When we heard that Michal was missing, we didn’t know what to hope for. She, like so many other young Israelis, had attended the music festival attacked by Hamas on October 7th. Her mother, our friend, couldn’t find Michal in any of the hospitals. Was she wounded in the bushes, where no one could see … More Michal Roemi
Ironically, a book that just might hold one of the most important messages of our time is least likely to be read. “The Great Revolt” by Dr. Michael Ben Ari tells of one of the most dramatic times in Jewish history: the Jewish revolt against Rome that ultimately led to the destruction of the Second … More The winners write the history books
“A picture is worth a thousand words” explains the ability of an image to convey a message that would necessitate 1000 words. This photo encapsulates 2000 years of struggle, horror, miracles, and dreams unfulfilled. 2000 years Jews yearned for Zion. The Temple Mount is the heart of Zion, the holiest place in the world … More A picture worth 2000 years
Not all IDF soldiers are human. Zili was a combat dog, considered one of the best. Zili took part in hundreds of critical counterterrorism operations, including in 2019 when he entered a multi-story building in Ramallah, found and overpowered the terrorist who murdered Ori Ansbacher. On August 9th, Zili was killed by gunfire during the … More Not “just” a dog
SHAVUOT 2022. THE TEMPLE MOUNT CALLED TO ME. I don’t often go to Jerusalem. It’s a long drive, 3 hours in each direction (depending on the time of day). It isn’t easy to get there in time for the very limited hours Jews are permitted to ascend the Temple Mount. It wasn’t convenient or practical … More Hiding my Jewish identity on the Temple Mount
It is heartbreaking to get requests from Jews abroad for video proof to back up the police statement regarding the violence at the funeral of Shireen Abu-Akleh. It is heartbreaking because I understand the desperate desire to appease the anger of those accusing Israel of sadistic, oppressive behavior: “We aren’t evil, don’t hate us. Here’s … More Israel’s handling of the death of Shireen Abu-Akleh
A masterpiece of storytelling, writing, and cinematography, the “Vikings” series enthralled me. I cannot imagine being able to write a sweeping saga so well. The characters are well-rounded and complex – as human beings are. The society portrayed is very different than what we are familiar with and yet, it is presented in a way … More Vikings, Jews, and the God of Progress
Every time there is a terror attack my mind (and heart) race down the same path. It is a horrible path because it is so familiar. And because it does not end. Living elsewhere, the news of horror is theoretical. In Israel, the news is a visceral punch in the gut that generates an immediate … More Questions Israelis ask when there is a terror attack
Today Israel is that different country. Not the progressive, cosmopolitan land. Not the country where people post pictures of coffee shops, bars, malls, and office buildings to show that “we’re just like everywhere else.” Today we are the strange and mysterious Land of the Jews. The place where things are NOT like anywhere else in … More Rabbi Chaim Kanievsky and the other Israel
Inspiration from Zion: This is a Love Story 