Philadelphia, PA — After 36 years as a standalone organization, the Philadelphia Jewish Archive Center will be shutting down sometime in early 2009 in response to a budget crunch. Its collections, which span nearly 200 years of Philadelphia Jewish history, will be absorbed into the archives of nearby Temple University. “This was a decision that…
A bestselling author writing about America’s most secretive intelligence agency is raising eyebrows with his claims that Israeli intelligence has potentially gained access to sensitive American communications information. Investigative writer James Bamford contends in his new book, “The Shadow Factory, the Ultra-Secret NSA from 9/11 to the Eavesdropping on America,” that at least two high-tech…
Los Angeles — The presidential campaign of Senator Barack Obama is refusing to participate in debates with representatives of a Republican Jewish group that is behind an advertising blitz attacking the Democratic nominee. In mid-October, the Obama campaign instructed its representatives not to participate in forums with representatives of the Republican Jewish Coalition. So far,…
As a Jewish Democrat, Ethan Berkowitz would seem the least likely candidate Alaskans would send to Congress. There are fewer than 3,500 Jews in the state today, and Republicans have a huge electoral advantage in registration and political power. “Alaska is the end of the Diaspora,” said David Gottstein, Alaska chairman of the American Israel…
Study of Jewish Dems Jews continue to lean heavily Democratic, but not necessarily because of the issues, according to a new study. A report released by New York University’s Berman Jewish Policy Archive argues that while Jews will likely continue to vote disproportionately Democratic in the upcoming election, that tendency is due less to Jews’…
As young adult teen fiction has gotten racier, edgier and more popular — Cecily von Ziegesar’s “Gossip Girl” and Stephenie Meyer’s “Twilight” are examples of sexy Y.A. series getting film and television treatments — author Matthue Roth has staked out his claim, writing charming novels about Jewish rejects and outsiders. His 2006 book “Never Mind…
The National Masonic Fishing and Country Club, known by its original members as the Fishing Club, owed parts of its parentage to a kibbutz, a Catskills *kuchalayn *(a summer camp with bungalows and a community eating place) and a commune, and yet it was its own distinct establishment. Set along a rocky portion of the…
Two film festivals showcasing Israeli cinema are coming to New York City in the next few weeks. The Israel Film Festival, which this year commemorates Israel’s 60th anniversary, will showcase 30 new feature films, documentaries, TV dramas and student films that celebrate Israeli life and culture. The Other Israel Film Festival, now in its second…
New ratings from the Cook Political Report reflect improved chances for a couple of Jewish challengers in tough congressional races. The non-partisan group changed the contest between incumbent Republican Rep. Mike Rogers and Democrat Josh Segall in Alabama’s 3rd Congressional District to likely Republican from solid Republican. Likewise, Florida’s 18th Congressional District seat held by…
It’s a little early for Barack Obama’s campaign to breath a sigh of relief and say a few Amens, but two new polls of Jewish voters offer some good news for the Democratic presidential nominee. An analysis by Gallup based on its daily tracking poll and interviews with more than 500 Jewish voters shows that…
Washington — A Jewish umbrella organization is once again under fire for what some critics described as showing favoritism toward the Republican Party in the presidential race. The Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations, which represents 51 communal groups, distributed invitations to a conference call with GOP candidate John McCain that was organized…
