for Friday, April 25, 2025

Welcome, visitor! Here's a digest of what's been published in Jewish media over the last day. JL;DR members have access to summaries of everything plus our full archive. Donate & start reading »

Politics ›

0 Politics Communities

Itamar Ben-Gvir's visit to a Jewish society at Yale exposed deep rifts between US Jews

Rob Eshman in Forward

Itamar Ben-Gvir's visit to speak at a Jewish group near Yale University ignited significant controversy, exposing deep divisions within the American Jewish community regarding Israel and campus politics.

0 Politics Israel

In NYC, Itamar Ben-Gvir says he’s changed — and wants ‘the Trump plan’ in Gaza

Ben Sales in JTA

Israeli far-right politician Itamar Ben-Gvir, currently Israel's national security minister, visited NYC amid heavy protests to promote controversial policies, including those inspired by former U.S. President Donald Trump for the Gaza Strip.

0 Politics Communities

Long Island synagogue cancels Ben-Gvir talk amid wide tensions over whether to host him

Andrew Lapin in Forward

Itamar Ben-Gvir, Israel's right-wing national security minister, experienced mixed reactions during his stateside visit, where several Jewish institutions canceled his planned appearances.

0 Politics Antisemitism

Liberals, Conservatives, Antisemitism, and Free Speech

Emes Ve-Emunah

The article examines the complex dynamics around antisemitism and free speech, particularly in academic settings, focusing on differing perspectives within the Jewish community regarding the Trump administration's policies.

0 Politics Communities

A Letter to My Local Representative

InternsFall21 in Lilith

In a poignant and personal letter, the author expresses frustration with their local Montana representative who knocked on their door during a political campaign.

0 Politics Antisemitism

Exclusive: Trump nominee apologizes for praising Nazi sympathizer while awaiting Senate confirmation hearing

Jacob Kornbluh in Forward

Edward Martin, interim U.S. Attorney for D.C., has apologized for previously praising Timothy Hale-Cusanelli, a known Nazi sympathizer.

0 Politics Antisemitism

72% of American Jews disapprove of Donald Trump’s performance so far, poll finds

Ben Sales in JTA

A recent survey by the Jewish Electorate Institute reveals that 72% of American Jews disapprove of Donald Trump's job performance, reflecting significant dissatisfaction with his policies.

0 Politics Israel

A Palestinian leader just gave Trump an unprecedented opening to pursue peace

Dan Perry in Forward

Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas has made a bold move by publicly condemning Hamas for its role in perpetuating the conflict in Gaza, labeling them with harsh words and demanding their disarmament and handover of hostages.

0 Politics Israel

Jewish Georgia leaders say Ossoff is making amends, but still has more work to do

Marc Rod in Jewish Insider

Senator Jon Ossoff's recent reversal on blocking U.S. aid to Israel has been cautiously welcomed by Jewish leaders in Georgia, who emphasize that while it's a step toward rebuilding trust with the Jewish community, sustained effort is needed.

0 Politics Education

NIH bans grants for schools that boycott Israeli companies

Grace Gilson in Forward

The National Institutes of Health (NIH) has implemented a new policy barring colleges and universities from receiving research funding if they boycott Israeli companies.

0 Politics Antisemitism

After outcry, Cornell president cancels pro-Palestinian performer chosen for campus concert

Grace Gilson in Forward

Cornell University canceled R&B singer Kehlani's performance at its Slope Day concert due to backlash from Jewish students and organizations over her previous anti-Israel statements and social media activity.

Holocaust ›

0 Holocaust Antisemitism

On his first trip to Auschwitz, New Jersey governor urges vigilance against rising antisemitism

Jacob Kornbluh in Forward

New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy, on his first visit to Auschwitz-Birkenau, participated in the March of the Living to honor Holocaust Remembrance Day.

0 Holocaust Communities

Survivors of the Holocaust and Oct. 7 embrace at Auschwitz, marking annual March of the Living

Deborah Danan in Forward

At the annual March of the Living, Holocaust and recent hostage survivors gathered at Auschwitz to commemorate their shared resilience.

