Hamas Must Choose: Help Gazans or Forbid Others from Aiding Them

Hamas terrorists might wish to relish their victory over Israel while they can – their cynical public relations victory. For the moment, Israel is an ogre in the eyes of the world, Hamas is champion of the Palestinians. However, Hamas soon could replace Israel as villain of a drama that is much of its own making.  [Bruce S. Ticker]

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Bruce Ticker, Middle East, USA

A Survivor’s Trek Through Europe and the U.S.

In this memoir, nonagenarian Michael G. Kesler tells how as a teenager, he escaped both forced service in the Soviet Army and the Nazi invasion of his Polish home town by hopping trains with his older sister Luba eastward to the Soviet Asian republics where they both found productive work. [Donald H. Harrison]

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Books, Poetry & Short Stories, Donald H. Harrison, International, Jewish History, Travel and Food

Ron Grossman: Antisemitic attacks show people believe all Jews think alike

Published by Chicago Tribune It matters not which group is in the crosshairs, prejudice inevitably rests on the adjective “all.” Currently Jews are targeted. In the wake of the deadly exchange of missiles between Israel and Hamas, synagogues have been vandalized in Phoenix and Chicago. In Times Square, a man wearing a kippah, the distinctive

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USA

80 Years Later, Could the Farhud Happen Again?

The world has just marked the 80th anniversary of the Farhud, the Arab–Nazi pogrom against Jews in Baghdad and Basra on June 1-2, 1941. The term Arab–Nazi is completely correct, not because these Arabs were merely fascist in mind and deed, but because they actually identified with Germany’s Nazi Party. Some of the rioters wore swastikas; more than a few actually marched in the Nuremberg torchlight parades. Farhud means “violent dispossession.” [Edwin Black]

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Edwin Black, International, Middle East

Isaac Herzog Elected as Israel’s 11th President

Isaac Herzog, former Minister, Chairman of the Labour Party and Leader of the Opposition, was elected by the Knesset (parliament) to serve as Israel’s 11th President.  Herzog currently serves as the Chairman of the Executive of The Jewish Agency for Israel. Herzog was elected with the support of 87 out of the 120 Members of Knesset and his tenure will begin on July 9th. [News Release from office of Isaac Herzog]

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Jewish History, Middle East

California Bill Calls for Better Documentation of Hate Crimes

The California State Assembly passed legislation Tuesday that aims to significantly strengthen California’s response to the recent surge in hate crimes and hate-motivated violence. Authored by Assemblymember Jesse Gabriel (D-Woodland Hills), Assembly Bill (AB) 57 would implement specific recommendations from the State Auditor to enable law enforcement to better prevent, respond to, and document hate crimes. The measure passed the State Assembly 77-0 with bipartisan support. [News Release from Assemblyman Jesse Gabriel]

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USA

U.S. formally ends Trump’s ‘remain in Mexico’ asylum policy

Published by Reuters By Ted Hesson WASHINGTON (Reuters) -The United States has formally ended the Trump-era “remain in Mexico” policy, which forced tens of thousands of Central American asylum-seekers to wait in Mexico for U.S. court cases, according to a U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) memo sent to agency leaders on Tuesday. The administration

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USA

Biden administration halts oil drilling in Alaska wildlife refuge

Published by AFP Washington (AFP) – US President Joe Biden’s administration announced Tuesday it was halting petroleum development activity in the Alaska National Wildlife Refuge, reversing a move by former president Donald Trump to allow drilling. The Interior Department said it was notifying firms of the freeze, pending a comprehensive environmental review that will determine

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The World We Share

Shabbat: TGIF

I am who I am thanks to Shabbat. Due to this biblically mandated institution, I have peace of mind, a flourishing community, a great relationship with my family and a career where I traverse the country singing its praises. All this benefit for just taking a day off! The Torah emphasizes Shabbat more than any other ritual because it provides the most profound physical, financial and emotional evidence that one is serious about a relationship with God. [Sam Glaser]

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Jewish Religion, Sam Glaser