Jews in Israel

From pop stars to tefillin pop-ups, Oct. 7 changed how some Israelis practice Judaism

The spiritual jolt of those first weeks has not fully faded, and increased religious practice has become part of the country’s daily rhythm.

The Israeli TV host Ofira Asayag is secular but lit Shabbat candles on air in 2024, during the Israel Hamas war reflecting a trend among Israelis.
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.

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

An illustrative image of Jews making aliyah to Israel.

Netanyahu says Israel is safer than Diaspora for Jews, but what do the numbers say? - opinion

Israeli educator and lecturer in the IDF, Rami Glickstein, 59, suffered a vicious antisemitic attack while in New York.

'It's like 1939': Israeli Jewish tourist suffers brain bleed after NY attack - interview


Jews and Arabs suffering from emotional distress since October 7 - study

A joint study by the University of Haifa and Shalvata Mental Health Center shows that although Jews and Arabs are suffering from emotional distress, many cannot access psychological help

 THE FUNERAL of Sgt.-Maj. (res.) Eliraz Gabai, killed in Gaza, takes place in Tiberias, last week. Busy with fighting a war, attending funerals, and visiting the bereaved, we are suppressing a great deal of grief, the writer notes.

The pull of the land: Staying in Israel during the war - opinion

The thought of leaving Israel during these difficult times seems like treason. How can we go on vacation while our brave boys and girls are fighting on four fronts?

 REVELERS WATCH fireworks on Independence Day, at Rabin Square in Tel Aviv. ‘When I first made aliyah, I found it so hard to understand the transition in an instant from the sadness of Remembrance Day to the firework celebrations of Independence Day,’ the writer recalls.

Much like Moses we should prioritize Jewish unity over zealotry - opinion

Today, just as throughout all of Jewish history, our strength can only come from our shared differences, not in spite of them.

 Moses and Aaron with the 10 Commandments (illustrative).

We need a common Israeli spirit that can carry us toward a promising future - opinion

Frightened Israelis have lost faith in the rickety structure. At the root of the historic crisis in which we are trapped is the “mother of all problems” – disagreement over the rules of the game.

 THE HISTORIC hour for the State of Israel and its citizens has arrived, says the writer.

18 notable Jews who died in 2022

These well-known Jewish icons leave outsized legacies on politics, the arts, sports and everything in between.

 American author Melissa Bank poses during a portrait session in Paris, Jan. 9, 2006.

Diaspora Jews, Israeli Jews divided over Israel - opinion

As more American Jews are distancing themselves from Israel, more Israeli Jews believe American Jews have lost their way and won't be Jewish in a generation from intermarriage.

American and Israeli Jews [Illustrative]

National diaspora week is underway

LAST CHANCE to visit! 'Diaspora Week' will begin on April 3 and last until April 7 with hundreds of activities that will be held throughout the country

 An elderly Ukrainian immigrant is greeted by Israeli Minister of Immigration and Absorption Pnina Tamano-Shata after arriving at Ben Gurion Airport in Lod, Israel February 20, 2022

Why the proposed civil-marriage deal is not good enough - opinion

'Letting Israelis marry in foreign embassies will be a social tragedy, a religious travesty and a civic disgrace.

 A WEDDING canopy is seen against the backdrop scenery of the Mediterranean Sea.

Israel Jewry needs to reconnect with Diaspora Jews

Over the years, world Jewry has continuously answered their call of duty to us, but can we honestly say that we have done the same for them?

THOUSANDS OF PEOPLE pressured Gal Gadot, as an Israeli who lives abroad and has many followers, to tweet, post or otherwise utter a word in favor of the state.

58% of Jewish Israelis believe one must be Jewish to be a ‘real Israeli’

“Pluralism Index 2020” of the Jewish People’s Policy Institute finds that 55% of non-Jewish Israelis believe ‘many’ or a majority of Israelis Jews are political extremists

Israelis watch fireworks on Independence Day