Michele Shrem

Anti-Semitism is a word heavy with history, pain, and injustice. From ancient persecution to the horrors of the Holocaust, and now to the current rise of hate incidents, Jewish communities around the world continue to grapple with different forms of anti-Semitism. While the word “anti-Semitism” carries a shared meaning, how it is felt and experienced is deeply personal.

Here community members weigh in on this sensitive topic. Their voices reflect anger, confusion, resilience, pride, and a yearning to be seen beyond the stereotypes.

David B.

“The strange thing about anti-Semitism is that it can feel invisible until suddenly it’s not. One day I’m at a dinner party and someone makes a joke about Jews and money like it is casual trivia. And I think, would you say that about any other group and expect me to laugh?” David describes himself as “visibly Jewish,” often wearing a kippah in public. He has been verbally harassed on the subway and once had to escort his children away from a protest where anti-Semitic slurs were being chanted. “It’s not just the violence,” he says. “It’s the constant drip of assumption and suspicion.”

Maya T.

“Being Jewish on campus feels like walking a tightrope. I’m proud of who I am, but I also know if I speak up about anti-Semitism, some people will say I’m just being dramatic.” Maya is active in her university’s Jewish student group. She notes an uptick in hostility around discussions about Israel, where “Jewish students are often held responsible for geopolitical decisions thousands of miles away.” For her, the line between criticism and anti-Semitism is sometimes crossed with alarming ease.

Eli C.

“There’s a spiritual wound that comes with being hated for simply existing. My role is to help my community heal, but also to prepare.” Eli has led community responses to local synagogue vandalism and helps coordinate security training with law enforcement. “It’s a strange contradiction – offering spiritual peace while knowing someone might walk through our doors with a gun.”

Isaac O.

“There’s this myth that anti-Semitism died after the Holocaust. I see it in classrooms when students doubt what I say, or ask if I’m exaggerating.” Isaac has dedicated his life to educating young people about the Holocaust, but he’s often disheartened by the skepticism he encounters. “When you have people who say it [the Holocaust] didn’t happen, or that it wasn’t that bad, that’s not just ignorance – it’s hatred repackaged as opinion.”

Sara S.

“I live in two worlds. In Israel, being Jewish is normal. In New York, it can feel like a liability, especially in certain professional settings.” Sara splits her time between Israel and the U.S. and she’s noticed how her colleagues in the tech industry avoid Jewish topics. “People will talk about diversity all day, but when I mention anti-Semitism, it’s like I’ve said a dirty word.”

Egal Z.

“I want my kids to be proud Jews, but I worry every time they wear their Star of David necklaces outside.” There has seen a troubling rise in anti-Semitic attacks, and Egal has taught his children how to recognize danger. “We’ve had serious talks about where to sit on the bus, how to respond to threats, when to hide their identity. It’s heartbreaking.”

Joey D.

“Anti-Semitism doesn’t always wear a swastika. Sometimes it wears a smile and asks why we’re always so ‘pushy’ or ‘successful.’” Joey has lost clients after revealing he’s Jewish. He’s also had vendors assume he’d be “good with money” or he’d be an “aggressive negotiator.” “These stereotypes are older than me, but they still shape how people see us. That’s exhausting.”

What Unites These Voices

What emerges from these deeply personal reflections is that anti-Semitism isn’t just an external threat – it shapes daily choices, instills fear, and, paradoxically, strengthens identity. From America to Europe, in schools, workplaces, and places of worship, Jews continue to face a unique form of prejudice that often goes unchallenged.

But what also emerges is strength. The act of speaking out, of refusing to disappear, is itself resistance. Whether through education, art, activism, or simple persistence, these individuals – and countless others like them – are shaping a world where hate does not get the final word. We are not defined by the hatred we face, but rather, we are defined by the lives we build in spite of it.

