JL;DR

Daily Podcasts Video Research

for Saturday, February 22, 2025

Politics ›

0 Politics Israel

Israel has no moral obligation to negotiate Gaza’s future with anyone.

Bob Goldberg in Future of Jewish

Bob Goldberg argues that Israel should not engage in negotiations over Gaza's future with external parties, emphasizing that Israel's sole obligation is to achieve "total victory" over Hamas.

0 Politics Israel

I'm Palestinian. Here's why Trump's Gaza gambit might just work

Daoud Kuttab in Forward

Daoud Kuttab examines the potential geopolitical ramifications of former U.S. President Donald Trump's proposed involvement in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, specifically his plan for Gaza.

0 Politics Israel

After pushback, Trump says he’s ‘not forcing’ his plan to depopulate and take over Gaza

Andrew Lapin in JTA

Former President Donald Trump has proposed a controversial plan to depopulate the Gaza Strip and for the United States to take control of it.

0 Politics Antisemitism

From plague times to Trump's executive orders, Jews and immigrants have been accused of spreading disease

Mira Fox in Forward

The article explores the historical and ongoing use of disease as a pretext for discrimination, focusing on how both Jews and immigrants have been scapegoated for spreading illnesses.

0 Politics History

Hamas: The Champions of Making It Worse

Jewdicious

Michael Golden from JEWDICIOUS reflects on the lasting impact of Hamas' actions on the Israeli-Palestinian peace process, particularly focusing on historical events like the Oslo Accords and the assassination of Yitzhak Rabin.

0 Politics Culture

Emperors, Trolls and Pretenders to the Throne

Jennifer Bardi in Moment

The article explores the increasing political rhetoric resembling authoritarian tendencies in the United States, particularly under former President Donald Trump, who often likened himself to historical strongman figures such as Napoleon Bonaparte.

0 Politics Israel

Time to Take Off the Gloves!

Emes Ve-Emunah

The article critically examines the language used by mainstream media to describe Hamas fighters, arguing that the term 'militants' downplays their actions by implying a level of moral equivalence with Israel.

0 Politics Communities

The Bibas Family: ‘We Don’t Want Revenge, We Want Shiri and the Hostages Back’

Lior Zaltzman in Kveller

In the wake of the tragic confirmation that the bodies of Ariel and Kfir Bibas were found murdered, the Bibas family has chosen not to call for revenge but instead is pleading for the safe return of Shiri Bibas and the remaining hostages.

0 Politics Antisemitism

Chorus of Michigan politicians condemns state Democratic chair candidate for saying ‘This is not the Jewish party’

Andrew Lapin in JTA

As the Michigan Democratic Party prepares for crucial elections, a controversial statement by Al BJ Williams, a candidate for the state party chair, has stirred tensions.

0 Politics Israel

Trump has offered Israel an easy way out of more ceasefire talks. Will Netanyahu take it?

Dan Perry in Forward

Amidst renewed tensions between Israel and Hamas, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu faces a critical decision: adhere to the ceasefire and foster peace, or risk further conflict.

0 Politics Antisemitism

ADL criticizes Steve Bannon following gesture resembling Nazi salute

Louis Keene in Forward

Steve Bannon is under scrutiny after making a gesture similar to a Nazi salute during his CPAC speech, leading to criticism from the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) and others.

0 Politics History

Eric Adams said he'd 'collaborate' on immigration enforcement — so did Vichy France during WWII

Robert Zaretsky in Forward

Robert Zaretsky draws a provocative parallel between New York City Mayor Eric Adams' collaboration with former Trump administration officials on immigration enforcement and the collaborationist regime of Vichy France during World War II.

0 Politics Antisemitism

German Jews express alarm after J.D. Vance’s comments boost far-right AfD ahead of election

Toby Axelrod in Forward

The rise of the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party ahead of Germany's election has caused alarm among German Jews and politicians, especially following a speech by U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance.

0 Politics History

Our enemy kidnaps babies. And their support grows still.

Adam Hummel in Future of Jewish

In a deeply emotional piece, Adam Hummel reflects on the recent tragedy involving the kidnapping and death of Shiri Bibas and her two sons, Ariel and Kfir, during a Hamas-led attack in Israel.

0 Politics Holocaust

‘It took the Nazis one month’: Pritzker compares Trump’s policies to 1930s Germany

Jacob Kornbluh in Forward

Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker, invoking his Jewish heritage and historical knowledge, drew controversial parallels between Donald Trump's recent policies and the rise of Nazi Germany.

