As part of the settlement, Harvard has agreed to implement a series of steps, building on measures that Harvard has undertaken over the past year as a part of its commitment to combating anti-Semitism. Harvard and the Brandeis Center look forward to working together in these efforts. [Press Release}
Fight Against Campus Antisemitism Makes Gains Read More »
Antisemitism, California, Israel, Press Release, USA
Yesterday, Jan. 20, was a tough day — kicking off a tough week, and likely, a very tough four years. And yet, yesterday we honored a legacy of justice and resilience that reminds us: we come from generations of powerful resistance. [Idit Klein]
Keshet CEO Responds to Trump’s Anti-LGBTQ Executive Orders Read More »
Jewish Religion, Opinion, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USA
This inauguration, for me, was a tragic way to honor this day, which is the American federal holiday of Martin Luther King Jr. Day. There was a celebration and inauguration of Trump and his oligarchic Cabinet of mostly elite rich white men on a day commemorating one of the greatest Americans, one of the most globally recognized African Americans, and one of the most ardent Zionists and activists for racial and economic justice in history – The Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. [Barrett Holman Leak]
OpEd: After Donald Trump’s Inauguration, I’ll Be ‘Protecting My Peace’ Read More »
Barrett Holman Leak, Israel, Opinion, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USA
The poem on the Statue of Liberty welcomes the “tired, poor, huddled masses yearning to breathe free and wretched refuse” to the United States. Trump agrees with labeling immigrants “wretched refuse” and denigrates them as “animals.” [Laurie Baron]
OpEd: American Deceptionalism Read More »
International, Opinion, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USA
Today, as we honor Martin Luther King Jr., I am thinking about how freedom, which seems so fundamental to human existence, almost always comes at a cost. [Heidi Gantwerk]
Fighting for Freedom in Israel/ Gaza and in the U.S. Read More »
Heidi Gantwerk, Israel, San Diego County, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Travel and Food, USA
What rabbi spoke at a presidential inauguration and then at a later time criticized that President? [Mark D. Zimmerman]
Jewish Trivia Quiz: Presidential Inaugurations Read More »
Israel, Jewish History, Mark D. Zimmerman, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Trivia, Humor & Satire, USA
The most noticeable bipartisan moment during President Donald Trump’s second inaugural speech on Monday, January 20, was when he commented that he was “pleased to say that as of yesterday … the hostages in the Middle East are coming back home to their families.” [SDJW staff]
Israeli Hostages Provide Bipartisan Moment at Trump’s Inauguration Read More »
Israel, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USA
Slightly past 9 p.m. Israeli time on Sunday in Ramat Gan. I am smiling at television footage of Emily Damari’s friends jumping up and down to cheer her arrival at Sheba Hospital. Then I stiffen up as I think of the pain and anguish she must have endured for the past 15 months. [Bruce S. Ticker]
OpEd: Progress After Middle East Ceasefire May Be Elusive Read More »
Bruce Ticker, Israel, Opinion, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USA
Meyerbeer’s vast fortune and the great success of his operas, as well as his observance of the laws of the Jewish religion, set him apart from many musicians. He was a sponsor of many young composers, including Wagner, who “thanked” him with an antisemitic article, “Jewry in Music.” [Alex Gordon]
Jewish Biography: Giacomo Meyerbeer, Opera Impresario Read More »
Alex Gordon, Antisemitism, International, Jewish History, Music, Dance, and Visual Arts, Staff and Bylined Contributors
Americans For A Safe Israel (AFSI) is urging President Donald Trump to demand that the Palestinian Authority surrender the killers of 16 Americans who are being released in the Gaza agreement. [Press Release]
Emily Damari, Romi Gonen, and Doron Steinbrecher–three hostages held by Hamas in Gaza since October 7, 2023—were returned to Israel on Sunday, Jan. 19, amid worldwide media coverage of the first phase of a Middle East ceasefire in which Israel released 90 Palestinian prisoners from Ofer Prison. [SDJW Staff]
Three Women Hostages Freed in Ceasefire Deal Between Israel and Hamas Read More »
International, Israel, Staff and Bylined Contributors
The Martin Luther King Jr. Community Choir, under the direction of Pastor Ken Anderson, performed Saturday night, Jan. 18, at Tifereth Israel Synagogue. Gospel rhythms prompted the Jewish audience to join through singing, dancing, and clapping. [Robin Dishman]
MLK Community Choir Performs for a Jewish Audience Read More »
Jewish Religion, Music, Dance, and Visual Arts, San Diego County, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USA
Poet Allisa Cherry is entranced by Hebrew Scriptures, turning to them to express her anguish over the tragic lives of the members of a Mormon family. A grandmother had a double mastectomy; a father died of radiation poisoning caused by nuclear testing in the desert; a brother died in a car accident before he was 20; and a wife, caught in a loveless marriage, divorces her ne’er-do-well husband. [Donald H. Harrison]
Biblical Imagery Brightens Poet’s Bleak Account of Life in the Arizona Desert Read More »
Books, Poetry & Short Stories, Donald H. Harrison, Jewish Religion, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USA
This weekend we honor the life and teachings of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. I wasn’t around when he was and as far as I can remember, it was always a school holiday. [Cailin Acosta]
Remembering the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Read More »
Cailin Acosta, Israel, Jewish Religion, Obituaries & memorials, Philanthropy & Volunteerism, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Travel and Food