Anti-Semitism on College Campuses

College campuses have long been considered bastions of free thought, diversity, and inclusion. Yet for many Jewish students, that ideal is being eroded by a troubling resurgence of anti-Semitism across North American and European universities. From hostile rhetoric to physical threats, students report an environment that often feels more alienating than empowering. While the rise in ant-Semitism isnot exclusive to universities, the setting presents unique dangers-where ideas gain traction quickly, peer influence is powerful, and institutional responses are often delayed, inconsistent, or politically constrained.

There has been a climate of fear, and since 2020 Jewish students have reported a dramatic increase in anti-Semitic incidents on college campuses. The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) and Hillel International documented hundreds of cases in the 2023–2024 academic year alone, ranging from hateful graffiti and swastikas in dormitories to verbal harassment, social media intimidation, and even physical violence. In many cases, Jewish students say they are not just afraid,they also feel isolated. Instead of openly wearing a Star of David necklace, many are now tucking their necklaces in while walking through campus.

Subtle and Less Subtle Forms of Anti-Semitism

Anti-Semitism on campus does not always take the form of overt slurs or vandalism. More often, it’s subtle: Jewish students being left out of progressive student groups for their alleged “Zionist” views, professors singling out Jewish students during political discussions, or students being asked to denounce Israel in order to prove their commitment to justice. At its most extreme, anti-Semitism on campus has become violent. In several recent cases, Jewish students have reported being physically threatened or assaulted at protests, or targeted online with coordinated harassment campaigns.

Perhaps the most controversial and difficult line to draw on college campuses is the one between anti-Zionism and anti-Semitism. Criticism of Israel’s government and policies – like criticism of any country – is legitimate and protected under the right to free speech. However, when this criticism morphs into blanket hostility toward Jewish students, or denial of Israel’s right to exist, it often veers into blatant ant-Semitism. Some professors and student leaders have also fueled this divide, painting Jewish identity and Zionism as inherently colonial, thereby erasing the complex and diverse relationship many Jews have with Israel.

Universities’ Apathy and the Response

Many Jewish students say their universities have failed to seriously address anti-Semitism on campus. Despite the existence of diversity and inclusion offices, anti-Semitic incidents are often underreported, dismissed, or reframed as political debate. In some cases, students claim they are told to simply avoid certain events or “stay silent to deescalate.”

In response, some Jewish advocacy groups have begun lobbying for stronger protections. The U.S., the Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights has opened several investigations under Title VI of the Civil Rights Act, which protects students from discrimination based on shared ancestry or ethnic characteristics, which includes anti-Semitism.

The emotional burden of anti-Semitism on college students is severe. According to Hillel International, nearly one in three Jewish students say they’ve felt unsafe or unwelcome on campus. For many, this leads to self-censorship, isolation, or disengagement from Jewish life. Some Jewish students even feel forced to “pass” as non-Jews in academic or social settings –not affixing or actually removing mezuzahs from their dorm rooms, removing Jewish identifiers from social media, or refraining from speaking up in class.

Fighting Back

Despite the hostility, many Jewish students are choosing to fight back -with dignity and strength. They launch educational campaigns, and push for clear university policies on anti-Semitism. Social media is also a battleground where Jewish students share stories, organize support, and challenge misinformation.

Addressing anti-Semitism on campus requires more than statements and hashtags. It demands a clear definition of anti-Semitism that includes contemporary forms, such as anti-Zionist hostility when targeted at Jews. Mandatory education on anti-Semitism needs to be instituted, rapid response protocols for anti-Semitic incidents must be put into place with real accountability, and safe spaces need to be put into place for Jewish students to practice, explore, and celebrate their identity without fear. Most importantly, addressing anti-Semitism requires listening – to Jewish students, to their concerns, and to their complex identities.

Anti-Semitism on college campuses is not an isolated problem – it reflects wider societal tensions. But when anti-Semitism occurs in academic spaces, it undermines the very values these institutions claim to uphold – open inquiry, mutual respect, and intellectual freedom. To truly combat anti-Semitism, colleges must treat it not as a fringe concern but as a core challenge to their mission. 

