by Elan Ezrachi, PhD Once again, the organized Jewish world is being mobilized to support Israel in times of crisis. Solidarity with Israel is now impressively expressed through new digital technologies and social networks, as well as through more traditional modalities. Around the world there are reports of rallies on behalf of Israel, emergency funds that are being created and solidarity missions in formation. Scores of Jews around the world are deeply concerned with what is happening in Israel. I felt this sentiment coming from many directions in recent days through phone calls, emails and facebook postings. All this is good. It reminds us that Jewish solidarity is alive and that Israel can rely on the Jewish people's support, when needed. This show of solidarity is certainly a strategic … [Read more...]

A Case of Mistaken Identity II by Rabbi Leor Sinai Not quite. It turns out that many Jews regardless of their citizenship identify with the People of Israel/Jewish Peoplehood. For some the relationship is prompted by threats against Jews and the state of Israel generating a tremendous amount of talk-back and interest. The recent attack on Israeli tourists in Burgas, Bulgaria, the rise of anti-Semitism and terror attacks on Jews in France, the IOC’s denial of a minute of silence in memory of the murdered Israeli athletes in Munich 1972  - all of these events and others like them raise the ire of Jews worldwide from individuals to communities, from federations to governments. The same goes for all of our great accomplishments: from technological and agricultural innovations, to infrastructural … [Read more...]