In the Forward’s opinion section, you’ll find analysis and essays from diverse corners of the Jewish world.
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Opinion
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Opinion
Ukrainian Jews have thrived under democracy. I pray my ancestral country endures
In 1929, my great-grandfather was given two weeks to leave Ukraine. Soviet authorities were intent on seizing his business. My great-grandfather Avrum owned a house in Uman and a dacha— a summer home — in Crimea. He was a NEPman— one of the successful traders who sprung up under the New Economic Policy of the…
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Opinion I lost my Jewish community after my interfaith marriage, so I built a new one
“Sure, I do interfaith marriages, but I have conditions,” the portly rabbi said, as he guided us to the two worn leather chairs in front of his desk. Then he sat down and clasped his hands together. A few weeks before, on a warm summer afternoon, my fiance Chris had popped the question at the…
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Opinion Miriam restaurant was sprayed with “f— Jews” graffiti. Here’s why we responded with white roses
At our table, we savored the plates of hummus, pita and shakshuka. It brought back wonderful memories of Jaffa and Jerusalem, places I haven’t been in a long time. My friends, colleagues and I, 11 of us in total, chose to go to Miriam restaurant as an act of friendship and solidarity with the Jewish…
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Opinion The years I spent in Ukraine taught me a very Jewish concept: hope
BERLIN (JTA) – I watch what is happening in Ukraine and I feel helpless, scared for the state of the world, terrified for my friends and former students and anxious about the future of the place that I called home for nearly four years of my life. When I first arrived in Ukraine 12 years…
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Opinion Despite childhood bullying, I’m proud of my Indian Jewish identity
I’ve always viewed myself, growing up with an Indian Jewish mother, as an experimental new dish added to the menu of life. Add one cup of challah, another cup of sari’s and chutney, a dash of Germanic roots and blend vigorously until you get one enthusiastic and occasionally confused me. I have not always appreciated…
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Opinion That’s Amar’e! Black Orthodox superstars making outreach to the masses
In a recent HBO special, superstar NBA player and coach Amar’e Stoudemire is seen by millions — not dunking, but davening. He followed that by making headlines in the Jewish world, announcing he’s ready for a shidduch and to remarry. Not to be outdone, another celebrity — top-selling rapper and producer Nissim Black — last…
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Opinion I survived being taken hostage in my Colleyville synagogue
(JTA) — If I have learned anything over the past month, it is that racist tropes are not harmless words. They must be actively and consistently challenged. You know them and so do I. The racist tropes peddled about Jewish people are plentiful. What you may not know is that antisemitic tropes caused my friends…
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Opinion Did George Washington really love the Jews?
Everything you need to know about George Washington and the Jews
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Opinion Why I hate this Presidents Day — and all others
Presidents’ Day is just plain odd
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Opinion A Palestinian-American died in Israeli custody. American Jews help fund the unit responsible
An 80 year-old Palestinian-American, Omar Abdalmajeed As’ad, died cold and alone on Jan. 12, 2022. He died after being dragged from his vehicle, handcuffed, gagged and forced to lie on his stomach on frigid marble ground in below-freezing temperatures. Omar As’ad’s son told the Associated Press that his father was “the life of the party”…
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Opinion Wake the sleeping dogs! The Jewish world needs journalism without fear or favor
This is an adaptation of Looking Forward, a weekly email from our editor-in-chief sent on Friday afternoons. Sign up here to get the Forward’s free newsletters delivered to your inbox. Download and print our free magazine of stories to savor over Shabbat and Sunday. The letter is dated Feb. 16, 1904. It’s typewritten on yellowing…
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News What We Know About Jeffrey Epstein’s Childhood
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Opinion The dark message behind Tucker Carlson’s attempt to drum up drama in Israel
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Fast Forward Robin Kelly, running for Senate in Illinois, says Israel committed ‘genocide’
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Fast Forward Isaiah Zagar, renowned Jewish mosaic artist who created Philadelphia’s Magic Gardens, dies at 86
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Fast Forward South Africa pulls out of Venice Biennale — because its selected artist wanted to focus on Gaza
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Film & TV Dear internet: Having Jews in movies isn’t ‘Zionist propaganda’
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