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Judy Lash Balint is a Jerusalem-based freelance writer and author of Jerusalem Diaries: In Tense Times and Jerusalem Diaries: What’s Really Happening in Israel. She has reported from Jerusalem since making aliyah in 1998, with her work appearing in publications worldwide. She is currently a staff member at a leading Jerusalem think tank. A long time advocate for Soviet Jewry, she founded Seattle Action for Soviet Jewry in 1974 and served as Vice President of the Union of Councils for Soviet Jews (1980–1989). She is a recipient of the 2023 and 2024 Simon Rockower Awards from the American Jewish Press Association.

The clang of metal poles and the sounds of hammering are everywhere as Jerusalem’s apartment dwellers hurry to build their sukkot and squeeze them into small spaces.
In the days leading up to the Day of Atonement, there’s a certain tension in the air.
Nightly “selichot” tours are already taking place in Jerusalem’s Old City, Bukharan Quarter and Nachlat Shiva and Nachlaot neighborhoods.
The second annual “Sacks Conversation” focused on the late U.K. chief rabbi’s message and impact on Israel.
The Shelby White and Leon Levy Lod Mosaic Archaeological Center will open to the public later this summer.
Around 30,000 people live in Sderot and most plan on staying, despite living under the constant threat of rocket attacks from Gaza.
The Jewish state boasts one of the most varied and developed national park systems in the world.
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