In a room with a sign proudly proclaiming ‘no isms/phobias,’ one student found herself excluded for precisely the thing the event vowed to fight against, ableism. But for a disabled Jewish student, this wasn’t just ironic; it was routine. On…
Protesters Defy UC-wide Encampment Ban as Ben Shapiro Event Sparks Controversy at UCLA
Just months after a UC-wide ban on encampments, anti-Israel students at UCLA set up tents in Dickinson Court North at 6:30 pm on Oct. 21, alongside a Gaza solidarity Sukkah— a religious structure that traditionally commemorates the Jewish exodus from…
The Evolution of the Rophe: How the Power of Healing Transfers from God to Man in Jewish Tradition
As the followers of the world’s first monotheistic religion, the Israelites placed resolute emphasis on God’s omnipotence, especially within the domain of healing. The descendants of ancient Israel continued to observe Hebrew law and tradition, but refined their interpretations of…
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…
New Anti-Israel Encampment Takes Form of Sukkah
By Benjamin (Benjie) Katz and Samantha Reavis At approximately 9 AM, Graduate Students for Justice in Palestine at UCLA announced via Instagram their Sukkah and encampment for Palestine. While the sukkah is traditionally a temporary structure dedicated to commemorating the…
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…
Art Gone Wrong: A Case for the Role of Women in Orthodox Judaism
On September 21, 2024, I eagerly woke up for the first Shabbat of the academic year, excited to attend Hillel’s Shabbat services organized by the OU-JLIC branch. After the morning prayers, I headed to the OKT lunch room for the…
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…
My Father’s Restaurant
Nagila Pizza, located on Pico Blvd. in Los Angeles, holds a place of prominence among kosher pizza establishments across the United States. For me, it’s more than just a renowned restaurant; it’s a cherished part of my upbringing linked to…
Finding ‘Am Yisrael Chai’ in Seoul: A Moment of Jewish Unity Abroad
September 14, 2024 was a hot, yet incredibly humid day in Seoul, South Korea: I am surrounded by buses, lights, and cheerful conversation. I nervously navigated to the infamous Gwanghwamun station, a station known to be the home of countless…