JL;DR

Daily Podcasts Video Research

for Thursday, May 15, 2025

Culture ›

0 Culture Politics

Jews support reproductive rights, not activists who demonize us

eJewishPhilanthropy

Hannah Einbinder, a celebrated Jewish Hollywood performer, has recently sparked controversy for supporting the "Fund Abortion Not War" campaign, which some argue injects antisemitism into the reproductive rights movement.

0 Culture Politics

Once again, Jews are caught in the crossfire of a media revolution.

Ted Goldstein in Future of Jewish

As media paradigms shift, Jewish communities find themselves navigating the challenges of new media landscapes, reminiscent of historical patterns where informational revolutions enabled both positive and destructive potential.

0 Culture History

Meet the pioneering Jewish female comedian you’ve probably never heard of

Joseph Strauss in JTA

Jean Carroll, born Celine Zeigman in Paris, was a pioneering Jewish female comedian who laid the groundwork for future generations of women in comedy.

0 Culture Leadership

Publisher's Note

Sapir

The publisher reflects on the impact of recent events in Israel and the necessity of resilience within the Jewish community while facing ongoing technological challenges.

0 Culture Jewish Law

Publisher's Note

Sapir

The article reflects on the American Jewish community's hesitance to openly discuss faith, often due to historical sensitivities and the desire for inclusivity.

0 Culture Communities

My Palestinian best friend made me a proud Zionist.

Liza Libes in Future of Jewish

Liza Libes recounts her transformation from a secular Jew indifferent to her heritage to a fervent Zionist influenced by her friendships and life experiences.

Literature ›

0 Literature Torah

A Twice Told Tale: Uncovering the Intertextuality of Historical Aggadot

Moshe Isaacson in Lehrhaus

Moshe Isaacson explores the intertextuality of historical aggadot, demonstrating how these non-legal rabbinic tales from the Talmud often mirror biblical narratives in subtle yet significant ways.

0 Literature Holocaust

Jewish Masterpiece: A Guide for the Bedevilled

Sapir

Ben Hecht, a prominent Jewish American writer and Hollywood screenwriter, authored "A Guide for the Bedevilled" in 1943, capturing the tumult of the era with an analysis of antisemitism that resonates today.

Politics ›

0 Politics Antisemitism

Jews in Canada and Australia warily eye the future after liberal party electoral victories

Gabby Deutch in Jewish Insider

Following unexpected electoral victories by liberal parties in Canada and Australia, Jewish communities in both countries are navigating a period of increased antisemitism and strained governmental relationships.

0 Politics Antisemitism

Ras Baraka’s late surge in N.J. gubernatorial primary alarms Jewish leaders

Matthew Kassel in Jewish Insider

As the New Jersey gubernatorial primary approaches, Jewish leaders express concern over Ras Baraka, Newark's progressive mayor, whose unexpected rise in the polls is drawing attention due to his controversial views on Israel and connections with Louis Farrakhan.

0 Politics Communities

NYC penalizes organizers of community garden that required members to oppose Zionism

Grace Gilson in JTA

The Sunset Community Garden in Ridgewood, Queens, is facing the revocation of its city license due to a controversial membership policy demanding that members oppose Zionism.

0 Politics Antisemitism

‘A Shonda’: Eric Adams and Brad Lander trade blows in bitter feud over antisemitism in NYC mayoral race

Jacob Kornbluh in Forward

The article details a political feud between NYC Mayor Eric Adams and Comptroller Brad Lander over their approaches to combating rising antisemitism.

0 Politics Communities

South Africa’s chief rabbi supports Donald Trump — but says his refugee program for Afrikaners is a ‘mistake’

Shira Li Bartov in Forward

South Africa's Chief Rabbi, Warren Goldstein, initially supported President Donald Trump for his pro-Israel stance and criticism of the South African government, particularly regarding its partnership with Iran and land expropriation laws.

