Israelis’ Emotions Ran High as First 3 Hostages Returned to Their Families

The return of the first three hostages after more than a year in captivity in Gaza was a rare moment of unity in Israel. Like most other people in the country, I was glued to the television screen on the afternoon set for their return and was not sure what I would be witnessing. [Dorothea Shefer-Vanson]

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Dorothea Shefer-Vanson, Israel, Opinion, Staff and Bylined Contributors

Parsha Va’eira: An Antidote to Shortness of Breath

This week’s parsha is tailored to the times in which we are living. Fear of the unknown, “uncertainty,” has spun many into anxiety, depression, and self-destruction. Many have so weakened their sense of hopefulness, that they live with exhaustion, believing nothing can, or will, improve. The devastating, shocking, overwhelming loss in Los Angeles has led many to beat themselves down. [Michael R. Mantell, Ph.D.]

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California, Jewish Religion, Michael Mantell, Staff and Bylined Contributors

OpEd: Elon Musk is a Friend of the Jews and Not a Nazi

After the celebration of Donald Trump’s victory, Musk expressed gratitude with the statement, “This one matters, thank you, I give you my heart,” followed by a gesture perceived by some as resembling a Nazi salute. This incident quickly overshadowed his remarks about his ambitions for space exploration with SpaceX and Tesla. Musk’s actions sparked intense debate across political lines, particularly among left-wing commentators. [Rabbi Dr. Michael Leo Samuel]

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Holocaust, Israel, Jewish History, Michael Leo Samuel-Rabbi, Opinion, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USA

Novel Explores an Immigrant Jewish Family’s Life in Louisville Before World War II

This novel is a collection of sequential short stories about the Toplansky family, whose patriarch Shlomo immigrated in 1920 from Bialystok, Poland, to Louisville, Kentucky. He changed his first name to Sol and eked a living from his tailoring shop supplemented by singing and gambling.  He served as the chazzan at the Orthodox synagogue. [Donald H. Harrison]

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Books, Poetry & Short Stories, Donald H. Harrison, Jewish Fiction, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USA

OpEd: Trump Acting Like a Dictator

Donald Trump pledged to be a “dictator on day one,” and, for once, he’s making good on his promise. He is consolidating power, creating loyalty tests and enacting political retribution, rewarding convicted insurrectionists, co-opting the media and tech oligarchs, preparing for mass deportations and detentions, denying birthright citizenship enshrined in the Constitution, withdrawing from international agreements, and aligning with dangerous criminals and violent extremists. [Halie Sofer]

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Israel, Opinion, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USA

UC San Diego, University of Haifa Studying Climate Change Over Last Millenium Along Israel’s Coast

Distinguished Professor Thomas E. Levy’s 40-year-plus career has been shaped by what he calls archaeo-diplomacy: using archaeology as a tool to build bridges between international research teams, foster connection and cooperation and safeguard cultural heritage and history. A prime example? The new Jacobs UC San Diego – University of Haifa Marine and Cyber-Archaeology Project. [Phoebe Skok]

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Israel, San Diego County, Science, Medicine, & Education, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Technology, USA

Stabbings in Tel Aviv, Trouble in Samaria Mark Days Following Gaza Ceasefire

In Tel Aviv, two people were severely wounded when they were stabbed in a terror attack on Tuesday. An off-duty border policewoman shot the terrorist repeatedly in the torso. Investigators reported that he was a Moroccan whose “green card” entitled him to residency in the U.S. [Miriam Gershenson]

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Israel, Miriam Gershenson, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USA

Winds Have Everyone Nervous About Wildfires; Thank You’s Due to First Responders

First Responders can’t be thanked enough for putting their lives on the line to save others. It is the true example of either being a mensch or someone practicing tikkun olam daily. [Cailin Acosta]

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Cailin Acosta, Jewish Religion, Lifestyles, Obituaries & memorials, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Travel and Food

OpEd: ‘Protecting My Peace,’ Part 2

So, here I stand at the intersection, in my skin, in my culture, in my community, as a human being who is African American, Jewish American and female. I always recognize quite clearly when one of those components is being left out of a conversation or consideration. I am very aware that collaboration between Black and Jewish communities can create a powerful alliance to combat hate, promote mutual understanding, and protect the peace and well-being of all. [Barrett Holman Leak]

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Antisemitism, Barrett Holman Leak, Lifestyles, Opinion, Staff and Bylined Contributors