Let’s get one thing straight: what happens on Taglit-Birthright Israel stays on Taglit-Birthright Israel — except for the selfies you take with your seemingly evil camel, the Instagram photos with perfect lighting at the top of Masada, the videos of…
Speaking different languages, hearing nothing at all
Have you ever had difficulty trying to find the right words to say? Language allows us to communicate with one another but also tends to limit our ability to say what we mean and mean what we say. It is…
A “not so special relationship,” but a surprising impartiality
As murmurs in Hebrew permeated the room and the predominantly sprightly, older crowd found their seats, it became quickly evident that this event would exude a vibrant energy. Hosted by the UCLA Nazarian Center for Israel Studies and entitled “Not…
A “frank and open” conversation with Ashkenazi Chief Rabbi of Israel, Rabbi Lau
This past Sunday afternoon, current students and alumni of UCLA, USC, CSUN, and SMC gathered to ask questions about American Jewry and the State of Israel to Rabbi David Baruch Lau, the Ashkenazi chief rabbi of Israel, during his first…
Debate Table: Is Israel a Jewish State?
Is Israel a Jewish State? No. But it can be. by Ha’Am Contributor Groups like Bruins for Israel love to tout the idea that Jews, like all other national groups, deserve a state. That would be a good argument if…
Anti-Israel media bias around the world and around campus
An American woman and her husband tried for three years to have a child before their daughter, Chaya Zissel Braun, came into the world four months ago. To show their gratitude to G-d for this precious gift, they traveled to…
Is protesting enough?
Protesting is quite a common subsequent reaction for Los Angeles Jews when an unfavorable incident occurs in Israel. This past summer especially, my Facebook blew up with event invites to the Federal Building or to the Israeli Consulate to protest…
Batsheva Dance Company at Royce Hall: dancing with the ground, falling to the stars
The chitter-chatter dies abruptly. The lights dim, except for up front. If you are not in your seat, rush back to it. Make sure your cell phone is shut off, or at least set to silent mode. You’ve probably forgotten…
Comic: Home
Through childhood to adulthood, the topic of Israel — the sole Jewish state — is vibrant, sacred, and ever-present. This graphic comic portrays the connection that many Jewish populations possess with Israel. The comic embodies the scrutiny, battle, and desire…