0 Politics Communities

No Prison For Charedim

Natan Slifkin in Rationalist Judaism

Natan Slifkin critically examines the issue of charedi draft evasion in Israel, focusing on recent actions by the Military Police to arrest draft-dodgers and the uproar it caused among charedi political parties.

0 Politics Israel

Trump pushes Syria to establish ties with Israel, praises its leader

Ben Sales in JTA

During a Middle East visit, former U.S. President Donald Trump met with Syria's new leader, Ahmed al-Sharaa, encouraging him to form diplomatic ties with Israel as part of an extended Abraham Accords initiative.

0 Politics History

Anti-Zionist Committees of the American Public

Sapir

During the tense era of the early 1980s in the Soviet Union, anti-Zionist sentiments were at their peak, with Jewish identity heavily scrutinized and expressions of Jewish culture and pride suppressed.

0 Politics Israel

Publisher's Note

Sapir

In the wake of the unsettling events of October 7, the publisher reflects on the newfound clarity regarding international and domestic stances on Israel.

0 Politics Communities

Sapir

American Jewry's historic allegiance to the Democratic Party, based on a shared commitment to progressive causes, is facing a challenge as internal tensions arise over issues like Israel and Jewish-specific concerns.

0 Politics Ethics

Actually, Feelings Don’t Care About Your Facts

Sapir

Israel activism often struggles by relying too much on facts and not enough on emotional connection, as shown in recent research exploring attitudes toward Jews and Israel among various American demographics.

0 Politics Communities

‘This Regime Is Naked’

Sapir

In a detailed interview for Sapir's Activism issue, Bret Stephens speaks with Iranian-American activist Mehdi Yahyanejad about his efforts to promote free expression against Iran's hardline regime.

0 Politics Israel

Why Has Palestinian Activism Been So Successful?

Sapir

The article examines how Palestinian activism has successfully mirrored historical social movements, such as the U.S. civil rights movement, to gain traction both academically and socially in Western contexts.

0 Politics History

If Not Now, When?

Sapir

In 1978, as Israel engaged in contentious peace negotiations with Egypt, 40 high school seniors urged Prime Minister Menachem Begin to expedite talks and withdraw from territories captured in the Six-Day War.

0 Politics History

Jews and Activism

Sapir

Jewish involvement in political activism has been significant throughout history, demonstrating a notable pattern of Jewish leadership in various revolutionary movements, despite Jews being a minority.

0 Politics Antisemitism

Half of American Jewish voters believe Trump is antisemitic, poll finds

Grace Gilson in JTA

A recent survey by GBAO Strategies reveals deep concerns among American Jewish voters about President Donald Trump's conduct and policies, with 52% considering him antisemitic.

0 Politics Communities

Terrifying Times at Newark Airport

Yossi Krausz in Ami

Newark International Airport has experienced multiple radar and communication outages over the past two weeks, causing significant delays and flight cancellations.

0 Politics Antisemitism

Mindless Maliciousness // We pray and they pray

Avi Shafran in Ami

In the wake of the Hamas-Israel conflict, Dr. Josh Winer—a US-based surgeon and former IDF soldier—returned to Israel to provide medical aid, only to face hostility upon returning to his job at Emory University.

0 Politics Israel

Trump’s Gulf tour underscores Israel’s diplomatic disadvantage

Gabby Deutch in Jewish Insider

President Trump's visit to Gulf states, excluding Israel, has highlighted concerns among pro-Israel advocates about the U.S. potentially sidelining Israel in favor of financial interests with Saudi Arabia and other Gulf nations.

0 Politics Communities

As rivals talk antisemitism, this NYC mayoral candidate pitches a bread and butter appeal to Orthodox voters

Jacob Kornbluh in Forward

Zellnor Myrie, a New York City mayoral candidate, seeks to gain support from Orthodox Jewish voters by prioritizing community-centric issues like affordable housing, education, and public safety over more traditional focal points like antisemitism and Israel.

