for Thursday, May 14, 2026

Politics ›

Kristof column alleging Israeli abuse of Palestinian prisoners sparks outrage, scrutiny and debate among Jews

Grace Gilson in Forward

The New York Times published a controversial column by Nicholas Kristof detailing alleged sexual abuse of Palestinian prisoners by Israeli guards, sparking intense debate and condemnation from various Jewish groups and leaders.

0 Politics Antisemitism

From Rutgers speaker to Kristof column, disputed dog rape claim against Israel goes mainstream

JTA

A controversial claim that Israeli authorities train dogs to sexually assault Palestinian prisoners gained significant traction after appearing in a New York Times column by Nicholas Kristof.

0 Politics Culture

Last Knights

Harrison Kass in Tablet

The article by Harrison Kass examines the declining role and mythos of the fighter pilot in modern warfare, particularly in light of the increasing reliance on drones and automated systems.

0 Politics Ethics

They texted about Torah and mitzvahs. Feds say they were insider trading

Louis Keene in Forward

A complex insider trading network, utilizing Jewish code words, has been unveiled by federal authorities, implicating several individuals including corporate lawyer Nicolo Nourafchan.

0 Politics Culture

Trump announced a national Shabbat — and a giant celebration of Christianity the very next day

Mira Fox in Forward

In celebration of the 250th anniversary of the United States, President Trump highlighted religious aspects with Shabbat 250 and a significantly larger Christian event, Rededicate 250, raising questions about religious inclusivity.

0 Politics Antisemitism

At Jewish Democratic event, Jacob Frey says anti-Zionism can blur into antisemitism

Joseph Strauss in Forward

Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey addressed the Jewish Democratic Council of America, expressing concerns about the ways in which anti-Zionist sentiments can sometimes border on antisemitism.

0 Politics Culture

All American Jews should acknowledge Nakba Day — for Israel's sake, and Palestine's

Hadar Susskind in Forward

Hadar Susskind argues that American Jews should acknowledge Nakba Day, commemorated on May 15, by recognizing both the profound liberation that came with Israel's founding for Jews and the simultaneous loss experienced by Palestinians.

0 Politics Communities

Jewish students wanted to bring J Street to Sarah Lawrence. Why did the student senate say no?

Andrew Lapin in JTA

Sarah Lawrence College's student government recently denied recognition to a proposed chapter of J Street U, a liberal pro-Israel group advocating for a two-state solution and fostering dialogue on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

0 Politics Jewish Law

When it comes to Israel/Palestine, everyone is sure that everyone else is a bigot

Jay Michaelson in Forward

The piece by Jay Michaelson explores the polarizing and entrenched positions within the discourse surrounding Israel and Palestine, termed by the author as the "Great Hardening."

0 Politics Antisemitism

Jewish Republican Paul Singer tarred with rainbow Star of David in Kentucky candidate’s anti-LGBTQ ad

Jackie Hajdenberg in JTA

In the political landscape of Kentucky's GOP congressional primary, a controversial ad has surfaced targeting Jewish billionaire Paul Singer, a prominent Republican donor known for his advocacy of gay rights.

0 Politics Antisemitism

The New York Times is lying about Israel (again).

Joshua Hoffman in Future of Jewish

Joshua Hoffman's critique argues that The New York Times has consistently misrepresented Israel, framing it within an anti-Israel narrative through selective reporting and opinion pieces.

0 Politics Gender/Identity

Israeli report on ‘systematic’ Oct. 7 sexual violence seeks to shift debate from denial to accountability

Deborah Danan in Forward

The new Israeli report by the Civil Commission on Oct. 7 Crimes presents exhaustive documentation of sexual violence as a deliberate strategy during the Hamas-led attacks, aiming to shift the debate from denial to accountability.

0 Politics Israel

Strange Trip

Lee Smith in Tablet

The article "Strange Trip" by Lee Smith explores the geopolitical complexities surrounding President Donald Trump's stance on Iran amidst tensions with Chinese leader Xi Jinping.

0 Politics Jewish Law

Mamdani supersizes NYC hate crimes office, as tensions simmer over synagogue protests

Jacob Kornbluh in Forward

New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani announced a substantial increase in the city's budget for the prevention of hate crimes, in response to rising antisemitic incidents and community tensions, particularly in Brooklyn's Jewish neighborhoods.

0 Politics Ethics

United States vs. Southern Poverty Law Center: How this case could impact Jewish advocacy organizations

eJewishPhilanthropy

The federal case against the Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC) is being closely watched due to its potential implications for other advocacy organizations, including Jewish groups.

Antisemitism ›

0 Antisemitism Politics

From Rutgers speaker to Kristof column, disputed dog rape claim against Israel goes mainstream

Philissa Cramer, Grace Gilson in Forward

A recent controversy has emerged from claims that Israel trains dogs to sexually assault Palestinian prisoners, an allegation initially dismissed as implausible but which gained traction after being cited by New York Times columnist Nicholas Kristof.

