Culture and Society
Original reporting, features and analysis on culture and society.
“They choose to leave their comfort zone and do something for the good of Israeli society,” commander says.
Mayor Moshe Lion says this year’s honorees represent “the human, moral and professional mosaic of Jerusalem.”
It is and always has been a city of striking contrasts.
First and foremost, the only civilized country in the Middle East is far too socialistic.
Creating a language of “parallel traumas” harms the historical record, and it ultimately flattens moral distinction.
The Israeli singer’s Eurovision performance became an act of defiance against anti-Israel hatred, even eliciting support from Iranian dissidents abroad.
“It’s both a Jewish story and an American story at the same time,” a curator at the Washington, D.C., museum told JNS of a series by Mitch Epstein.
Noam Bettan qualified for the grand final after earning enough points to advance.
Bettan’s first performance of “Michelle” at Vienna’s Wiener Stadthalle drew applause as well as boos and whistles.
The law may begin by treating different movements similarly, but it’s not designed to anticipate or manage how protests actually unfold in real time.
It is a national event, something close to a civic ritual. And in cultural terms, it offers a way of belonging to a larger endeavor.
Middle school pupils from 33 schools tested their knowledge of the Israeli capital’s history, culture and landmarks at Tower of David.
The president cites rising anti-Israel and antisemitic sentiment amid protests targeting the country’s pavilion and Jewish symbols.
The Israeli singer’s Eurovision performance became an act of defiance against anti-Israel hatred, even eliciting support from Iranian dissidents abroad.
Talking to Michal Herzog at the President’s Conference in Jerusalem, the famous actress shares that being Israeli abroad has become “very complicated.”
“It’s both a Jewish story and an American story at the same time,” a curator at the Washington, D.C., museum told JNS of a series by Mitch Epstein.
Noam Bettan qualified for the grand final after earning enough points to advance.
Bettan’s first performance of “Michelle” at Vienna’s Wiener Stadthalle drew applause as well as boos and whistles.
The cultural gem in Jerusalem seeks to keep S.Y. Agnon’s literary world relevant for new generations.
The creator of Captain America, the Avengers and the Hulk is “widely recognized as the most prolific and arguably most important creator in the history of the comic book,” an American Jewish Historical Society exhibit says.
A new documentary by Abner Benaim is a personal project that takes viewers to the terrorist attack against Alas Chiricanas Flight #901 and explores the aftermath on the families of the victims, including Benaim himself.
It is a national event, something close to a civic ritual. And in cultural terms, it offers a way of belonging to a larger endeavor.
Demonstrations outside the Israeli pavilion came after Italy’s government opposed efforts by Biennale organizers and jurors to exclude the Jewish state.
“Think Twice” with Jonathan Tobin with guest Jonah Platt, Ep. 221
The parent company acted because the ice-cream subsidiary’s foundation refused to provide details on Palestinian beneficiaries.
“This historic piece of legislation delivers on core conservative priorities and provides real help for Americans across the country,” the Republican Jewish Coalition stated.
Prosecutors say the suspects gathered information for the Islamic Republic and planned an assassination, as part of a broader effort to recruit Israelis for attacks.
Despite inherent geopolitical complexities, regional cooperation in developing alternative transit routes is increasingly attractive
“Overall, the ride went smoothly, and we were able to catch up with the group,” recounted 18-year-old Osher Tarkin. “But mostly, I proved to myself that he could do it.”
Four Israeli carriers face multiple class-action suits over their wartime pricing • Foreign carriers argue they should not bear costs of compensation caused by hostilities.
Cato Networks delivers enterprise security and networking through a single cloud platform.
“This attests to the strength of its innovation ecosystem and commitment of its leaders to fostering startup success,” said J.F. Gauthier, founder and CEO of Startup Genome.
The judges ruled that blocking the export was the prerogative of the executive—which had warned against undermining U.S. trust in Britain.
Enterprise software led all high-tech with more than $3 billion invested in the first half of the year.
The Jewish Public Affairs Committee of California called the one-year allocation an “unprecedented investment.”
TUS Airways, Blue Bird Airways and Etihad are also up and running at Ben-Gurion Airport; Hainan Airlines to join, and others on the way.
Lawmakers, ambassadors and faith leaders gather at the Knesset ahead of Jerusalem Day to promote international recognition of Israel’s capital.
