An American Firefighter’s Gaza War Diary

We’re responding to a common call – kipat barzel interception – so we’re told to wear “flaks and Kevlars.” After parking the engine, we move quickly as a group toward the home which has been hit; it’s us firefighters, police, ambulance personnel (Magen David Adom), and IDF Homefront Command. Needless to say, as we enter, we overwhelm the residents of the apartment. [Dana Ben Kaplan]

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Israel, San Diego County, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USA

Irv Elson: Retired Navy Chaplain Advocates for Jewish Service Personnel as Jewish Welfare Board’s Director

Not far inside the main entrance of the 125,000-acre Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton is the Camp Del Mar headquarters for the storied I Marine Expeditionary Force. There, from 2012 through 2014, Navy Capt. Irv Elson worked as a Force Chaplain on the way to his ultimate assignment in uniform as the Deputy Chaplain of the Marine Corps, the first Jew to achieve that rank. [Donald H. Harrison]

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California, Donald H. Harrison, International, Jewish Religion, Middle East, San Diego County, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USA

Today’s Jewish Birthday: Harry Houdini

His escapes became more and more complicated and thrilling, including from nailed packing crates that were lowered into water, riveted boilers, giant milk cans filled with water, and even from the belly of a whale that had washed ashore in Boston.  Sometimes Houdini would have himself put in a straight-jacket and suspended by his ankles from a tall building as the public watched him wriggle free. [SDJW staff]

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International, Jewish Celebrities, Sports & Competitions, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Theatre, Film & Broadcast, Today's Jewish Birthday, USA

Gaza death toll continues to rise as UN chief visits Rafah crossing

Published by DPA The Israeli army continued attacks on Hamas targets in Gaza and dozens more Palestinians were killed as UN chief António Guterres, on a visit to the Rafah border crossing on Saturday, once again demanded an “immediate humanitarian ceasefire.” The Israeli air force struck some 35 targets on Friday, including operational command centres,

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International, Israel, Nordot

Today’s Jewish Birthday: Erich Fromm

He wrote, “It is the paradox of human existence that man must simultaneously seek for closeness and for independence, for oneness with others and at the same time for the preservation of his uniqueness and particularity … the answer to this paradox – and to the moral problems of man – is productiveness.” [SDJW staff]

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Lifestyles, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Today's Jewish Birthday

Injection of Purim Joy So Needed in Our Lives

As we head into Purim this weekend, I am reminded that being Jewish is a gift; one that has so much to offer and brings such meaning and purpose to my life. It can also bring so much joy. So, this year, although I’m stretched, stressed and wildly busy, it feels more important than ever to make room for joy. [Heidi Gantwerk]

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Antisemitism, Heidi Gantwerk, Israel, Jewish Religion, Lifestyles, San Diego County, Staff and Bylined Contributors

OpEd: During Purim Especially, Jews Should Speak Up for Israel

There is a chilling exchange in the Megillah when Mordechai charges Esther to intercede with the King. Esther demurs, fearing for her own life. Mordechai warns her, “Do not imagine that you, of all the Jews, will escape with your life by being in the king’s palace. On the contrary, if you keep silent in this crisis, relief and deliverance will come to the Jews from another quarter, while you and your father’s house will perish.” [Misha Galperin]

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Antisemitism, Israel, Jewish Religion, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USA

Ron Hassner: UC Berkeley Has Accepted My Requests for Protection of Students

First, I asked that “all students, even the ones wearing Stars of David, should be free to pass through [Sather Gate] unobstructed. The right of protestors to express their views must be defended. It does not extend to blocking or threatening fellow students.” [Ron Hassner]

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Antisemitism, California, Israel, Science, Medicine, & Education, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USA

Remembering and Honoring 18 Jewish Medal of Honor Recipients

The day, March 25, was selected because March 25, 1863, was the date when the first Medal of Honor was presented. It was awarded to Private Jacob Parrott for “extraordinary heroism in April, 1862, while serving in action with Company G, 21st Ohio Infantry, during the Andrew’s Raid in Georgia,” an event also known as “The Great Locomotive Chase.” [Dorian de Wind, The Moderate Voice]

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Antisemitism, Dorian de Wind, Holocaust, Jewish History, USA

Russia, China veto US bid on Gaza ‘ceasefire’ at Security Council

Published by AFP United Nations (United States) (AFP) – Russia and China on Friday vetoed a US-led draft resolution at the Security Council on a ceasefire in Gaza, with Moscow accusing Washington of a “hypocritical spectacle” that does not pressure Israel.  The United States, Israel’s main ally which has vetoed previous ceasefire calls, put forward

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International, Israel, Middle East, Nordot, USA

California Gov. Gavin Newsom Calls for a Gaza Ceasefire

“I support President Biden’s call for an immediate ceasefire as part of a deal to secure desperately needed relief for Gazan civilians and the release of hostages,” he wrote in a letter addressed to California’s Muslim, Palestinian American, and Arab American communities. “I also unequivocally denounce Hamas’s terrorist attack against Israel. It is time to work in earnest toward an enduring peace that will furnish the lasting security, autonomy, and freedom that the Palestinians and the Israeli people both deserve.” [CalMatters]

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California, Israel, USA