Dave Gordon

Israel is facing one of the most intense periods of global pressure in recent memory. From the devastating war in Gaza, to escalating threats from Iran and its proxies, the nation’s security and legitimacy are being challenged on multiple fronts. Here in the United States, pro-Palestinian demonstrations – many of them increasingly hostile and disruptive – have taken hold on college campuses, in city streets, and even in corporate boardrooms. The fallout has extended beyond protests to economic pressure, as the BDS movement gains traction and companies reevaluate their ties to Israel.

For those watching these developments with growing concern, the question is urgent: What can I do?

While most of us are not policymakers or diplomats, we are consumers. And the choices we make – where we spend, what we buy, and whom we support – carry weight. That’s where the concept of a buycott comes in. Unlike a boycott, which seeks to punish, a buycott is a deliberate act of support: choosing to spend money on Israeli products, Israeli-owned businesses, or companies that refuse to bow to anti-Israel pressure. It may seem small in the face of global unrest – but history has shown that even modest consumer actions can make a difference. At a time when Israel is under siege in more ways than one, buying a bottle of wine, a jar of hummus, or a box of Israeli chocolates can become an act of solidarity. A buycott won’t end a war – but it sends a message: Israel is not alone.

“We have a problem,” exclaimed Brooklyn resident, Mr. Levy, to his wife.  He had discovered a pint of their favorite ice cream, Ben & Jerry’s, in the freezer. He told her that from now on they would no longer be buying that brand.

Was it the heksher?Mrs. Levy asked. Hadthe Kof-K kosher supervision been pulled from the product? No, and no. Mr. Levy responded that Ben and Jerry’s would no longer be considered kosher in their eyes because the company had decided to capitulate to the anti-Israel movement BDS –  boycott, divestment, and sanctions. The family agreed to no longer buy or eat Ben and Jerry’s, taking a principled stand against the company that has not only misguided views of Israel, but to their minds, contributes to harmful and hateful messaging. In 2021the company said that selling the ice cream in Judea and Samaria was “inconsistent” with their values, and it would not renew its licensing agreement for distribution there.

The company’s position has remained consistent, a move that led to a backlash, including divestment by some investors, and legal disputes with Unilever, its parent company.

Ben and Jerry’s Grows Colder on Israel

In fact, the ice cream company’s independent board has recently intensified its criticism, labeling Israel’s actions in Gaza as “genocide” in a May 2025 statement. This marks one of the strongest corporate denunciations of Israel’s conduct in the conflict, and has further strained the relationship between Ben & Jerry’s and Unilever.

Unilever has publicly distanced itself from the board’s statements, emphasizing that the views expressed are those of Ben & Jerry’s board and not the parent company.

But the ice cream maker’s political stance is not an isolated incident. While few major North American corporations have formally endorsed BDS, several have taken actions or made statements that align with BDS goals. Several well-known companies have withdrawn from Israel or made operational changes in response to pressure from BDS.

Other Corporations Bow to BDS Pressure

In December 2024, Brooklinen disclosed that it had moved all production out of Israel during 2023. The company cited years of pressure from BDS activists as a key reason for this decision.

In November 2024, 7-Eleven closed all eight of its stores in Israel. This marked a rare full market exit by a major international retailer, following sustained boycott pressure.

In December 2023, Puma announced it would not renew its sponsorship of the Israeli Football Association. While the company claimed the decision was unrelated to the Gaza war, it came after years of global boycott campaigns targeting Puma for its ties to Israeli settlements.

Chevron US, targeted for its investments in Israeli gas, halted expansion of a gas field in 2024 due to pressure. Starbucks experienced significant sales declines and laid off at least 2,000 employees in the Middle East in 2024. The company’s CEO acknowledged the negative impact of the boycotts in both the region and the United States.

The Earth Day Network, the world’s largest recruiter to the environmental movement, cut ties with SodaStream in 2014, and KQED Public Radio removed SodaStream from its donor gifts after BDS advocacy. In August 2024, San Francisco State University divested from companies including Lockheed Martin, Palantir Technologies, Leonardo, and Caterpillar after a three-week student solidarity encampment.

And finally, in 2024 Pitzer College became the first U.S. institution to end its study abroad program in Israel, following student-led BDS organizing.

