Columbia University To Vote On Divesting From Israel
In the heart of the nation’s most Jewish city, Jewish students who believe in Israel’s right to exist are being made mighty uncomfortable. And it’s not just at New York University, which is currently under federal investigation for antisemitism. Now, farther uptown at Columbia, the Columbia College Student Council (CCSC) has voted 25-12 to allow a campus-wide … Continue reading
Unlike House, U.S. Senate Unanimously Condemns Anti-Semitism
When you write about anti-Semitism, there’s typically not much good news to report; the world’s oldest hatred has been making a comeback not only overseas, but also here in the US of A. So, it’s both good and important to pause and celebrate the U.S. Senate unanimously passing a resolution that unequivocally condemns anti-Semitism. Where … Continue reading
Forum Reflects On Rising Concerns For Jews Across The World
What does it look like when our vulgar and polarized political era collides with one of American Jews’ oldest and most genteel organizations? Rather like the 2019 American Jewish Committee (AJC) Global Forum. Last week, nearly 2,500 people representing the United States and 50 other nations gathered in Washington D.C. for the organization’s annual conference. … Continue reading
7 Passover Lessons I Learned From Twitter
Jews around the world spent this past weekend at our Passover Seders celebrating our march from slavery to freedom. Meanwhile, it appears the rest of the English-speaking Twitterverse has been busy commenting about the Festival of Freedom. From these tweets, this Jew learned several lessons. 1. ‘Star Wars’ Has a Jewish side Apparently, there are … Continue reading
Women’s March Partners Explain Why They’re Ignoring Allegations Of Anti-Semitism
Amidst the controversy over alleged anti-Semitism within the Women’s March leadership, the organization has seen numerous progressive allies — including Emily’s List, the Human Rights Campaign, the Southern Poverty Law Center, and the Democratic National Committee (DNC) — quietly uncouple. However, many partners remain and groups like Psychologists for Social Responsibility have added their names … Continue reading
Jewish Continuity Isn’t Sexist — It’s Necessary
Is Jewish continuity inherently sexist? In some people’s minds, like the author of a recent op-ed in these pages, Jewish continuity is toxically identified with Jewish sociologist Steven M. Cohen. I’m neither judge nor jury, but if the #MeToo allegations against Cohen are true, and they may well be, the prominent sociologist should be held … Continue reading
What Happens When Jews And Christians Throw An Israel Celebration Party
The Bible is filled with stories of miracles. But if there’s one major takeaway from the 2017 Christians United for Israel (CUFI) Summit, it’s that miracles still happen in our time, and it’s our job to notice and truly appreciate them. The 11-year-old CUFI, which now boasts 3.5 million members, recently gathered in Washington, DC, … Continue reading
5 Ways to Help Jews on Fertility Journeys
Fertility can be complicated, but the community can help (healthimpactnews.com). Jewish continuity is the idee fixe of American Jewish communal discussions. We talk about it. All. The. Time. We debate whether the best route forward is investing in Jewish camp, Jewish day school, or Birthright trips. Interestingly, these discussions typically don’t touch upon Jewish fertility. Yet, they should, because it is … Continue reading
The Pain of Infertility in the Jewish Community
Americans speak openly about breast cancer and domestic violence — subjects that were taboo in recent memory — but infertility remains relatively hush-hush. Meanwhile, fertility struggles increase, as more Americans, including American Jews, delay parenthood. For some, that reflects a conscious choice to delay parenthood into their 30s, or even their 40s, as they pursue … Continue reading
Like Pepsi, Democrats Need To Reverse Course On Boycotting Israel
Posted by melissa braunstein on December 12, 2019 · Leave a Comment
In the fall of 1983, shortly before my fifth birthday, I visited Israel for the first time. I vividly recall stopping at a roadside stand just shy of the Lebanese border. It was sunny, scorching even, and my little sister and I were parched. So our parents treated us to cold soda. We were enchanted … Continue reading →
Filed under Clips, Cultural Commentary, Judaism, Politics · Tagged with Antisemitism, Arab Boycott, BDS, Democrats, Israel, Jews