Antisemitism ›

0 Antisemitism Politics

Trump just granted asylum to a man who posted ‘Jews are dangerous’

Benyamin Cohen in Forward

Charl Kleinhaus, a South African farmer granted asylum in the U.S. under President Trump's policy aiding white South Africans, has reportedly shared antisemitic views online, creating tension and irony as Jewish refugee agency HIAS aids his resettlement.

0 Antisemitism Jewish Law

Antisemitic Countries, Jews, and Rabbis

Emes Ve-Emunah

The article delves into the debate surrounding Jewish circumcision, highlighting a police raid on mohalim in Antwerp as evidence of antisemitism.

0 Antisemitism Communities

Man burns library books on Jewish history, including Anne Frank’s diary, in Jewish suburb of Cleveland

Andrew Lapin in JTA

In a disturbing incident in a predominantly Jewish suburb of Cleveland, a man checked out and then burned numerous library books on Jewish history, including a copy of Anne Frank's diary, as well as materials related to Black and LGBTQ topics.

0 Antisemitism Education

Sapir

The article explores the evolving impact of legal action in combating antisemitism on American college campuses.

0 Antisemitism Communities

Sapir

In October 2023, amid rising antisemitism on university campuses, Jewish students at Brown University faced harassment from peers and faculty, as highlighted by disturbing student testimonies.

0 Antisemitism Politics

Sapir

The international conference on antisemitism held in Jerusalem raised controversy due to the inclusion of several far-right European politicians, which led to significant Jewish figures withdrawing in protest.

Television/Film ›

0 Television/Film Holocaust

Scarlett Johansson Tells Holocaust Survivors’ Stories in Directorial Debut

Lior Zaltzman in Kveller

Scarlett Johansson's directorial debut, "Eleanor the Great," showcases her deep connection to her Jewish heritage and Holocaust history.

0 Television/Film Culture

‘Ada: My Mother the Architect’ Is a Love Letter to a Jewish Mother and to the Ideal of Israel

Lior Zaltzman in Kveller

Ada Karmi-Melamede, an influential Israeli architect, and her profound legacy are explored in the documentary 'Ada: My Mother the Architect,' directed by her daughter Yael.

0 Television/Film Politics

Can the Media Keep Kosher?

Sapir

Amidst growing concerns about political bias in the media, the article examines the historical evolution of journalism's relationship with objectivity and activism.

Sports ›

0 Sports Antisemitism

Jewish NHL owner suspended after social media spat with fan he called an ‘anti-semite loser’

Jacob Gurvis in JTA

Florida Panthers minority owner Doug Cifu, who is Jewish, has been indefinitely suspended by the NHL following a heated social media exchange where he accused a critical fan of antisemitism amidst discussions of the Israel-Hamas conflict.

0 Sports Antisemitism

'All my homies hate paintball Nazis': Antisemitism scandal tears through paintball community

Hannah Feuer in Forward

The paintball community, typically focused on tactical discussions, was recently struck by controversy when world champion Marcello Margott featured a paintball gun with Nazi symbols on social media.

0 Sports Politics

‘Regrettable’ pro-Israel tweets land Florida hockey exec in penalty box

Louis Keene in Forward

Doug Cifu, minority owner and vice chairman of the Florida Panthers, has been suspended indefinitely by the NHL after engaging in a heated Twitter exchange with a pro-Palestinian fan where he used inflammatory language comparing criticism of Israel to antisemitism.

Art ›

0 Art Jewish Law

The towering Jewish critic who taught me to grok art and hate Picasso

Jessica Seigel in Forward

In a reflective piece, Jessica Seigel recounts her connections to the influential Marxist art critic Max Kozloff, whose recent memorial in April 2025 unveiled his significant contributions to art criticism and its intersection with Jewish identity.