0 Politics Antisemitism

Hamas sent ‘anonymous, unidentified’ body in Shiri Bibas’ place, IDF says

Louis Keene in Forward

In a grave development amid the tensions surrounding the ongoing Israel-Palestine conflict, Hamas handed over an unidentified body instead of Shiri Bibas during a recent prisoner exchange, the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed.

Television/Film ›

0 Television/Film Culture

Jonathan Larson died before becoming a Broadway legend. This Jewish 'RENT'-head feels obliged to continue the work.

Samuel Eli Shepherd in Forward

The legacy of Jonathan Larson, famed composer of 'RENT' and 'Tick, Tick... Boom!', is being revived through "The Jonathan Larson Project," spearheaded by theater historian Jennifer Ashley Tepper.

Communities ›

0 Communities Culture

At a glitzy gala, techno music and sushi bars draw in young supporters of Israel

Olivia Haynie in Forward

The recent 1,000 Strong gala in New York highlighted a vibrant and youthful expression of American Jewish solidarity with Israel, featuring techno music and sushi bars.

0 Communities Israel

Which Divides Are Worth Bridging?

Emily Alhadeff in The Cholent

The recent Greater Seattle Limmud conference centered its discussions on confronting and bridging divides within the Jewish community, particularly those related to Israel.

0 Communities Gender/Identity

With supports for Jewish LGBTQ+ teens disappearing, Jewish organizations need to fill the gaps

eJewishPhilanthropy

Jewish organizations are being called upon to support LGBTQ+ youth amidst increasing legislative and societal challenges, particularly during President Trump's second term.

0 Communities Philosophy

Three years later, JFNA’s volunteers remain loyal to Ukraine

eJewishPhilanthropy

The article highlights the enduring commitment of the Jewish Federations of North America (JFNA) and its volunteers to support Ukraine, especially amid the ongoing war initiated by Russia.

0 Communities Politics

At Tel Aviv’s Hostage Square, Israelis mourn — and vow to keep fighting for the captives who remain

Deborah Danan in Forward

In Tel Aviv's Hostages Square, thousands gathered to mourn the return of four deceased hostages from Gaza, including peace activist Oded Lifshitz, and the Bibas family.

0 Communities Holocaust

Shiri, Ariel and Kfir Bibas Deserved a Better World

Lior Zaltzman in Kveller

The poignant piece reflects on the tragic story of Shiri, Ariel, and Kfir Bibas, Israeli hostages whose lives were brutally cut short.

0 Communities Politics

Slain Hostage Oded Lifshitz Dreamed of Peace

Lior Zaltzman in Kveller

Oded Lifshitz, a passionate advocate for peace and human rights, spent over 60 years nurturing a unique cacti garden at Nir Oz with his wife Yocheved.

Antisemitism ›

0 Antisemitism Politics

After rebuke from far-right French leader, Steve Bannon denies that his straight-armed gesture at CPAC was a Nazi salute

Ben Sales in Forward

Steve Bannon, a former adviser to Donald Trump, faced backlash after making a gesture at CPAC that was perceived as a Nazi salute.

0 Antisemitism Communities

Being Jewish is not for sissies.

Joanne Fedler in Future of Jewish

Joanne Fedler's essay on contemporary antisemitism highlights the challenges faced by Jews worldwide, particularly in Australia, against the backdrop of recent events.

Culture ›

0 Culture Jewish Law

At a Hasidic Jewish sweat lodge, enlightenment in the all-encompassing darkness

Miriam Herman in Forward

Miriam Herman explores an unconventional spiritual experience in "At a Hasidic Jewish sweat lodge, enlightenment in the all-encompassing darkness."

0 Culture Gender/Identity

A Brooklyn venue celebrates the gender-bending legacy of Barbra Streisand’s ‘Yentl’

Elizabeth Karpen in JTA

Barbra Streisand's iconic film "Yentl," which explores themes of gender fluidity and Jewish identity, continues to resonate within modern Jewish and LGBTQ+ communities.

Education ›

0 Education Antisemitism

California school district halts ethnic studies courses following lawsuit over alleged antisemitism

Asaf Elia-Shalev in JTA

The Santa Ana Unified School District in Orange County, California, has agreed to halt its ethnic studies courses amid allegations of antisemitic content, as part of a legal settlement with Jewish advocacy groups.