for Thursday, March 6, 2025

Antisemitism ›

Joe Rogan podcast guest says Israel is behind a Jeffrey Epstein coverup. (And 9/11, too.)

Louis Keene in Forward

The Joe Rogan Experience recently featured Ian Carroll, a conspiracy theorist known for claims that Israel was behind 9/11 and that Jewish entities are involved in a global coverup regarding Jeffrey Epstein.

0 Antisemitism Politics

Pentagon official posted neo-Nazi talking point about Jewish lynching victim Leo Frank last year

Ben Sales in JTA

Kingsley Wilson, the Pentagon's deputy press secretary, provoked controversy by sharing a neo-Nazi conspiracy theory about Leo Frank, a Jewish lynching victim whose death spurred the founding of the Anti-Defamation League.

Philosophy ›

0 Philosophy Politics

Israel’s brutal assault on Gaza demands a new reading of the Purim story’s final chapter

Michael David Lukas in Forward

Michael David Lukas explores the moral complexities of the Purim story in light of recent Israeli military actions in Gaza.

Politics ›

0 Politics Israel

"No Other Land"

Natan Slifkin in Rationalist Judaism

Natan Slifkin addresses the complex reactions to the Oscar-winning documentary "No Other Land," which focuses on the Israeli Defense Forces' destruction of a Palestinian village.

0 Politics Antisemitism

Shifting priorities at the FBI raise concerns about U.S. counterterror capabilities

Gabby Deutch in Jewish Insider

The shifting priorities at the FBI under the leadership of Kash Patel, appointed by former President Trump, are causing concern among national security experts about the agency's effectiveness in counterterrorism.

0 Politics Israel

Leading American pro-Israel groups diverge from Israel on Syria

Lahav Harkov in Jewish Insider

Leading American pro-Israel organizations AIPAC and the American Jewish Committee (AJC) have taken a cautiously optimistic view towards Syria's new leadership under Abu Mohammed al-Jolani, aiming for a peaceful, independent Syria free of regional threats, while Israel remains skeptical due to Jolani's Al-Qaida links.

0 Politics Israel

Israel's biggest threat is now the Western Left.

Joshua Hoffman in Future of Jewish

Amidst the global political divide following the October 7th massacre, Israel finds itself increasingly supported by the Western Right, which views Israel as an ally against terrorism and a symbol of Western civilization, while the Left is criticized for aligning with anti-Israel activism.

0 Politics Israel

‘We’ll get them out,’ Trump tells 7 released Israeli hostages in Oval Office meeting

Philissa Cramer in JTA

In a meeting at the Oval Office, former President Donald Trump assured seven recently released Israeli hostages of his commitment to securing the freedom of the remaining hostages in Gaza.

0 Politics Israel

These are the 59 Israeli hostages still being held in Gaza

Philissa Cramer in Forward

The ongoing plight of Israeli hostages held in Gaza continues to evoke global concern and advocacy.

0 Politics History

These are the 59 Israeli hostages still being held in Gaza

Philissa Cramer in Forward

Amid ongoing tensions and delicate negotiations in Gaza, 59 Israeli hostages remain in captivity, a mix of soldiers and civilians who were taken during the Hamas invasion on October 7, 2023.

0 Politics Israel

US is holding unprecedented direct talks with Hamas over ending Gaza war

Philissa Cramer in Forward

For the first time, the United States is directly negotiating with Hamas in a bid to end the ongoing Gaza war, marking a significant departure from past diplomatic practices.

0 Politics Communities

Actually, the ceasefire deal might not be the biggest threat to Netanyahu's coalition

Dan Perry in Forward

As Prime Minister Netanyahu faces potential backlash over a Gaza ceasefire, a more pressing challenge looms within his coalition due to disagreements over Haredi military exemptions.

0 Politics Antisemitism

Thank god Trump didn't talk about antisemitism in his speech to Congress

Emily Tamkin in Forward

Emily Tamkin expresses relief that former President Donald Trump did not mention antisemitism in his recent speech to Congress.

0 Politics Culture

Why are Christians obsessed with Queen Esther?

Benyamin Cohen in Forward

Queen Esther's narrative has found a unique resonance among Christian communities, particularly as a symbol of moral strength in contemporary conservative political issues.

0 Politics Israel

This must happen to the Palestinians.

Daniel Saunders in Future of Jewish

In this provocative essay, Daniel Saunders explores the evolving discourse around the potential relocation of Palestinian populations from Gaza as a means to eliminate Hamas and ensure Israeli security.

0 Politics Israel

Israel, Gaza and hostages get just brief mention in Trump’s address to Congress

Ben Sales in JTA

In his recent address to Congress, President Donald Trump made only brief references to the ongoing conflict in Gaza, mainly focusing on a ceasefire and hostage release deal.

0 Politics History

Reversing Kissinger

Lee Smith in Tablet

Lee Smith explores Donald Trump's perceived foreign policy strategy, which some commentators label as 'reverse Kissinger.'

0 Politics Israel

Will Trump green-light Israeli annexation of the West Bank at his address to Congress?

Ben Sales in Forward

As President Donald Trump prepares to address Congress, speculation mounts over whether he will endorse Israeli annexation of the West Bank.

0 Politics Communities

Why these Jews are protesting the ADL’s annual antisemitism conference in Manhattan

Joseph Strauss in JTA

The ADL's annual antisemitism conference, "Never Is Now," in Manhattan witnessed protests from over 100 Jews who criticized the organization for allegedly aligning with figures like Donald Trump and Elon Musk, perceived by some as contrary to Jewish community interests.

0 Politics Culture

Christian conservatives have appropriated Queen Esther as a symbol. Let’s take her back.