0 Holocaust Television/Film

Yom Ha Shoah | "Judgment At Nuremberg"

Jewdicious

Amid the observance of Yom HaShoah, Holocaust Remembrance Day, the importance of remembering the horrors and moral failures of the past is underscored by the film "Judgment at Nuremberg."

0 Holocaust Communities

Let each of us view ourselves as though we personally had emerged from the Shoah

eJewishPhilanthropy

The keynote address delivered at the Yom HaShoah commemoration in Paramus, NJ, highlights the personal and collective responsibility to remember the Holocaust through the lens of individual and family experiences.

0 Holocaust Politics

A Holocaust perpetrator was just celebrated on US soil. I think I know why no one objected.

Lev Golinkin in Forward

The commemoration of Roman Shukhevych, a known Nazi collaborator responsible for massacres during World War II, by Ukraine's Chicago consulate, highlights ongoing issues of Holocaust revisionism and historical distortion.

0 Holocaust Communities

She forgot Yom Hashoah – then created a movement that changed the way Israel remembers the Holocaust

Lahav Harkov in Jewish Insider

Adi Altschuler's initiative, Zikaron BaSalon, has drastically transformed Holocaust remembrance in Israel by moving it from formal ceremonies to intimate gatherings in living rooms.

Literature ›

0 Literature Holocaust

‘We Were The Lucky Ones’ Author Georgia Hunter Tells an Incredible New Holocaust Tale

Lior Zaltzman in Kveller

Georgia Hunter's novel, originally a personal exploration of her Holocaust-surviving grandfather's past, became the acclaimed novel and TV show "We Were the Lucky Ones."

Antisemitism ›

0 Antisemitism History

Islam's antisemitic roots run deep.

Elaine Ellinger in Future of Jewish

Elaine Ellinger examines the roots of antisemitic sentiment within Islamic doctrine, suggesting that a significant portion of the Koran is critical of Jews, dating back to early conflicts in the time of Muhammad.

0 Antisemitism Politics

Training for NYPD Officers Categorized the Keffiyeh and Watermelon as Antisemitic Symbols - Experts say the training reinforced a police culture that treats Palestinians and their supporters with suspicion and brutality.

Alex Kane in Jewish Currents

A contentious NYPD training session on antisemitism has drawn criticism for associating pro-Palestinian symbols, such as the keffiyeh and watermelon, with antisemitism.

0 Antisemitism Politics

Global antisemitism has declined since Oct. 7, Tel Aviv University says

Grace Gilson in Forward

The article discusses a study from Tel Aviv University revealing a marked decline in antisemitic incidents globally following a peak during late 2023.

0 Antisemitism Politics

Columbia staff receive texts asking if they're Jewish, as government hunts antisemitic harassment on campus

Louis Keene in Forward

The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) recently sent text messages to staff at Columbia University and Barnard College, inquiring whether they are Jewish or Israeli and if they have experienced harassment.

0 Antisemitism Education

Campus protests fizzle out in 2025

Gabby Deutch in Jewish Insider

In 2025, anti-Israel protests on U.S. college campuses have notably declined compared to previous years, spurred by stricter university policies and pressure from the Trump administration threatening funding cuts for unchecked antisemitic activities.

Israel ›

0 Israel Politics

‘Let the Truth Come Out’

Maayan Hoffman in Hadassah

In a moving account, the story reveals the devastating impact of the October 7, 2023, attack by Hamas on the Nahal Oz base in southern Israel, which resulted in the tragic deaths of soldiers, including 16 young female observers.

0 Israel Holocaust

The greatest memorial to the Holocaust is not a museum. It’s Israel.

Joshua Hoffman in Future of Jewish

Joshua Hoffman argues that the greatest memorial to the Holocaust is not a physical monument but the modern State of Israel itself.

Jewish Law ›

0 Jewish Law Politics

Could changes at the FDA call the kosher status of milk into question? Many are asking.