These examples illustrate that BDS campaigns have, in several cases, led to marked changes in the operations, finances, or policies of targeted companies and institutions.

Consumer Choices Influence Corporations

These changes  illustratethat consumer choices can influence corporate behavior. It is therefore incumbent upon supporters of the Jewish people and Israel to redirect spending to counter the effect – to make spending decisions that align with our values.

Several organizations and websites actively track companies and corporations that are considered pro-Israel. These resources are often used by so-called activists and consumers interested in boycott, divestment, and sanctions campaigns. But those who support Israel can use them in reverse – choosing to purchase items on the “no buy” list.

You can find “no buy” lists on websites like StopBds.com, The Islamic Information, The Witness, Who Profits, Investigate, the BDS movement official website, and the Buycott app. They often highlight companies such as Microsoft, Cisco, Palantir, SodaStream, IBM, Hewlett Packard, Siemens, Google, Amazon, Airbnb, Booking.com, Disney, and Scotiabank as all having some dealings with Israel or Israeli companies. Of course, that’s a shortlist.

Another answer to combating the hate is to specifically choose Israeli-made products in the supermarkets, or to subscribe to by-mail box subscription services that send items each month from Israel, such as Lev Haolam, which ships monthly subscription boxes around the world, featuring artisan products from Israel, particularly from Judea and Samaria.

Buycott Campaigns – a Creative Proactive Response

There are several documented instances where “buycott” campaigns -efforts to proactively purchase Israeli goods or support Israeli companies – have made a financial difference or provided a visible counter to boycott movements. While such campaigns often gain traction during periods of heightened tension or boycott calls, concrete examples of measurable financial impact are less frequently publicized compared to boycott successes.

The most notable example of an Israeli wine buycott involving the Toronto Jewish community and the LCBO (Liquor Control Board of Ontario) occurred in July 2017, during a high-profile controversy over the labeling of wines from Israeli settlements in Judea and Samaria.

On July 11, 2017, the LCBO, acting on a directive from the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA), instructed vendors to halt the sale of wines labeled “Product of Israel” if they were produced in Judea and Samaria or other territories “occupied” by Israel since 1967. This directive specifically targeted wines from Psagot and Shiloh wineries.

Canadian Jewish Community Push Back

The news of the directive spread rapidly through social media and Jewish community networks in Toronto. Pro-Israel organizations, including B’nai Brith Canada and the Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs (CIJA), mobilized supporters to protest the removal of Israeli wines from LCBO shelves. There was a strong push within the community to not only voice opposition but also to demonstrate support for Israeli products by purchasing them – a classic buycott response.

Community members were encouraged to visit LCBO stores and buy Israeli wines, both to show solidarity and to counteract the effects of the boycott call. Social media posts and community bulletins urged people to stock up on Israeli wines, and some stores reported increased demand for these products.

The buycott was accompanied by lobbying and public statements from Jewish organizations, emphasizing both the economic and symbolic importance of supporting Israeli goods in the face of boycott efforts.

The intense backlash – including the surge in purchases – combined with political pressure led to a rapid reversal of the original directive. By July 13, just two days later, the CFIA announced it was rescinding its order and allowed the wines to return to LCBO shelves. This was widely seen as a victory for the buycott campaign and the broader pro-Israel community in Toronto.

International Push Back

In other examples, after boycott protests at stores like Trader Joe’s or Sainsbury’s in the UK, pro-Israel shoppers have organized counter-protests, buying out entire stocks of Israeli products and sometimes causing products to sell out. This has been reported in various media over the years.

SodaStream, an Israeli company that has faced years of BDS pressure, has also benefited from buycott campaigns. After the company was targeted for setting up in its Judea and Samaria factory, pro-Israel consumers and organizations in the U.S. and elsewhere promoted SodaStream as a symbol of coexistence and Israeli innovation. During periods of boycott, SodaStream’s sales in certain markets actually increased as supporters made a point to purchase its products.

