Mayor Eric Adams is a strong supporter of Israel. One of his primary opponents, Brad Lander, the comptroller, calls himself a “progressive Zionist.” Source: New York Times
Posts published in “Jews and Judaism”
Contemplating a Canon of Jewish American Films
By Gotham Rex on December 16, 2022
Two new films remind us that the experiences of U.S. Jews don’t often get the Hollywood treatment. When they do, depictions range from shticky to subtle. Source: New York Times
Why Some Hasidic Children Can’t Leave Failing Schools
By Gotham Rex on December 12, 2022
Parents who try to withdraw their children from yeshivas over a lack of secular education often cannot do so, hampered by social pressure and a rabbinical court system. Source: New York Times
Harriet Bograd, 79, Dies; Mentor to Jewish Communities Around the World
By Gotham Rex on November 23, 2022
She helped Jews in Africa and elsewhere feel connected to their origins by helping them start businesses and open synagogues and schools. Source: New York Times
New York Man Accused of Antisemitic Attacks Pleads Guilty to Hate Crime Charge
By Gotham Rex on November 23, 2022
Prosecutors say Saadah Masoud assaulted three Jewish men in 2021 and 2022, one of whom he dragged across the sidewalk during a pro-Palestinian demonstration in Manhattan. Source: New York Times
Two Men Arrested in Threat to New York’s Jewish Community Are Charged
By Gotham Rex on November 20, 2022
Manhattan’s district attorney said the men had intended to attack a synagogue. Source: New York Times
Netanyahu’s Comeback Widens Divide Over Israel Among American Jews
By Gotham Rex on November 20, 2022
Benjamin Netanyahu has mounted a political comeback with the backing of a far-right coalition that has stirred concerns among some over the direction Israel will take. Source: New York Times
New Jersey Man Arrested in Connection With Threat to Synagogues
By Gotham Rex on November 10, 2022
An 18-year-old man was charged with sending a threat over social media. He is expected to appear in court on Thursday afternoon. Source: New York Times
Why the 92nd Street Y Hired a Rabbi
By Gotham Rex on November 8, 2022
With antisemitism on the rise, the cultural institution decided to more fully embrace its Jewish identity. Source: New York Times
Kyrie Irving’s Links to Antisemitism Horrify His Many Jewish Fans
By Gotham Rex on November 4, 2022
In New York City, the second-largest Jewish population center in the world, Nets fans are appalled and frightened. Source: New York Times
Between Kanye and the Midterms, the Unsettling Stream of Antisemitism
By Gotham Rex on November 4, 2022
For American Jews, this fall has become increasingly worrisome. On Thursday alone, the F.B.I. warned of threats to New Jersey synagogues and the Nets suspended Kyrie Irving. Source: New York Times
Philip Hiat, Rabbi Who Forged Bonds With Other Faiths, Dies at 95
By Gotham Rex on November 3, 2022
His bridge-building efforts notably included a book and traveling exhibition of Jewish manuscripts from the Vatican’s archives. Source: New York Times
How the Hasidic Jewish Community Became a Political Force in New York
By Gotham Rex on October 30, 2022
Elected officials rarely embrace positions that could antagonize Hasidic leaders, who typically encourage their community to vote as a unified bloc. Source: New York Times
Hasidic School Is Breaking State Education Law, N.Y. Official Rules
By Gotham Rex on October 12, 2022
Issued amid a lawsuit brought by a parent who left the community, the determination could pose a significant challenge to Hasidic Jewish schools. Source: New York Times
How Ron Blomberg of the Yankees Saved Rosh Hashana in 1971
By Gotham Rex on September 25, 2022
Every year as Rosh Hashana approaches, a longtime reporter thinks back to 1971 when he was running out of time and Ron Blomberg, the Yankees’ only Jewish player, came through. Source: New York Times