Philissa Cramer in Forward

The recent suspension of federal testing of commercially produced milk by the FDA sparked concerns among kosher-observant Jews about its implications for the kosher status of milk.

0 Jewish Law Food

Is it a Mitzvah to Eat Kosher?

Natan Slifkin in Rationalist Judaism

Natan Slifkin explores the complex question of whether eating kosher is a mitzvah—commandment or good deed—in Jewish law.

History ›

0 History Culture

A family memoir is about the search for a Jewish homeland, from Zion to Texas

Andrew Silow-Carroll in JTA

Rachel Cockerell's debut book, "Melting Point: Family, Memory, and the Search for a Promised Land," explores the migration and identity of Jewish descendants from Zionist activism to unexpected settlements in Texas.

Education ›

0 Education Israel

At the 100-year mark, Hebrew University’s American friends are looking to capitalize on a unique moment

Larry Luxner in JTA

American Friends of the Hebrew University (AFHU) celebrates its centennial along with Hebrew University of Jerusalem, emphasizing its pivotal role amidst rising global antisemitism and anti-Israel sentiment on US campuses.

0 Education Holocaust

Witness to witness: My journey reimagining Holocaust education

eJewishPhilanthropy

Social studies teacher Jennifer Wasserstrom Doty reflects on her innovative approach to Holocaust education as she nears retirement.

Music ›

0 Music Holocaust

Even the Holocaust could not silence the music of these composers

Jon Kalish in Forward

Jeanne Golan, a New York pianist, has dedicated the past 15 years to the 'recovered voices' movement, recording music by composers persecuted by the Nazis.

Culture ›

0 Culture History

Einstein or Edison? Jordan or LeBron? A rabbi explains why Jews debate who is greatest

Benyamin Cohen in Forward

Rabbi Zev Eleff, president of Gratz College and historian of American Jewry, explores the concept of greatness in his new book, "The Greatest of All Time: A History of an American Obsession."

Philosophy ›

0 Philosophy Ethics

Pope Francis’ legacy

eJewishPhilanthropy

Since the passing of Pope Francis, he has been commemorated for his groundbreaking interfaith initiatives, emphasizing that all religions are valid paths to God.

Holidays ›

0 Holidays Israel

What ‘the Yoms’ teach us about national resilience

eJewishPhilanthropy

The passage highlights the significance of the Yoms, a series of Israeli national commemorations: Yom HaShoah, Yom HaZikaron, and Yom HaAtzmaut, which collectively reflect the resilience and unity of the Israeli people.

Art ›

0 Art Holocaust

Fashion photographer Bryce Thompson pairs Holocaust survivors with celebrities in new collection

Haley Cohen in Jewish Insider

Fashion photographer Bryce Thompson has launched a powerful project titled Borrowed Spotlight, which pairs Holocaust survivors with Hollywood celebrities to highlight survivor stories and promote Holocaust awareness.

Communities ›

0 Communities Politics

An elite Jewish society at Yale fractures over its director’s embrace of Itamar Ben-Gvir

Andrew Lapin in Forward

Shabtai, a Jewish society at Yale University known for its diverse exchange of ideas, faces internal turmoil after its director, Rabbi Shmully Hecht, announced plans to host Itamar Ben-Gvir, a controversial far-right Israeli minister.

JL;DR

for Friday, April 25, 2025

Politics ›

Holocaust ›

Literature ›

Antisemitism ›

Israel ›

Jewish Law ›

History ›

Education ›

Music ›

Culture ›

Philosophy ›

Holidays ›

Art ›

Communities ›

Editors' Note

Top Topics in Jewish Media

April 25's Short Reads

Recent podcast episodes

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Politics ›

Holocaust ›

Literature ›

Antisemitism ›

Israel ›

Jewish Law ›

History ›

Education ›

Music ›

Culture ›

Philosophy ›

Holidays ›

Art ›

Communities ›

Editors' Note

Top Topics in Jewish Media

April 25's Short Reads

Recent podcast episodes

for Friday, April 25, 2025