0 Antisemitism Politics

Rand Paul’s son apologizes after reportedly making antisemitic attack on Rep. Mike Lawler

Jackie Hajdenberg in Forward

Senator Rand Paul's son, William Paul, issued an apology and sought help for his drinking after making antisemitic remarks during an altercation with Rep. Mike Lawler at a Washington, D.C. bar.

0 Antisemitism Politics

America’s Conspiratorial Consensus

Izabella Tabarovsky in Tablet

The rise of conspiracist anti-Zionism in America marks a troubling convergence of ideologies that transcends traditional left-right political divides.

0 Antisemitism Culture

Netflix's hate speech policy excludes Jews.

Future of Jewish

The article critiques Netflix's lack of sensitivity towards Jewish issues in its hate speech policy, as demonstrated during "The Roast of Kevin Hart."

History ›

0 History Torah

Did R. Akiva’s Students Die in the Bar Kokhba Revolt?

Chaim Katz in Lehrhaus

Chaim Katz examines the historical narrative surrounding the death of Rabbi Akiva's students, traditionally attributed to a lack of respect among themselves during the period between Passover and Shavuot.

0 History Culture

‘The First Salute:’ An Obscure Jewish Revolutionary War Story

Hilary Danailova in Hadassah

A new exhibition at Philadelphia's Weitzman Museum of American Jewish History titled "The First Salute" explores the significant yet overlooked involvement of a Jewish community on St. Eustatius in the American Revolution.

Communities ›

0 Communities Politics

Long Island school district pays $125K to settle lawsuit over erased pro-Palestinian student art

Grace Gilson in Forward

A lawsuit against Half Hollow Hills High School West was settled for $125,000 after a Muslim-American student sued the school district for painting over her pro-Palestinian artwork in a campus parking lot.

Culture ›

0 Culture Gender/Identity

1912 Yiddish operetta tackles class conflict and women’s rights

Jon Kalish in Forward

"Khantshe in Amerike," a landmark 1912 Yiddish operetta, returns to the stage, exploring themes such as class conflict, women's rights, and gender fluidity through its protagonist, who defies societal norms by working as a male chauffeur.

0 Culture Education

Letters to the Editor: Adeena Sussman and Keeping Traditions

Editor in Hadassah

Hadassah Magazine's latest collection of letters to the editor showcases a vibrant dialogue between readers, reflecting on the diverse topics covered in recent issues.

0 Culture Education

Henry Winkler’s Emerson Commencement Speech Is One of the Best We’ve Ever Heard

Lior Zaltzman in Kveller

Henry Winkler delivered a memorable commencement speech at Emerson College, blending humor and heartfelt advice.

Television/Film ›

0 Television/Film Culture

We’re Obsessed With These Behind the Scenes Photos From ‘Nobody Wants This’ Season 3

Lior Zaltzman in Kveller

The article excitedly shares behind-the-scenes glimpses from the upcoming season three of the popular series "Nobody Wants This," a show centered on the interfaith relationship between an agnostic podcast host, Joanne, and an LA-based rabbi, Noah.

Art ›

0 Art Culture

Jack Kirby finally gets his corner of the city that made him super

PJ Grisar in Forward

Jack Kirby, the legendary comic book creator known for his pivotal role in developing characters like the Fantastic Four and Captain America, has been honored with a street renaming in New York City's Lower East Side, now known as Jack Kirby Way.

Education ›

0 Education Communities

Taking the leap: What a skydiving fundraiser taught us about Jewish engagement

eJewishPhilanthropy

A unique skydiving fundraiser by the Community Scholar Program (CSP) in Southern California highlights innovative approaches to adult Jewish engagement.

Torah ›

0 Torah Philosophy

What Bamidbar Teaches Us About Living Between Worlds

18Forty Staff in 18forty

The article from 18Forty explores the themes of liminality and transition in the Jewish experience, using the biblical book of Bamidbar (Numbers) as a framework.

Leadership ›

0 Leadership Holocaust

At Abraham Foxman’s funeral, an elegy for the last generation with direct ties to the Holocaust

Andrew Silow-Carroll in Forward

Mourners recently gathered to bid farewell to Abraham Foxman, a towering figure in Jewish communal leadership and a Holocaust survivor, who passed away at age 86.

0 Leadership Communities

UJA-Federation of NY taps Jewish day school leader Michael Kay as its next CEO

JTA

Michael Kay, head of Westchester County's Leffell School, has been appointed CEO of the UJA-Federation of New York.

JL;DR

for Thursday, May 14, 2026

Politics ›

Antisemitism ›

History ›

Communities ›

Culture ›

Television/Film ›

Art ›

Education ›

Torah ›

Leadership ›

Editors' Note

Top Topics in Jewish Media

May 14's Short Reads

Recent podcast episodes

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Politics ›

Antisemitism ›

History ›

Communities ›

Culture ›

Television/Film ›

Art ›

Education ›

Torah ›

Leadership ›

Editors' Note

Top Topics in Jewish Media

May 14's Short Reads

Recent podcast episodes

for Thursday, May 14, 2026