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Etgar Lefkovits

Etgar Lefkovits is an award-winning international journalist who is an Israel correspondent and feature news writer at JNS. A native of Chicago, he has two decades of experience in journalism having served as Jerusalem correspondent in one of the world’s most demanding positions. He is now based in Tel Aviv.

Murex trunculus shells and coins depicting them from the Roman period. Credit: Courtesy of Ptil Tekhelet.

The search for the biblical blue dye is told in a new visitors center

For about 1,400 years following the Muslim conquest of the Land of Israel, the identity of the sea creature used to make the dye was lost to the world.

Etgar Lefkovits

May 22, 2025

The Austrian Parliament building in Vienna. Credit: Jean Fonseca via Wikimedia Commons.

Austria launching Israel parliamentary caucus

“In an era of rising antisemitism, it is vital to have strong and reliable allies by our side,” said Austrian Parliament member Andreas Minnich.

Etgar Lefkovits

May 20, 2025

A Delta Air Lines plane. Courtesy of Delta Air Lines.

Delta resumes flights to Israel

The Atlanta-based airline confirmed to JNS that it will restart daily nonstop service between New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport and Tel Aviv.

Etgar Lefkovits

May 20, 2025

King Abdullah II of Jordan addresses the general debate of the General Assembly’s 79th session on Sept. 24, 2024. Credit: Loey Felipe/U.N. Photo.

Jordanian textbooks justify Hamas Oct. 7 massacre

A study by IMPACT-se found that textbooks "promote antisemitism, glorify violent jihad, and express strong hostility toward homosexuality."

Etgar Lefkovits

May 20, 2025

The “simultaneous triple independent runway operation,” in which three airplanes can land or take off at the same time on completely independent runways, has started at Istanbul Airport on April 17, 2024 in Istanbul, Türkiye. Photo by Sercan Ozkurnazli/dia images via Getty Images.

Turkish citizen to be tried for visiting Israel

Umut Ataseven was arrested, fired from his job at Turkish Airlines and forbidden to travel abroad after posting the picture in a WhatsApp group during an April visit to Israel.

Etgar Lefkovits

May 19, 2025

U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee (right) and Israel President of the World Jewish Congress Sylvan Adams at a WJC conference in Jerusalem, May 18, 2025. Credit: Shauli Lendner.

US ambassador to Israel: Iran has not kept its word for 46 years

Even if Iran agrees to curtail its nuclear program, said Ambassador Mike Huckabee, "do we believe them?"

Etgar Lefkovits

May 19, 2025

Israeli Diaspora Affairs Minister Amichai Chikli addresses Christian supporters of Israel from the Germany- based March of Life organization at a gathering at the Knesset, May 13, 2025. Credit: Knesset Christian Allies Caucus.

Christian antisemitism behind European leaders’ stance on Israel, says German evangelical leader

Christian antisemitism "shows itself in indifference and refusal to take a clear stance on Israel," said Pastor Jobst Bitter, founder of the March for Life movement.

Etgar Lefkovits

May 15, 2025

Wework shared workspace site in Herzliya Pituah, Oct 30, 2020. Photo by Gili Yaari/Flash90.

WeWork Israel bans prayer at Jerusalem offices, citing ‘safety hazards’

While members of the company's Jerusalem branch feel the move is discriminatory, the company insists the limitation has to do with room capacity.

Etgar Lefkovits

May 14, 2025

Israelis visit Sebastia, the former capital of the Kingdom of Israel, in Samaria, April 22, 2019, Photo by Hillel Maeir/Flash90.

Israel kicks off transformation of biblical Sebastia into archaeological park

“When you dig here you touch the Bible with your own hands,” said Yossi Dagan, chairman of the Samaria Regional Council.

Etgar Lefkovits

May 12, 2025