Journalism
Some of my recent work, organized by category.
Don’t Conflate The Jersey City Murderers With All Black Hebrew Israelites
The vast majority of Hebrew Israelites — in the United States, Israel, and around the world — do not promote anti-Semitism or violence.
Sayed Kashua at S.F. State: for the popular Palestinian Israeli writer, home is elusive
The creator of the popular Israeli TV series “Arab Labor” and author of four novels is busier than ever, juggling coursework in a comparative literature program at Washington University while working on several television projects.
What Would Historical African American-Jewish Music Sound Like?
Anthony Russell's new album mashes up Yiddish folk songs and African American roots songs in unexpected and transcendent ways. It is complex, defies easy characterization, and forces the listener to reevaluate preconceived ideas. Kind of like Russell himself.
Conscientious Objector Puts Himself in an Israeli Soldier’s Boots in New Book
Debut novel by anti-occupation activist Moriel Rothman-Zecher reflects life in a 'broken place' and charts the fragile relationship between an IDF soldier and Palestinian twins.
Abayudaya Leader to Israelis: “We Are Your Brothers and Sisters”
"Many Israelis need to be enlightened about the existence of alternative forms of Judaism, and Conservative Judaism is one alternative that they could turn to."
Martin Luther King’s Forgotten Visit to the Holy Land
Martin Luther King, Jr. felt uneasy as he and his wife, Coretta, landed in Jerusalem in the winter of 1959. They had come from Lebanon and were eager to see the Old City’s Christian holy sites. But it troubled King that Jerusalem was divided, the western part controlled by Israel and the eastern part by Jordan.
The African Hebrew Israelites Want to Be Part of Israel, but Israel Still Won’t Commit
They started leaving the U.S., 'Land of the Great Captivity', 50 years ago, and have weathered racism and poverty in Israel, establishing a vibrant community. But the legal status of the 'Black Hebrews' is still unresolved.
Michael Chabon’s Novel ‘Moonglow’ Illuminates as Much as It Obscures
It is by far the Pulitzer Prize-winning author's darkest book to date. From the opening scene, in which the grandfather strangles his boss in a blind rage, there is violence and emotional trauma at every turn.
Rescued From the Realm of Legend: Israel’s 1976 Entebbe Raid Revisited
Forty years on, 'Operation Thunderbolt,' an authoritative account of the rescue of 102 hostages from a hijacked plane – warts and all – has finally come to light.
The Holy City of Jerusalem Is Now a Break Dancing Mecca, Too
Well, the quality doesn’t yet meet Bronx standards, but Israeli immigrants from Russia, Ukraine and Ethiopia are putting together their own weird style.
Caregiver’s ‘X Factor’ Victory Electrifies Filipino Community in Israel
Rose Fostanes’ journey from anonymous caregiver to reality TV star began inside a south Tel Aviv karaoke bar, located a few doors down from a brothel and adjacent to a vacant lot that reeks of urine.
Tripped Up by the Bottom Line, Maccabiah Athletes Struggle to Fund Their Trips
After training intensively for years, the real obstacle for many athletes who want to compete at the Maccabiah is money. With the cost reaching five figures (in dollars), aspiring participants are deploying their creative energy to raise the necessary funds on their own.