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Culture and Society

Original reporting, features and analysis on culture and society.

The cultural gem in Jerusalem seeks to keep S.Y. Agnon’s literary world relevant for new generations.
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.
Demonstrations outside the Israeli pavilion came after Italy’s government opposed efforts by Biennale organizers and jurors to exclude the Jewish state.
Israel’s official account honored mothers in Israel and worldwide, noting the observance marked in over 40 countries and thanking them for daily contributions.
The missing person wasn’t identified until a hospital staffer recognized her from a post on Facebook.
“Think Twice” with Jonathan Tobin with guest Jonah Platt, Ep. 221
Dressing ideology in the language of art doesn’t make it less ideological. It merely makes it more socially acceptable.
The crowdsourced encyclopedia hasn’t repaired the “content contamination” that the banned editors left behind, according to Shlomit Lir, of University of Haifa.
Dan Wyman declined to predict how much a 1947 photo album produced in a Jewish displaced-persons camp after the Holocaust might fetch.
The primary domestic tensions are directed toward the regime itself, rather than between completely fractured armed population groups.
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,” a Center for Jewish History 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
Dressing ideology in the language of art doesn’t make it less ideological. It merely makes it more socially acceptable.
City says food fair reflects the metropolis’s spirit, offering public space for culture, connection and celebration amid challenging times.
Online critics accused the bestselling author, who is a supporter of the BDS movement, of “normalizing” Israelis over a brief reference in her book, Taipei Story.
An exhibition in Tel Aviv supports thousands of IDF troops from abroad serving in Israel.
The Kan broadcaster described the structure as the largest prop of this year’s event.
“I am very happy and excited to represent our beautiful country,” contestant Noam Bettan said.
Its unprecedented accomplishments—economic prosperity, a robust democracy, a resilient social fabric and outsized international influence—stem from a culture of optimism, ingenuity and determination.
The state initially said that it is giving its 2025 Montana Exporter of the Year Award to a company that exports "$5.4 million worth of products to Canada, Egypt, European Union, Japan, Kuwait, Palestine, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, South Korea, United Kingdom and United Arab Emirates.”
Jerusalem is also advancing efforts to join the Mediterranean Fisheries Commission.
The planned new flights to Saigon come as Israelis are increasingly flying to the Far East amid a burst of antisemitism in much of the West.
The U.S. credit rating agency cited strong economic fundamentals despite the wars with Iran, Hamas and Hezbollah, and increased defense spending.
The 30 defendants are “accused of scoring significant profits from expected market moves and making out like bandits,” the FBI said.
The millions of Jews who receive assistance and benefits are not being served less because people care less. They are being served less because the math no longer works.
The facility will be able to produce about 50,000 meals a day.
Kela Technologies, which integrates commercial technologies for military uses, has received the financial backing of U.S. billionaires Bill Ackman and Eric Schmidt.
The Bank of Israel warned that the measure may not benefit customers while causing harmful second-order effects.
The Hungarian low-cost carrier was in negotiations to open a Ben-Gurion base this year.
There is surplus production that can be sent to the Federal Republic.
The group wedding at a Chabad shul included elderly couples who had been civilly married for years, alongside younger pairs whose wedding plans were delayed by the war.
In 2000, Israel abandoned the site after Palestinian rioters stormed the compound.
The cultural gem in Jerusalem seeks to keep S.Y. Agnon’s literary world relevant for new generations.
A country that struggles with the intersection of religious practice in a secular society needs to develop protections for the Jewish practice of brit milah.
“Our connection with the city of Jerusalem is deep and meaningful,” said the chief of staff.
Olga Popyrina, who worked designing lighting fixtures and glassware for Ikea, collaborated on the project with Rabbi Alexander and Leah Namdar of Chabad-Lubavitch Sweden.
Will local religious and political leaders react to someone who dredges up the hate made famous by Father Charles Coughlin?
We owe an eternal debt of gratitude to these selfless souls.
“Eyal Park” honors Eyal Haimovsky, the longtime CEO of the Jerusalem Development Authority.
Middle school pupils from 33 schools tested their knowledge of the Israeli capital’s history, culture and landmarks at Tower of David.
“If a non-Jewish person so greatly respects our religion and even calls on non-Jews to rest on Shabbat, then all the more so should we Jews,” said Rabbi David Yosef.
For a people who had known expulsions, ghettos, forced conversions, restrictions, humiliation and violence across centuries of exile, that promise was revolutionary.
“As part of ‘Rakia’ mission to the International Space Station, I will be taking with me a bag filled with items that have a special meaning to me. It was clear to me that one of these items will be a symbol of Jewish history,” said astronaut Eytan Stibbe.
“We don’t want to get into a challenge with anyone ... we want to help our people,” says Hezbollah chief Hassan Nasrallah • Lebanon’s fuel crisis requires an “immediate” solution, says a U.N. representative.
According to figures released by the defense company, midyear sales reached around $2.2 billion.
The country’s economic crisis has led to long lines at gas stations.
An initiative towards achieving the U.N. Sustainable Development Goals, specifically focuses on SDG14: “Life Below Water,” which is aimed at saving the ocean and its biodiversity, and increasing marine-protected areas.
“We are facing BDS attempts, and we have to confront them. This is all part of the same campaign, and we have to develop a strategy,” said Israel Defense Forces’ Col. (res.) Gabi Siboni, an expert in cyber security, military strategy and technology.
There’s no doubt that this crisis with Tehran necessitates an international response.
The crew of the “Asphalt Princess” disabled the engines after the ship was boarded by Iranian gunmen, preventing it from being diverted to the Islamic Republic.
The statesmen said Israel “will maintain the right to act independently in the face of any attack or threat to its citizens and sovereignty.”
Israeli Ambassador to the United Nations Gilad Erdan: The council must not sit idly by in the face of Iran’s “murderous and brazen” acts.
Are we at the point where the sides take off their masks and the conflict between them moves into the open, and if so, what should Israel’s next steps be?
Ebrahim Raisi, set to be sworn in on Aug. 5, will have a week to get his cabinet approved by parliament.
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.
“I went to see them. They are actually quite a good team as well,” said Gianni Infantino.
The 25-year-old forward erupted for 41 points and a clutch three-point play as he carried Portland past Phoenix in the play-in to reach his first NBA postseason.
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 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.
University of Haifa study reveals that Natufian hunter-gatherers relied on waterfowl from Ice Age marshes rather than fish in the ocean.
“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.
Her brother Gil, who was with her in the car to celebrate their mother’s birthday, is in critical condition at Soroka Medical Center.
“He lived to help people become better versions of themselves,” his wife of 40 years, Susan Gelber, told JNS.
Lupolianski led the capital through a complex period and built up Yad Sarah to provide medical equipment and social services across Israel.