American Jewry

Jewish leaders pray for Nancy Guthrie, framing the case through Torah’s ban on kidnapping

Leaders from Jewish communities across the US rallied prayers and awareness efforts for Nancy Guthrie, while some explained how the Torah prohibits kidnappings.

Savannah Guthrie's elderly mother has been missing for more than a week.
New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani speaks during the Jews for Racial and Economic Justice’s Mazals Gala before his election in New York City. Despite his outspoken criticism of Israel, some Jewish groups supported his candidacy.

Anti-Israel mayor challenges New York's Jewish community future - opinion

The Diary of Anne Frank has been translated into more than 75 languages.

Anne Frank and ‘Night’ may soon be required reading in Texas public schools

Participants cheer and dance during the Celebrate Israel Parade up Fifth Avenue on May 18, 2025 in New York City.

Most US Jews do not identify as ‘Zionists,’ even when they support Israel, JFNA survey finds


The ‘Zionism’ gap: What data really shows about Jews, Israel and Zionism today - opinion

Most American Jews remain deeply connected to Israel, even as many resist the label “Zionist,” reflecting concerns about policies rather than rejecting the Jewish state itself.

American and Israeli Jews [Illustrative]

America’s Black-Jewish story gets an update on new PBS series featuring Henry Louis Gates

The series explores key moments in the histories of Black and Jewish Americans, and how those moments ran parallel and crossed paths over the past five centuries.

Historian and host Henry Louis Gates Jr. attends a seder in “Black and Jewish America: An Interwoven History.”

Iran FM Araghchi says Trump being ‘dragged’ toward war by 'certain elements'

Abbas Araghchi told CNN that miscalculations could trigger war with the US, while insisting Iran remains open to a deal on nuclear weapons.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi speaks in Istanbul, Turkey, January 30, 2026; illustrative.

Nebraska lawmakers advance bill targeting Antisemitism in public schools and universities

The bill that would formally prohibit antisemitic discrimination in K–12 schools and institutions of higher education

Nebraska law inscription on the sheet. Nebraska residents are subject to Nebraska state and U.S. federal law

Where is American Jewish outrage over Iran? - opinion

It’s time for a gut check. See what issues enraged you this January. Compare any of your recent political activism with the Iranian people’s compelling need for our support – now.

A demonstrator protesting the deadly crackdown in Iran gathers outside the White House in Washington, DC on January 17, 2026.

This was not protest, it was a threat to New York’s Jewish community - opinion

New Yorkers, whether Jewish or not, must be willing to disavow what is being touted as a moral equivalence of something that is actually a precursor to forced expulsion.

Mayor Zohran Mamdani announces the appointment of Christine Clarke as chair and commissioner for the New York City Commission on Human Rights at Diversity Plaza in Jackson Heights, Queens in New York City, New York

A century before Trump targeted Somalis, Jews faced politics of blame 

In 1908, New York City Police Commissioner Theodore A. Bingham claimed Jews accounted for half of New York’s crimes.

The crowded "Hebrew district" of New York's Lower East Side, c. 1907.

Editor's Notes: Israel, Diaspora Jews need to be on same page

Israelis and American Jews often misunderstand each other, shaped by different media. A call for shared stories and perspectives could bridge the growing gap between the two communities.

OSCAR THE GROUCH was the funny creature who lived in a trash can on ‘Sesame Street.’ In Israel, he was replaced by Moishe Oofnik, a similarly grumpy character but distinctly Israeli and living in a different kind of can.

Peter Beinart, Elliot Cosgrove and other Jewish leaders face off over the future of liberal Zionism

On Tuesday night in Manhattan, a group of prominent rabbis and Jewish thinkers gathered to ask whether liberal Zionism is now collapsing.

Peter Beinart speaks at a panel on "The Jewish Tent at a Crossroads" in the sanctuary of  B'nai Jeshurun in Manhattan, Jan. 6, 2026. Others on the panel were, from left, moderator Rabbi Irwin Kula, Esther Sperber, Rabbi Jill Jacobs and Rabbi Elliot Cosgrove.

Diaspora Jewish leadership is speaking a language the world no longer understands - opinion

Jewish survival is seen more as a matter of tone than force. The world doesn't judge intentions. It doesn't reward nuance. It only tests whether a people are willing and able to defend themselves.

 Rabbi Cosgrove