It is not left. It is not right. It is as straight as a fact in history. It is simply the truth, and the truth is something we have an obligation to protect.
Still, 61% of respondents to an April poll from the Pew Research Center said that religion was declining in influence in the country, compared to 37% that said it was gaining ground.
Israel’s national security minister was reportedly one of some 200 Jews who visited the site throughout the day.
“It is under Israel’s sovereignty that people of all faiths have access to their holy sites,” the American diplomat stated.
Mayor Moshe Lion says this year’s honorees represent “the human, moral and professional mosaic of Jerusalem.”
Foreign envoys hear appeals to recognize Israel’s united capital and relocate embassies to the city.
It is and always has been a city of striking contrasts.
One is compelled to ask: What exactly does the Communist Party fear from a few hundred people in the city of Kaifeng?
The award “is a personal recognition and does not imply support or opposition to any policy or country,” the U.S. Embassy to the Holy See said.
How a small metal container—and the ancient habit it represents—may be one of the most powerful tools for raising the next generation of Jews who love Israel.
Yitzhak Wasserlauf praised the “revolution” of allowing Jewish prayer on the Mount.
‘Twenty soccer fields’ of mesh nets due to be used to protect Israeli troops from lethal threat.
In certain contexts, the Notch receptor may participate in “reverse signaling,” influencing neighboring cells directly.
The software giant examined whether Israeli security agencies’ use of its systems violated company ethics and transparency rules, Globes reported.
Transforming battlefield leadership into entrepreneurial innovation, the 18X Elite Impact program has helped soldiers who fought for Israel raise more than $15 million in funding.
Jerusalem is also advancing efforts to join the Mediterranean Fisheries Commission.
The findings could also point to the presence of these metals in smaller fish species commonly consumed by humans.
The network relies on AI-generated avatars and fabricated IDs designed to mimic credible Jewish voices, Combat Antisemitism Movement found.
The proposed reforms would phase out smoked medical cannabis in favor of oils and inhalers.
The Israeli president was joined by Jerusalem College of Technology students and academic leaders to promote respectful dialogue in Israeli society.
The facility near Dimona will provide current at record low prices.
As NASA astronauts highlight global cooperation, some countries remain “fixated on outdated narratives,” the Israeli envoy said.
There have been frequent incidents in which Club Bruges supporters engage in violence and racist or antisemitic language.
“Lamine Yamal chose to incite against Israel and to encourage hatred while our soldiers are fighting the terrorist organization Hamas,” said Israel Katz.
A woman is accused of shouting anti-Jewish slurs at under-12 netball match in Sydney.
“He informed and entertained generations of fans with a theatrical and unapologetic style that was uniquely his own,” the New York Yankees stated.
“It’s time to understand that Israel should be sanctioned,” Jibril Rajoub said.
A California native, Jake Retzlaff played at Brigham Young University during the 2023 and 2024 seasons before transferring to Tulane University in 2025.
The godfather of Israeli ice hockey continues to play, mentor and inspire, even in wartime.
The team’s success builds on a strong track record in international competition.
Raz Hershko beat France’s Lea Fontaine, winning gold for the second time in her career.
Runners from Israel and abroad join subdued race following Lebanon truce.
Visa refusals could prevent Palestinians from attending pre-World Cup gathering in Vancouver.
Twenty honorees, including Julian Edelman, Omri Casspi and Bruce Pearl, will be inducted June 29 in Israel, highlighting global Jewish achievement across sports.
Israel’s Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security and the Tekuma Authority will invest $24 million.
KKL–JNF says that its decision to stop support for some of the agricultural holdings has nothing to do with where they’re located in relation to the ‘Green Line.’
“When we talk about irrigation or plants, we see that this common language can overcome many political difficulties,” Tomer Malchi told JNS.
Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar congratulated his newly appointed counterpart, as the two diplomats discussed the situation of both countries.
Michael Lotem finished a three-year tour as envoy to Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Malawi and the Seychelles in August 2025.
The assessment calls for the return of Palestinian Authority governance and efforts to “advance a durable political settlement based on the two-state solution.”
Michael Lotem has previously served as Israel’s ambassador to Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Malawi and the Seychelles.
It appears as “a living educational framework—a connection between Jewish communities in Israel and abroad, and a reflection of the strength of these communities across generations.”
The campaign, named for slain farmer Omer Weinstein, aims to place protective shelters on agricultural land as “Operation Roaring Lion” continues.