JTA

The article discusses the appropriation of Queen Esther by conservative Christian groups in the United States to advance their political agendas, notably those opposing civil rights and pro-Palestinian movements.

Holidays ›

0 Holidays Culture

A Purim-themed circus is coming to town

Jackie Hajdenberg in JTA

A unique Purim-themed circus event called Cirque du Purim is being organized by ABCirque, a Brooklyn-based circus company, to add a twist to traditional Purim celebrations.

Literature ›

0 Literature Antisemitism

In an 'Oliver Twist' prequel, Fagin gets a first name — and the spotlight

Samuel Eli Shepherd in Forward

Allison Epstein's novel, "Fagin the Thief," offers a fresh perspective on the notorious Jewish character from Charles Dickens's "Oliver Twist" by exploring his background and complexities.

0 Literature Culture

What Makes a Love Story: Jessica Soffer On Her New Novel

Arielle Silver-Willner in Lilith

Jessica Soffer's novel "This Is a Love Story" explores the multifaceted nature of love through the 50-year marriage of its central characters, Jane and Abe.

Television/Film ›

0 Television/Film Culture

Is 'Kugel,' the prequel to 'Shtisel,' an antisemite's dream?

Mira Fox in Forward

Kugel, a prequel to the acclaimed series Shtisel, explores the lives of the Haredi Shitsel family branch in Antwerp, focusing on Nuchem, a character who embodies the trope of the unscrupulous, greedy Orthodox Jew.

0 Television/Film Culture

Everything to Know About the ‘Shtisel’ Prequel, ‘Kugel,’ Now Streaming

Lior Zaltzman in Kveller

Kugel, the prequel to the beloved Israeli series Shtisel, is now streaming on the IZZY platform and offers fans a new but familiar experience.

Communities ›

0 Communities Culture

Israeli-American Hostage Sagui Dekel-Cohen Sings a Beautiful Song for His Daughters and the Remaining Hostages

Lior Zaltzman in Kveller

Sagui Dekel-Chen, an Israeli-American formerly held hostage, has touched many hearts with a poignant rendition of the Hebrew song "Keren Shemesh" amidst his family and those whose lives he impacted through Bikurim, a music-focused boarding school he co-founded near the Gaza border.

0 Communities Leadership

Crisis response informed by prior experience: Your federation dollars at work

eJewishPhilanthropy

Jewish federations have a long-standing partnership with the Jewish Agency for Israel, utilizing donor contributions to respond effectively to crises both in Israel and globally.

Leadership ›

0 Leadership Culture

Gal Gadot: ‘We Need to Pass Down to Our Jewish Children a Love of Who They Are’

Lior Zaltzman in Kveller

At the ADL's Never Is Now Conference, actress Gal Gadot received the International Leadership Award, delivering a powerful speech on Jewish identity, heritage, and resilience.

Music ›

0 Music Culture

At a memorabilia auction, Bob Dylan reunites with another noteworthy Bob — and the unsung women behind their careers

Jim Sullivan in Forward

Bob Dylan and Bob Neuwirth, both seminal figures in the 1960s folk music scene, are center stage at a memorabilia auction, highlighted by Dylan's first demo tape from 1961 and various personal items.

Jewish Law ›

0 Jewish Law Gender/Identity

Not the Wrong Message

Emes Ve-Emunah

Rabbi Amichai Lau-Lavie, an openly gay Conservative rabbi, was criticized for an op-ed he wrote in JTA, which was perceived as mocking Jewish values.

0 Jewish Law Leadership

You Asked, Rabbi Ulman Answered

Nomi Kaltmann in Lehrhaus

Nomi Kaltmann reviews "MiLishkat HaDarom," a collection of rabbinic questions and answers by Rabbi Yehoram Ulman, Senior Dayan of the Sydney Beth Din and a well-regarded authority on Jewish family law.

Education ›

0 Education Antisemitism

Why I’m choosing to teach genocide law at Columbia despite antisemitism on campus

Menachem Z. Rosensaft in JTA

Menachem Z. Rosensaft articulates his decision to continue teaching genocide law at Columbia University despite concerns of antisemitism, contrasting with Deborah Lipstadt's decision to decline a teaching opportunity there for similar reasons.

Culture ›

0 Culture Politics

Does it matter if Sean Baker is (or isn't) a Zionist?

Louis Keene in Forward

Sean Baker, an acclaimed director who made history by winning four Oscars for a single film, is controversially labeled as a Zionist due to his social media engagements with certain accounts.

Science ›

0 Science Education

Israel, America and ADHD

Hilary Danailova in Hadassah

Israel has emerged as a significant hub for ADHD research and treatment, with increasing rates of diagnosis mirroring those in the United States.

Israel ›

0 Israel Politics

The award for Best (Antisemitic) Documentary goes to...

Elder of Ziyon in Future of Jewish

A contentious film, "No Other Land," which won an Oscar for Best Documentary, comes under scrutiny in this analysis.

JL;DR

for Thursday, March 6, 2025

Antisemitism ›

Philosophy ›

Politics ›

Holidays ›

Literature ›

Television/Film ›

Communities ›

Leadership ›

Music ›

Jewish Law ›

Education ›

Culture ›

Science ›

Israel ›

Editors' Note

Top Topics in Jewish Media

March 6's Short Reads

Recent podcast episodes

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Antisemitism ›

Philosophy ›

Politics ›

Holidays ›

Literature ›

Television/Film ›

Communities ›

Leadership ›

Music ›

Jewish Law ›

Education ›

Culture ›

Science ›

Israel ›

Editors' Note

Top Topics in Jewish Media

March 6's Short Reads

Recent podcast episodes

for Thursday, March 6, 2025