik comrades. In a letter to another Bolshevik leader, Nikolai Bukharin, he asks: “Is this possible? Is it possible that in our party, in the workers’ cells, here in Moscow, people resort to antisemitism with impunity? Is it possible?” [Alex Gordon]

Jewish Biography: Leon Trotsky, ‘The Red Prophet’ Read More »

Alex Gordon, Antisemitism, International, Jewish History, Staff and Bylined Contributors