These past weeks, two men with an insatiable hunger for power once again reminded us how fragile democracy truly is. [Shahar Masori]
OpEd: Dictators, Diversions, and Dangerous Displays Read More »
Israel, Opinion, Shahar Masori, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USAWatching Sallah Shabati at the San Diego International Jewish Film Festival at the Lawrence Familiy JCC — accompanied by Professor Laurie Baron’s insightful historical context — left me reflecting deeply not only on the film’s satirical brilliance but also on how it portrays Mizrahi immigrants, particularly those from Yemen. [Shahar Masori]
‘Sallah Shabati’: A Story of Satire, Stereotypes, and My Family’s Reality Read More »
Israel, Jewish History, Lawrence Baron, San Diego County, Shahar Masori, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Theatre, Film & BroadcastBoth leaders, though governing vastly different nations, seem to have embraced a strategy of relying on polarizing figures to solidify their political power. For me, as someone with deep ties to both countries, this parallel is unsettling. [Shahar Masori]
An Israeli-American Perspective: Trump’s Cabinet and Netanyahu’s Coalition Read More »
Israel, Opinion, Shahar Masori, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USAThe election results are finally in, and as Americans either celebrate or come to sad terms with the outcome, Israelis watch with equal intensity, evaluating the ripple effects from across the Atlantic and Mediterranean. [Shahar Masori]
An Israeli-American Perspective: American Election, Israeli Impact Read More »
Israel, Lifestyles, Shahar Masori, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USAFor Israelis, the U.S. presidential election isn’t just a distant spectacle – it’s a contest with stakes that feel close to home. This year, Israelis and Americans are both watching the election with equal intensity but different perspectives on the two major candidates: Donald Trump and Kamala Harris. [Shahar Masori]
An Israeli-American Perspective: Trump vs. Harris through Two Different Lenses Read More »
Israel, Opinion, Shahar Masori, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USAIn Israel, the war is about survival. In the U.S., it becomes a question of diplomacy, alliances, and public opinion. And for those of us with a foot in both places, it’s a balancing act between these two realities, one where we are trying to protect what we hold dear and the other where we’re trying to make sense of how it fits into the broader global narrative. [Shahar Masori]
An Israeli-American Perspective: The War in Israel and Its Ripple Effect Read More »
Israel, Opinion, Shahar Masori, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USAWhile the political systems in Israel and the US differ in many ways, their election strategies, messaging, and public engagement highlight distinct national characteristics and challenges. [Shahar Masori]
An Israeli-American Perspective: The Differences in Election Campaigns Read More »
Israel, News Media, Shahar Masori, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USAYou could feel it in the air as the days of Elul led up to Rosh Hashanah, and as Yom Kippur approached, the entire country seemed to shift into a different gear. The streets got quieter, the radio stations started playing more reflective tunes, and even the non-observant friends and neighbors seemed to move with a sense of introspection. [Shahar Masori]
An Israeli-American Perspective: High Holidays There and Here Read More »
Israel, Jewish Religion, San Diego County, Shahar Masori, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USAThere’s something special about growing up in Israel that’s hard to explain to people who didn’t experience it. It’s not just about the food, the language, or the landscape—it’s this quiet understanding that you’re part of the majority. [Shahar Masori]
An Israeli-American Perspective: Being in the Majority vs. the Minority Read More »
Israel, Jewish Religion, San Diego County, Shahar Masori, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USAWhen I was living in Tel Aviv, life seemed to run at this fast, almost chaotic pace. Mornings would start early, but not in the same calm way you might imagine in some American suburbs. [Shahar Masori]
An Israeli-American Perspective: Daily Routines Read More »
Israel, Lifestyles, San Diego County, Shahar Masori, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USAFamily looks very different, doesn’t it? Whether I look around in Israel or here in the U.S., I see how family dynamics have evolved. And what fascinates me most is how adaptable we are as humans to these changes. The definition of family has expanded far beyond what we grew up with. [Shahar Masori]
An Israeli-American Perspective: The Changing Structures of Families Read More »
Israel, Lifestyles, San Diego County, Shahar Masori, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USAAfter living my whole life in Israel, where I thought of myself as just a person—an Israeli among Israelis, but just a human like everyone else—I was suddenly confronted with a question on the U.S. immigration form that stopped me in my tracks: Race. [Shahar Masori]
An Israeli-American Perspective: A Question of Race Read More »
Israel, Jewish Religion, Lifestyles, Shahar Masori, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USAThe news in Israel was dominated by a handful of personalities who became household names. These were not just journalists but figures of authority, often blurring the lines between reporting, politics, and activism. [Shahar Masori]
An Israeli-American Perspective: The Media’s Power Read More »
Israel, News Media, Opinion, Shahar Masori, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USAFrom a young age, there is an emphasis on critical thinking and debate, perhaps reflecting Israel’s diverse society and its focus on security and civic responsibility. The famous Israeli chutzpah starts in the classroom, where students are encouraged to question, challenge, and engage in lively discussions with their teachers. [Shahar Masori]
An Israeli-American Perspective: Comparing Education Systems Read More »
Israel, Science, Medicine, & Education, Shahar Masori, Staff and Bylined Contributors