“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
I have lived in Israel long enough that it is only my American friends who remind me that the holiday called “Thanksgiving” exists. I have much that I am thankful for but my thoughts don’t exactly fit into the template of warm and fuzzy holiday musings. I am thankful I was born in America in … More Thanksgiving in Israel
When people think of visiting Israel, few consider going to Hebron. The city is depicted as contentious, dangerous and unpleasant. It is associated with “Occupation,” poverty and apartheid. Who would want to go there? Even most Israelis don’t consider Hebron a place they would want to visit, much less live. This reality ironic, considering the … More The Hebrews of Hebron
Last weekend we celebrated International Women’s Day. In Israel feminist discourse is probably similar to that of other western countries, with our own unique twist. Our media is full of panels, consisting almost entirely of women, discussing the gender wage gap, the necessity of empowering women in the fields of technology and science and the … More Women’s Day in Israel
My Facebook feed is full of Ori’s photo. She looks different in the different images but in each, her radiant smile is the same. Ori, “my light” in Hebrew, was obviously a fitting name for this sunny girl. The more we hear about Ori from friends, family and the people she volunteered with helping underprivileged … More Ori Ansbacher: light, freedom and Jewish sovereignty
Standing on the top of the hill, I looked out at the beautiful land stretched before me. Suddenly I felt my body vibrating. Looking up, I saw the guardians of Israel thundering across the sky. IAF fighter jets. It was Holocaust Memorial Day and they were practicing for the Independence Day aerial show. How suitable. … More To be a free Nation, in our land, the Land of Zion and Jerusalem
It’s been a little over a week since the riots in Gaza began. We’re promised riots every week, till May 14th, the date commemorating Israel’s Declaration of Independence in 1948. When I wrote this, new riots were massing on the border (the great tire demonstration). Last Friday was the grand opening of the “March of Return”. … More Free Gaza
Hanukah is not a holiday of the Jewish religion, it is a holiday of the Jewish people. Although not really considered a religious holiday, it is a holiday of miracles. We’re complicated that way. The Hanukah miracle most people focus on is that of the oil that lasted eight days when it should only have … More A small Hanukah tradition, a lot of Jewish defiance.
“I want to help Israel. I believe in freedom. I believe in decency. But the problems are so huge, it’s overwhelming. What could I possibly do that would make a difference?” Have you found yourself saying this or something similar? I think most people have. Now is your chance. You can make a real, tangible … More ACTION CALL: Battle BDS and support Israel with three simple actions
*This article was first published as a guest post on IsraellyCool. Two movies could not be more different. Both are about Israel. Both are about heroism and love. They should be similar, two stories on the timeline of Jewish history and yet, these movies are from alternate universes. Probably few people my age (or younger) … More From Exodus to Munich: How did we get here?
Inspiration from Zion: This is a Love Story 