Miriam Gershenson

Gaza Developments: Imminent Ceasefire and Rise of Mohammed Sinwar as Hamas Leader

Facilitated by Qatar, Egypt, the current U.S. administration, and the incoming administration under President-elect Donald Trump, the ceasefire talks reflect a high-stakes international effort. Increased pressure and threats from Trump have influenced Hamas’s willingness to engage in negotiations after Hamas refused to negotiate in good faith forcing Qatar to pause its help last year. [Miriam Gershenson]

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International, Israel, Middle East, Miriam Gershenson, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USA

Israeli Choreographer Develops New Rhythmic Dances

The driving force behind DrumatiX is founder, artistic director, and choreographer Noa Barankin, a native of Tel Aviv who has dedicated her life to the art of rhythm and movement. Barankin began tap dancing at 12 and transitioned to professional performances in her 20s. Her journey took her from Israel to Boston and ultimately to San Diego, where she established herself as a prominent figure in the rhythmic arts. [Miriam Gershenson]

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Israel, Miriam Gershenson, Music, Dance, and Visual Arts, San Diego County, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USA

Little Known San Marcos Community Foundation has Funded $2 Million in Local Projects

While the foundation supports both Jewish and non-Jewish organizations, it is especially meaningful to those in the local Jewish community, as its operational and administrative processes are guided by the City of San Marcos, with funding managed through the Jewish Community Foundation of San Diego. [Miriam Gershenson]

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Miriam Gershenson, Philanthropy & Volunteerism, San Diego County, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USA

Gmach Moving to Newer, Larger Quarters; Hosts Chanukah Party with San Diego Jewish Academy, Ken Jewish Community

The Gmach warehouse, an essential service of the Kindness Initiative, is experiencing significant growth due to an increasing demand for the household goods and services it provides to local Jewish families in need. [Miriam Gershenson]

Gmach Moving to Newer, Larger Quarters; Hosts Chanukah Party with San Diego Jewish Academy, Ken Jewish Community Read More »

Miriam Gershenson, Philanthropy & Volunteerism, San Diego County, Staff and Bylined Contributors

House of Israel Serves Up Latkes During December Nights

The family and I attended the “December Nights” event in Balboa Park on Friday, Dec. 6 in historic Balboa Park. Through the crowds of hungry and thirsty attendees, we made our way to the House of Israel. We were greeted by a security guard at the front door and there was also another guard at the back of the house. [Cailin Acosta]

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Cailin Acosta, Israel, Middle East, Miriam Gershenson, San Diego County, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Travel and Food, USA

OpEd: Ghahremani’s Execution Underscores Iran’s Persecution of Jews

The story of Arvin Nathaniel Ghahremani is a haunting reminder of the challenges faced by Jews in Iran. In 2022, at the age of 18, Ghahremani found himself in a violent altercation that would ultimately cost him his life, not because of justice, but because of systemic prejudice.  [Miriam Gershenson]

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Antisemitism, Israel, Middle East, Miriam Gershenson, Staff and Bylined Contributors

Adopt-A-Family Boutique Raises Money for Terror Victims in Israel

Held at the Loma Santa Fe Country Club, the event was buzzing with energy, filled with local vendors, live music, and an outpouring of support for the families impacted by the tragic events of October 7th in Israel. [Miriam Gershenson]

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Albert Kreimerman, Business & Finance, Israel, Lifestyles, Miriam Gershenson, San Diego County, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USA

Mordechai Kedar: West’s Individualism, Secularism clash with Mideast’s Religiosity, Tribalism

Kedar also shed light on the complex alliances and rivalries shaping the region. He highlighted the strained relationship between Iran and its proxies, such as Hamas and Hezbollah, which has been exacerbated by Israel’s recent military successes. He predicted that the Middle East’s geopolitical landscape could shift further after January 20, aligning with potential changes in U.S. administration policies [Miriam Gershenson]

Mordechai Kedar: West’s Individualism, Secularism clash with Mideast’s Religiosity, Tribalism Read More »

Israel, Middle East, Miriam Gershenson, San Diego County, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USA

Israeli Scholar Proposes ‘8-Emirates Solution’ for Palestinians

Dr. Mordechai Kedar, a Middle Eastern affairs expert, is no stranger to innovative and bold proposals for resolving long standing regional conflicts. Among his most discussed ideas is the 8-State Solution, or as he quickly clarifies, the “8 Emirates Solution.” During our conversation, he provided an in-depth explanation of the concept, grounded in his extensive experience and understanding of Middle Eastern geopolitics and sociology. [Miriam Gershenson]

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Israel, Middle East, Miriam Gershenson, San Diego County, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USA

Israeli Scholar Explains Religious Conflicts Between Jews and Muslims

Kedar emphasized that Islam views Judaism as having been nullified twice—first by Christianity and then by Islam itself. This ideological framework, Kedar argued, underpins much of the hostility toward Israel and the Jewish people in the Middle East today. According to this belief, the existence of Jews with their own land, military, and rights is an incomprehensible anomaly to the Islamic world. [Miriam Gershenson]

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Antisemitism, Israel, Jewish History, Jewish Religion, Middle East, Miriam Gershenson, San Diego County, Staff and Bylined Contributors

Shabbat Market Brings Variety of Goods, Unity of Purpose

Every other month, the Jewish Community Center (JCC) comes alive with the buzz of community, culture, and preparation for Shabbat at the Shabbat Market. This unique event offers a perfect blend of practicality and festivity, giving attendees the chance to shop for Shabbat essentials, connect with friends old and new, and immerse themselves in the warmth of local Jewish life.  [Miriam Gershenson]

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Albert Kreimerman, Business & Finance, Israel, Jewish Religion, Miriam Gershenson, San Diego County, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USA

International Shabbat Prompted Jewish Mingling Among Four Cultures

On a memorable evening at the JCC this past Friday, community members gathered to celebrate Shabbat in a unique and vibrant way, honoring four distinct Jewish cultures: South African, Mexican, Israeli, and American. Organized by SAJAC, KEN, IAC, and the JCC, the event brought together about 150 people—adults and children alike—for a potluck-style gathering full of music, fun, and fellowship. [Miriam Gershenson]

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International, Israel, Jewish Religion, Miriam Gershenson, San Diego County, Sports & Competitions, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USA

Suspicious Device, Not a Bomb, Forces Evacuation of International Cottages

Numerous international cottages of Balboa Park’s House of Pacific Relations were shuttered Saturday, Oct. 26, as police and the FBI investigated a suspicious package that had been hoisted on the flagpole of the House of Israel. [Donald H. Harrison and Miriam Gershenson]

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Donald H. Harrison, International, Israel, Miriam Gershenson, Philanthropy & Volunteerism, San Diego County, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Travel and Food, USA

Stories of Oct. 7, 2023 Losses and Resilience at San Diego Event

These stories, spoken with raw emotion and courage, offered a window into the profound loss and resilience of a community forever changed by the tragedy. As voices broke and tears were shed, the room was united not only in grief but also in the hope that these memories would ensure the lives taken would never be forgotten. [Miriam Gershenson]

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Albert Kreimerman, Israel, Jewish History, Miriam Gershenson, San Diego County, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USA