In Judaism, it is a commandment to thank one’s hosts in the Birkat Hamazon prayer after a meal. Between Friday night meals with my honored Rebbetzin, my roommate’s homemade soup when I was sick, and the hospitality of strangers who…
Statement by Bella Brannon and Eli Tsives on the Resignation of Alicia Verdugo
By Bella Brannon and Eli Tsives Restoring a truly inclusive campus climate requires accountability and Alicia Verdugo’s resignation is a step towards that goal. While she has framed her departure on their own terms, the reality is that her tenure…
Statement by Bella Brannon and Eli Tsives on the Resignation of Alicia Verdugo
By Bella Brannon and Eli Tsives Restoring a truly inclusive campus climate requires accountability and Alicia Verdugo’s resignation is a step towards that goal. While she has framed her departure on their own terms, the reality is that her tenure…
Satire: Everything I Don’t Like Is a Nazi
Orwell said it best: “The word Fascism has no meaning except in so far as it signifies ‘something not desirable.’” Some call his prophetic wisdom a societal indictment, but I call it mighty convenient. If someone has a point I…
Our 2025 Ins and Outs
By Bella Brannon and Megan Freeman Ha’Am is saying “chai” to 2025 with our list of 18 ins and outs for the new year, curated by Bella and Megan. In Out
Lost In Translation: A Letter from the Editor
Ha’Am is celebrating the release of our Fall Print Edition today, themed ‘Lost in Translation.’ Readers can pick up a copy from Hillel, at our Thursday Challah Bake with Chabad, or at media kiosks around campus starting tomorrow, 12/04. The…
Four Jewish Students Banned from ‘Fuck Your Bans’ Event
By Bella Brannon and Mia Toubian, Cover Image by Grace Overman UCLA’s Cultural Affairs Commission promotes its open mic series as “inclusive,” but if you wear a Jewish star, you may be barred at the door. On October 23, four…
A Father’s Fight: Yehuda Cohen’s Plea for Peace on the Anniversary of His Son’s Kidnapping
On October 7, 2024, the anniversary of his son’s kidnapping, Yehuda Cohen wasn’t laying low or grieving in silence. Instead, he was speaking to Americans, urging them to push for a ceasefire. He says that this is the only way…
A Letter to the Friends I’ve Lost Since October 7
To the friends I’ve lost since October 7— my childhood best friend, a high school love, the girl who introduced me to my favorite band, among others. I never imagined that a day would come when I would have to…
Satire: Ha’Am Recognizes Rabbi Linda Goldstein for Inaugural Tikkun Olam Award
Written by Bella Brannon and Jonathan Cohn. Ha’Am recognizes Rabbi Linda Goldstein as our inaugural Tikkun Olam award recipient. Rabbi Linda Goldstein, the renowned Chief Rabbi of Gaza and advisor of Jewish “Issues” to Ismali Haniyyeh, represents a region flourishing…