Ahava, an Israeli cosmetics brand made from Dead Sea minerals, has been a frequent BDS target. In response, buycott campaigns have urged supporters to purchase Ahava products, especially during anti-Israel protests at stores in the U.S. and Europe.

While exact figures are rarely released, Israeli trade officials and advocacy groups have credited buycott campaigns with helping to offset the impact of boycotts and in some cases even boosting sales of targeted goods.

Sabra Hummus Saved!

The Sabra Hummus buycott campaigns in the U.S. were most visible on college campuses, where BDS activists targeted the brand due to its Israeli ownership and alleged support for the Israeli military. In 2010, a pro-Palestinian student group at Princeton University called for a boycott of Sabra hummus, equating its purchase with supporting Israeli military actions.

In response, a counter-campaign called “Save the Hummus!” was launched by pro-Israel students and community members. This buycott encouraged students and supporters to purchase Sabra products and generated national media attention for its creative and positive messaging.

The buycott was successful: the boycott effort failed, and Sabra remained available on campus. The campaign is cited as a model for how grassroots buycott efforts can effectively neutralize BDS activism.

Meanwhile, The Park Slope Food Coop, a progressive grocery store in Brooklyn, became a battleground for BDS activists in 2012 seeking to ban Israeli products, including Sabra.

In response, a grassroots group called “More Hummus Please” mobilized community members, local rabbis, elected officials, and advocacy organizations to oppose the boycott and to encourage the purchase of Israeli goods, including Sabra hummus.

The buycott and advocacy campaign helped defeat the proposed boycott, and Sabra products remained on the shelves.

Campaigns and Counter-Campaigns

At DePaul University and at other campuses, student groups campaigned to remove Sabra from dining halls. These efforts were met with counter-campaigns by pro-Israel students who encouraged others to buy Sabra and voice support for its continued sale. In most cases, the boycotts were unsuccessful, and Sabra products remained available, partly due to visible buycott support and advocacy from the broader community.

However, in 2024 Israeli food giant Strauss Group sold its stake in Sabra to PepsiCo, a move attributed in part to ongoing boycott pressure.

Multiple retailers, including Pemberton Farms, Balady Foods, and Harvest Coop, have removed Sabra products from their shelves following BDS campaigns. But now, Israel supporters know where these stores’ values are and can choose to buy elsewhere.

The Enduring Strength of the Jewish Community

The recent wave of boycotts and divestment campaigns, and the resulting changes in corporate behavior, have posed undeniable challenges for the Jewish community and supporters of Israel. Yet, as history has shown, adversity often reveals the true character and resilience of a people.

Despite mounting pressures, the Jewish community has responded not with despair, but with unity, creativity, and collective action. From grassroots buycott campaigns that turned the tide at liquor stores and on college campuses, to the mobilization of advocacy organizations and everyday consumers, the community has demonstrated its ability to adapt, organize, and stand firm in the face of adversity. These efforts have not only mitigated the impact of boycotts but have also sent a powerful message: attempts to isolate or delegitimize Israel will be met with unwavering solidarity and renewed commitment.

This resilience is rooted in a long tradition of overcoming hardship through mutual support and resourcefulness. Whether rallying to keep Israeli products on store shelves or finding new ways to express their values through conscious consumerism, the Jewish community continues to turn challenges into opportunities for growth and connection.

In the face of campaigns designed to divide and weaken, the Jewish community’s response has been to come together, amplify its voice, and support one another with determination and hope.

Rabbi David Sutton & Dr. David Katzenstein, LCSW-R

The Inner Child

The Gaon of Vilna (Mishlei 16:7) teaches that the term tinok,child (mentioned in Sotah 47a) refers to the middot and paths that we’ve always followed, as well as the animal instinct that we’ve always gone after, behavior to which we’ve grown accustomed.  This behavior is called a tinok because it’s been with us from when we were infants.

We all have a child inside of us, and we have to talk to that inner child, just like we talk to our actual children. If our four-year-old wants to eat sour belts before he eats his supper, we have to talk to him and explain to him on his level why he must first eat healthy foods, until he understands.  True, at times we have to be strict, but, in talking with our inner child, as well as with our actual children, the strictness must be carried out with the left hand, the less dominant hand. The pushing away has to be weaker than the bringing close. We have to work with our inner child until he agrees and understands why something is better for him.

