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Antisemitism ›
In the midst of challenges facing American Jewish students on university campuses, a group of 500 Jewish students at Columbia University penned a letter asserting their Jewish identity, rejecting attacks on Zionism, and openly confronting antisemitism present in academic settings.
Harvard University's commencement ceremony faced turmoil as over 1,000 individuals walked out in protest of not granting diplomas to 13 pro-Palestinian student protesters, and Rabbi Hirshy Zarchi of Chabad challenged the commencement speaker, Maria Ressa, over an antisemitic allegation.
The University of Washington recently reached an agreement with anti-Israel activists to dismantle their quad encampment after the university president condemned certain rhetoric as vile and antisemitic.
Kyrie Irving's brief foray into promoting a documentary with antisemitic content, including Holocaust denial, sparked controversy but has largely faded from public attention amid his basketball success.
Jewish groups in Chicago are criticizing Alderman Rossana Rodriguez for her request for an anti-Zionist pediatrician on her personal Facebook page, with calls for her resignation due to discriminatory behavior.
Israel ›
The essay discusses the rise of antisemitism globally and its deep-rooted historical patterns, highlighting how blaming Jews for their own persecution is a common trope in this bigotry.
Deborah Ben Aderet, an Israeli survivor of the Hamas massacre, shares her firsthand account and insights in an interview with Michael Golden.
The International Court of Justice ordered Israel to immediately stop its military operation in Rafah, based on a request from South Africa.
This text discusses the importance of recognizing and supporting the safety of children in Israel amidst conflicts with Hamas in Gaza.
Egypt, a key mediator between Israel and Hamas, is facing challenges in its role due to reports of Hamas tunnels along its border with the Gaza Strip and allegations of undermining cease-fire negotiations to pressure Israel.
The text emphasizes the moral objectionability of the anti-Israel movement, highlighting its aim to dismantle Zionism and dehumanize Jewish people.
Holocaust ›
The recent surge in Holocaust-themed TV shows reflects a trend in the entertainment industry to tackle weighty subjects for prestige, with a mix of accurate historical representation and some inaccuracies due to narrative embellishments.
In a bid to raise awareness about Israeli hostages, influencer Montana Tucker featured the story of a freed hostage in a skincare promo, prompting mixed reactions among supporters.
Education ›
Rabbi Hirschy Zarchi of Chabad at Harvard walked off the stage during the university's commencement after feeling that the ceremony had slandered Israel and Jews, particularly when Nobel Prize-winning speaker Maria Ressa made remarks that sounded antisemitic to him.
The article discusses the role of university presidents amidst campus turbulence, referencing a story from Haverford College in 1986 and the recent challenges on campuses across the country.
The author, an alumnus of Harvard, is boycotting his 50th reunion due to concerns about how the university and some faculty and students have responded to conflicts between Hamas and Israel, including incidents of antisemitism and harassment of Jewish students on campus.
In the realm of Charedi Jewish education, a financial crisis is currently affecting schools across the U.S., with a shortage of big donors and many parents unable to pay full tuition.
Before the First World War, students from Western countries rarely attended Lithuanian yeshivas due to political unrest in the region.
Music ›
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New York klezmer legend Frank London is gearing up to fight for his life. But first, one more show.
Renowned New York klezmer musician Frank London faced a critical health battle with cancer, requiring immediate treatment, forcing him to postpone concerts and a festival.
Television/Film ›
"The Big Cigar" on Apple TV+ follows the story of a fake film production aiding Black Panthers founder Huey P. Newton's escape to Cuba.
Literature ›
Toby Lloyd, an atheist, wrote his novel "Fervor" about the Rosenthal family, a religious Jewish family, drawing from his own experiences and interactions with Jewish communities.
Sports ›
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The Jewish Sport Report: Israeli basketball team reunites in NYC after being torn apart by Oct. 7
An Israeli high school basketball team from the Eshkol Regional Council in Israel, torn apart by the Oct. 7 attack, reunited in New York as part of an initiative by Project 24, providing the teammates with a much-needed opportunity to spend time together after being dispersed across temporary housing in Israel.
Politics ›
Over a thousand pro-Israel demonstrators and locals rallied in north London to protect the showing of a film about a tragic massacre near the Gaza Strip, facing off against anti-Israel protesters who were eventually forced to retreat.
The article argues for the UK to withdraw its funding from the International Criminal Court (ICC) due to its decision to request arrest warrants for Israel's Prime Minister and Defense Minister, equating them with Hamas terrorists.
House Speaker Mike Johnson has invited Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to speak to Congress, providing support amid international legal troubles and domestic criticism.
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Is a bill targeting support for terrorism a necessary tool after Oct. 7, or authoritarian overreach?
A bill currently moving through Capitol Hill aims to target groups providing material support to terrorist organizations, potentially leading to the loss of tax-exempt status for nonprofits involved.
Culture ›
The article discusses the Jewish ritual of upsherin, where 3-year-old boys receive their first haircut in a ceremony that symbolizes the transition from infancy to childhood.
In a discussion reflecting on the importance of patriotism and traditional values in a postmodern world driven by emotions, the text emphasizes the significance of emotional connections to heritage, tradition, and moral codes.
History ›
Rabbi Joseph Dweck emphasizes the need to confront evil and unite against it in the face of historical tragedies like the Holocaust and present-day threats like those posed by Hamas.
Yonatan Adler responds to Malka Simkovich's review of his book, "The Origins of Judaism," emphasizing his focus on when ordinary Jews began following Torah as authoritative law rather than exploring intellectual history.
Jewish Law ›
The text discusses a podcast episode where Rabbi Avramel Kivelevitz criticizes Natan Slifkin's views, focusing on the charedi community's response to different approaches in Judaism, Slifkin's critiques of charedi beliefs and practices, and the issue of tone in intellectual discourse.
Communities ›
The UJA-Federation of New York's recent Jewish population survey lacked questions about Chabad's involvement among Metro NYC Jews, despite Chabad's considerable growth and impact.
Miscellaneous
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Following backlash and cyberbullying, Ms. Rachel sings a prayer ‘for all the children,’ including hostages and Israelis
Ms. Rachel, a popular children's video educator with millions of followers, faced backlash and cyberbullying for a fundraiser supporting children in conflict areas including Gaza, omitting Israeli children due to Save the Children's non-presence in Israel.
Editors' Note
Welcome to JL;DR!
by Matt Sienkiewicz
by Matt Sienkiewicz
Top Topics in Jewish Media
for May 18–May 25
