Your bong’s military history [Forward]
The gas mask bong, which has grown in popularity over the past few years, a phenomena some sellers are attributing to fellow Jew Seth Rogan’s character in 2007’s “Knocked Up”, has a hidden origin. Many of the rubber products being sold in the U.S. were originally produced in Israel, presumably for more survival oriented purposes.
“The Israeli model 4A1 gas masks on display in the East Village — where storefront noodle shops bump up against vintage clothing stores — might not protect you from a chemical weapons attack. That’s because their protective filters have been removed and replaced with foot-long acrylic bongs meant for smoking marijuana.”
Etan Patz, Remembered [Forward]
Over thirty years after a small boy’s abduction on the Lower East Side, much has changed. However, his parents’ grief has not. Debra Nussbaum Cohen weighs in on what the tragedy has meant to the Jewish community, as well as parents everywhere, now that a renewed search for Etan, who went missing in 1979, has concluded.
The Most Jewish Election [Tablet]
A Romney advisor argues that, despite the lack of Jewish candidates and the prominence of Mitt’s Mormonism, the 2012 election is in many ways shaping up to be defined by Jewish issues. He cites the increased Republican focus on Jewish issues, particularly in light of prominent Jewish donors, as a factor that could have a hand in defining its course.
“So, why is this year different from all other years? In how much the Republican conversation has focused on Jews as well. Newt Gingrich made a splash in the Jewish world—and everywhere else—thanks to Jewish billionaire Sheldon Adelson and Adelson’s Israeli-born wife, who single-handedly allowed Gingrich to stay in the race months after he seemed to have run his course. Adelson and his family kicked in over $16 million to help a pro-Gingrich SuperPac, which led to Adelson profiles in the New York Times and The New Yorker, among other publications. The running theme in the profiles was how Adelson’s support for Gingrich would potentially influence Gingrich’s already hawkish pro-Israel views.”
El/Al [Haaretz]
Amidst losses in the past year and increased competition, the Israeli carrier is mulling a split into two separate airlines, each with a specific demographic. The measure is said to be necessary in of a new open skies agreement signed with the European Union.
