American Jewry

America at 250: The triangular relationship between US, Israel, and Jews is at risk - opinion

A sober look at this triangular relationship shows that each of its sides has weakened in recent years.

 IS IT A dispute between friends or a serious disagreement?
An illustrative image of George Washington's head on Mount Rushmore.

America at 250: Why Washington’s promise to US Jews still matters - opinion

A detail from a Jewish New Year's card, showing Jews in American welcoming recent immigrants from the Russian empire. Hebrew Publishing Company, early 20th century

As America turns 250, Jews shouldn’t mistake it for just another exile - opinion

Jewish California members and partners meet with California Secretary of State Shirley Weber to discuss hate speech in the California voter guide on June 4, 2026.

California advances three bills curbing hate speech, protecting Jewish students and employees


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

Mamdani's first act as mayor made a turning point become reality for NYC Jews - editorial

For decades, the mayor of the world’s largest Jewish city outside Israel made a point of standing with its Jewish community. Mamdani’s first day did something else entirely.

New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani and his wife Rama Duwaji stand onstage during his inauguration ceremony in New York City, U.S., January 1, 2026.

Ms. Rachel, Cynthia Nixon among Pro-Palestinian activists in Zohran Mamdani's inaugural committee

Mamdani has previously drawn criticism for his anti-Israel views and associations with antisemitic figures, including Catherine Almonte Da Costa, who resigned after antisemitic comments resurfaced.

New York City mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani speaks during a press conference in Central Park in the East Harlem neighborhood of New York City, US, November 24, 2025.

Jewish Christmas tradition of Chinese food is now backed by science

'We do not completely understand your dietary customs… but we are proud and grateful that your GOD insist you eat our food on Christmas.”, says the so-called 'Chinese Restaurant Association'.

Two men enjoy Chinese cuisine prepared by Chinese chefs within the guidelines of kosher food preparation at a restaurant.

California mayor 'sees no reason to resign' after post saying Bondi Beach attack was 'false flag'

Eduardo Martinez, the mayor of Richmond, California, promoted a social media post that claimed the Bondi Beach attack on a Hanukkah celebration was a “false flag” perpetrated by Israel.

Mayor Eduardo Martinez in one of his posts about Gaza.

Yehuda Kaploun confirmed by Senate as Trump’s antisemitism envoy

His confirmation fills a post that had been vacant in a period marked by spikes in antisemitic incidents both in the United States and abroad.

Rabbi Yehuda Kaploun testifies during his Senate confirmation hearing for the role of Special Envoy to Monitor and Combat Antisemitism, Nov. 19, 2025, in Washington, DC.

Tucson Jewish community targeted with antisemitic graffiti after Bondi Beach massacre

According to the statement, flyers posted around the Community Center included “highly derogatory and concerning content targeting both the Jewish community and law enforcement.”

  Conversation JCRC Bay Area @SFJCRC Anti-Israel activists vandalized property along Market St. in San Francisco with pro-Hamas graffiti.

When my children decorate for Hanukkah, I don’t just see pride, I see pluralism in action - opinion

Pluralism isn’t about keeping religion out of the public square, and it’s not about demanding that religion speak with one voice. It’s recognizing that a healthy democracy depends on many traditions.

A Jewish family decorates their windows for Hanukkah in Houston in December 2008.