Offbeat Israel: Iran Makeovers, Cable Price Wars

Graphic by Angelie Zaslavsky
Here’s an interesting take on the unrest in Iran. Chic clothing firm Daphna Levinson has placed an advertisement in several newspapers. It reads: “Iranians, good luck with your revolution to freedom.” The picture shows “before” and “after” pictures supposedly on this theme. The “before” picture features a woman covered up in a black burka-like robe; the “after” picture comes from the latest Daphna Levinson catalog.
Israel’s main cable TV companies, Hot and Yes, are engaged in a price war. This has seemingly caused the companies to give the third degree to any customer who dares to call up to cancel.
Hot customer services: Hello
Me: Hello, I would like to cancel my TV subscription.
Hot customer services: Why?
Me: (trying to avoid an inquisition) There isn’t much to watch.
Hot customer services: I don’t understand your reason. Me: Look, I simply don’t want Hot TV anymore.
Hot customer services: (long pause….) Have you become ultra-Orthodox?
Why I became the Forward’s Editor-in-Chief
You are surely a friend of the Forward if you’re reading this. And so it’s with excitement and awe — of all that the Forward is, was, and will be — that I introduce myself to you as the Forward’s newest editor-in-chief.
And what a time to step into the leadership of this storied Jewish institution! For 129 years, the Forward has shaped and told the American Jewish story. I’m stepping in at an intense time for Jews the world over. We urgently need the Forward’s courageous, unflinching journalism — not only as a source of reliable information, but to provide inspiration, healing and hope.
