Journalism by Jewish college students, for Jewish college students.
Suspended by Skin Color? [NY Times] New data from the Department of Education has shown that although African Americans comprise less than a fourth of the nation’s public school systems, their share of suspensions and other disciplinary action is disproportionately high, suggesting that they may face harsher disciplinary action in school. “Education is the civil…
Legendary fashion designer Diane von Furstenberg’s mother was in Auschwitz 18 months before she was born. Born Diane Simone Michelle Halfin on December 31, 1946 in Belgium, her parents, Leon and Liliane Halfin, were both Jewish. Her mother’s greatest gift to her was the conviction that “fear is not an option,” Von Furstenberg said at an United…
I can’t figure out how to embed the podcast, though that would have been ideal: In this week’s podcast, host Josh Nathan-Kazis [a former editor of New Voices] talks with Forward Washington correspondent Nathan Guttman about the odd collection of groups that make up the Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations. Then, with…
Two op-eds caught my eye over the weekend. They got me wondering where the middle ground is between belligerently attacking anti-Israel sentiments and ignoring them while spewing lovely factoids about Israel. In one op-ed, the founders of the David Project take issue with their organization’s new direction, arguing — as summed up in the headline…
Today’s Required Reading shared a story about a set of atheist billboards directed at two cities with heavy Muslim and Jewish populations. Each print the name of God in Arabic and Hebrew. The billboards are sponsored by a group called American Atheists. Using the name of God to describe religious narratives as “myths” is (surprise,…
One-part comedy routine, one-part slam poetry and all Palestinian advocacy. This is the recipe for Remi Kanazi, a Palestinian activist and poet who spoke at American University Students for Justice in Palestine’s final event for Israel Apartheid Week on March 2. “I think I’m funny but I’m not, so bear with me,” Kanazi said. “The…
Atheist organizations unveil controversial series of billboards [Jewish Press] “You know it’s a myth… and you have a choice” reads a new series of billboards by the organization American Atheists. These billboards, placed in Paterson, New Jersey, and Williamsburg, Brooklyn (where heavy Muslim and Jewish populations reside, respectively) evoke the name of God: in Arabic…
This weekend, thousands of people will descend on that nation’s capital, and later, the Capitol to attend AIPAC’s annual Policy Conference. AIPAC, the American Israel Public Action Committee, will hold its biggest convention ever this weekend in the Walter E. Washington Convention Center, playing host to the likes of: President Barack Obama Prime Minister Bibi…
Russian writer Judith Pearly interviews Moti Sverdlov, the man responsible for cataloging the thousands of “lost” Jewish graves in the former Soviet Union: What does the phrase “Jewish heritage” say to you? Is it the traditions we keep? The religion to which we affiliate? Or the memory of our ancestors? […] One day, when my…
To mark Brandeis University’s first ever Israeli Apartheid Week, Brandeis Students for Justice in Palestine and Jewish Voice for Peace brought Ali Abunimah to campus on Wednesday as the keynote speaker for the week of protest. A Palestinian American journalist and co-founder of Electronic Intifada, Abunimah presented his vision for a one-state solution to end…
So our esteemed editor David A.M. Wilensky was on Al Jazeera on last Monday, though you probably had to look pretty close. Look around the 0:54 mark for a view of our office in downtown New York City. He didn’t get to ask the panel a question. That’s showbiz. Sorry, David. But fear not! I’ll be…
Israeli films opening to portrayals of gay characters [Haaretz] In recent years, it seems Israeli cinema is offering a more diverse selection of screen portrayals, including gay characters in leading roles. In a new book, “Soldiers, Rebels, and Drifters,” Nir Cohen explores this artistic shift, how it has happened, and what it might mean. “Guttman,…
Back in 2007, New Voices reported on the “demise” of a curious creature called Jews in the Woods. I am enormously excited to tell you that this weekend it will happen again! Over fifty young Jews will come together in beautiful North Scituate, Rhode Island, for two days of praying, singing, hiking, meditating, discussing and…