The route links Russian and Iranian ports and allows the countries to swap weapons, drones, ammunition, oil and foodstuffs.
Nuriel Dubin, 27, was a resident of Moshav Margaliot.
José Tomás Zambrano says U.S.–Israel campaign could weaken Tehran’s terror reach in Central and South America.
Rich and creamy, dairy is the rule and not the exception for this two-day holiday.
City says food fair reflects the metropolis’s spirit, offering public space for culture, connection and celebration amid challenging times.
At a Park Slope Food Coop meeting about boycotting Israel, a member, who reportedly compared Jews to Nazis, was applauded for saying that “Jewish supremacism is a problem in this country.”
Israel’s foreign minister said that no evidence had been provided by Kyiv, which he criticized for raising the issue in the media rather than diplomatic channels.
From Miami suites to Mexico City kitchens, a new generation of Jewish food influencers is using cuisine as a powerful form of cultural diplomacy.
“It becomes comfort, continuity and a way to feel connected to tradition and to one another at home,” Talia Sabag, of the Manischewitz parent company Kayko, told JNS.
The brand told JNS that it will be “evaluating packaging differentiation and working with our retail partners to ensure clearer in-store separation and signage where needed.”
A scholarly showdown over Jewish holiday foods spreads to more campuses across the United States.
“It has been a very tough time for the Jewish community,” Julie Menin said at the event. “The support of all of the colleagues who are here today is so incredibly meaningful.”
It literally marks the first time since 2014 that no Israeli is being held captive by Hamas or any other terror group in the Gaza Strip.
A falafel flap exposes the new rules of student speech on American college campuses.
“The quest for the L’Cheisman continues,” Eitan Levine said.
The discovery near Kibbutz Ramat Rachel has left researchers puzzled about its purpose and age.
The coins were allegedly looted from archaeological sites in Israel and smuggled to the United States.
Dor Wolynitz found a 1,700-year-old statuette fragment while hiking with his family in the Ramon Crater in the Negev Desert.
The Hebrew University of Jerusalem reported that Natufian hunter-gatherers produced 142 beads and pendants uncovered by archaeologists.
The rare find, bearing the menorah symbol on both sides, was uncovered during recent excavations in the Temple Mount area.
Because of its importance not just to Jews, but to the West, excavating the City of David has engendered much hostility, speakers said at a Dec. 9 event.
Hebrew University researchers uncovered 8,000-year-old pottery showing floral patterns built on precise geometric progressions.
Calling it “a dream come true,” the museum’s director Eilat Lieber says the Kishle site will become the Schulich Wing for Archaeology, Art and Innovation.
The section of the wall unearthed at the Tower of David Museum is among the longest and most intact segments ever uncovered.
“They could go to a museum even in the Gulf, where people could see another side of Israel, an artistic side, a beautiful side,” Bernard Shapero told JNS.
“It’s not just a display of the scrolls, which of course in and of themselves would be powerful,” but other “wow objects” leave viewers in awe, the museum’s director of exhibits told JNS.
The Dubai gathering comes as the landmark 2020 Abraham Accords continue to broaden in the wake of last month’s ceasefire in Gaza.
His greatness was not that he chose between the fire and the light. It was that he spent his life carrying both.
While leading the ADL for three decades, he epitomized many of the best things about the community he defended. But Jewish liberalism’s failures cloud his legacy.
“Abe believed that hearts could change,” said Rabbi Elliot Cosgrove of Park Avenue Synagogue.
“He carried that experience not with bitterness but with purpose,” William Daroff, CEO of the Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations, told JNS.
A passionate supporter of Israel, Joni Lamb received the Israel Allies Award in 2024.
“Doris Fisher leaves behind a legacy of deep commitment to her family and our city,” San Francisco Mayor Daniel Lurie said.
“He informed and entertained generations of fans with a theatrical and unapologetic style that was uniquely his own,” the New York Yankees stated.
The author of “The Choice” urged others to choose hope and healing.
After Scott’s death, anti-Israel group Track AIPAC touted the possibility of replacing him with a primary opponent who accuses Israel of “genocide.”
Godoff’s four-decade career helped launch and shape the works of leading writers, including Ron Chernow, Salman Rushdie and Zadie Smith.
“Jesse was a force of nature like few others before him,” U.S. President Donald Trump wrote.
The prolific singer, composer and arranger helped shape Israel’s musical landscape for almost six decades.