Communities ›

0 Communities Politics

Judge cites Betar US in releasing Massachusetts student from immigration detention

Andrew Lapin in JTA

A federal judge ruled that the arrest of Efe Ercelik, a Turkish student charged with violence at a UMass Hillel vigil, was heavily influenced by the militant pro-Israel group Betar US.

0 Communities Politics

Museums and their Discontents

Sapir

Since October 2023, American museums have witnessed demonstrations similar to those on university campuses, with protesters calling for boycotts against Israel and alleging cultural complicity in Palestinian oppression.

0 Communities Leadership

Rolling with the Punches

Rabbi Yitzchok Frankfurter in Ami

Rabbi Eli Portal, having overcome a life-altering ATV accident at a young age, now dedicates his life to mentoring others in the Jewish community facing adversity.

Israel ›

0 Israel History

These young Jews leave everything behind to defend Israel.

Joshua Hoffman in Future of Jewish

The phenomenon of lone soldiers in the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) illustrates a profound commitment to Jewish identity and the State of Israel.

0 Israel Politics

Dear Paul, I’m a Zionist

Sapir

In a letter addressing Paul O'Brien, the executive director of Amnesty International USA, the author defends Zionism in light of O'Brien's recent comments against the idea of Israel as a Jewish state.

Education ›

0 Education Communities

The quiet work that secures the Jewish future

eJewishPhilanthropy

In response to rising antisemitism and the need for Jewish continuity, the importance of Jewish day schools is highlighted as a cornerstone for building a vibrant Jewish future.

0 Education Culture

Publisher's Note

Sapir

Jacob Neusner famously argued that civilization depends on the transmission of memory and learning across generations.

0 Education Antisemitism

Goodbye, Columbia

Sapir

Amidst waning public confidence in American higher education, the article proposes a strategic approach for enhancing the Jewish experience and improving university standards.

0 Education Culture

The Encampment Mindset

Sapir

The article analyzes the psychological drivers behind student activism using examples like the Columbia University protests.

0 Education Politics

A University’s Responsibility

Sapir

The piece explores the evolving role of activism within university campuses, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a balance between free expression and respectful discourse.

Leadership ›

0 Leadership History

Why Jewish people should care about the appointment of the pope

eJewishPhilanthropy

The appointment of a Pope holds significant implications for Jewish communities, reflecting centuries of intertwined histories, from persecution to reconciliation.

0 Leadership Culture

Publisher’s Note

Sapir

Sapir tackles the ambitious notion of a "Jewish moonshot" in its latest issue, inspired by President Kennedy’s bold vision for space exploration.

0 Leadership Jewish Law

Aryeh Simon // Adar Currency Services/Adar Global • Change 86

Nesanel Gantz in Ami

Aryeh Simon, originally from Los Angeles, transitioned from a life of Torah study to becoming a businessman, addressing the costly and delayed process of wiring money to Israel.

Food ›

0 Food Culture

From Mouth to Mind: Food and Jewish Engagement

Sapir

Michael Solomonov, an Israeli chef known for popularizing Israeli cuisine in the United States, discusses the role of food in Jewish culture and identity.

Science ›

0 Science Politics

The Roots of Public Mistrust: Science, Policy & Academic Integrity

Sapir

In the context of increasing public mistrust in scientific integrity and institutions, the author reflects on dilemmas faced when scientific findings intersect with political issues, such as climate change and public health.

History ›

0 History Politics

Refusenik Lessons for Today

Sapir

The term "refusenik" refers to Soviet Jews whose emigration requests were denied, highlighting a tenacious fight against Soviet oppression.

Ethics ›

0 Ethics Politics

How Should Activists Relate to Risk? - An investigation through Jewish text, in the wake of escalating violence in the West Bank against Palestinians and their allies

Aryeh Bernstein in Jewish Currents

Jewish social activist Aryeh Bernstein interviews Maya Rosen, a Jerusalem-based organizer who works with Palestinian communities in the West Bank, focusing on the concept of risk assessment in activism.