Giving the Right Messages

We do need to be cautious in regard to ingraining these values within our children. Often as parents we engage in what is termed “double-bind messaging,” a type of communication that creates conflicting and incompatible messages for the child, leading to confusion and psychological distress. He has no idea what is expected of him.

When a child comes home with an unsatisfactory grade, we might say, “Don’t worry about the mark you got on the test, as long as you put in the effort.” But while we say these words, our affect and expression send a message of disappointment.

Or a parent may tell a child, “Be independent, but don’t make decisions without my approval.” So is he supposed to be independent, or does he go to his parent with every decision? This creates a double-bind situation. It’s a Catch 22. The child is left feeling confused, unsure of what is expected of him. He may feel like he can never satisfy his parents’ expectations.

Overall, double-bind messages can have a negative impact on a child’s development and well-being. They can lead to feelings of anxiety, low self-esteem, and decreased confidence. Over time, the repeated experience of double-bind messages can lead to internalized conflicts and a sense of being trapped.

By providing clear, consistent, and supportive messages, parents can help their children to feel confident, secure, and well-adjusted.

We can’t wake up one morning and decide: From now on, I will speak only words of Torah or prayer throughout the day. No more inconsequential discussions! Of course, such a resolution will backfire. We must work with our inner child and take on honest, realistic commitments.

The Four Sons

At the Pesach seder, we read from the Haggadah, “The Torah speaks about four sons,” four children whom we are to tell about the Exodus from Egypt. If the Haggadah is recited by a person who is on his own, and he is not recounting the story of Yetziyat Mitzrayim to anyone else, why does he, too, have to read about the four sons? 

Because we each have all four children inside of us: a hacham, a wise side; a rasha,a wicked side; a tam,simple side; and a she’eino yode’a lishol,a side of us that doesn’t even know how to ask.

Each one must be spoken to on his level, not only at the seder, but within ourselves, as well.

TAKEAWAY:

All of these children are inside each of us, and we have to learn how to work with, not ignore, our inner child.

For example, rather than clamping down on our insatiable desire to eat by fasting, it is best to eat a full meal, but to convince our inner child to leave over one or two bites. This is called taanit haRaavad, and it teaches us to curb our desires – without causing the inner childto fight back.

Exploring the Wonders of the Human Anatomy

Have you ever experienced a sudden, sharp headache when eating or drinking something very cold, like ice cream or a Slurpee? This is called brain freeze, and it is a brief but painful headache that generally lasts less than thirty seconds.

You usually experience brain freeze while eating or drinking something very cold, too fast. When something very cold touches the roof of your mouth (the palate), the sudden temperature change of the tissue stimulates nerves to cause the blood vessels in your brain to swell. This is an attempt to direct blood to the cold area in order to warm it up. The swelling of the blood vessels is what causes the pain in the head.

Doctor Talk

The medical term for brain freeze, also known as the “ice cream headache,” is sphenopalatine ganglioneuralgia, which means “nerve pain of the sphenopalatine ganglion(a bundle of nerves located deep in the face).”

Brain Freeze Relief Tips

To relieve the pain of a brain freeze, you need to warm up the roof of your mouth for the blood vessels to constrict. The quickest way to accomplish this is by pressing your tongue against the roof of your mouth. Other easy ways to relieve the pain is by drinking a warm liquid, or by breathing in through the mouth and exhaling through the nose, thereby allowing warm air to pass through the nasal passages.

To prevent having a brain freeze altogether, remember to consume cold foods slowly and to pause between bites or sips to give your palate a break from the cold.

10, 9, 8, 7, …

Brain freeze typically hits about ten seconds after chilling your palate.

FACT or FICTION???

Everyone is equally likely to get brain freeze.

This is false!  Some people are more sensitive due to nerve response or sinus structure.

“By defending ourselves, we’re also defending others. We’re defending our Arab neighbors, our Arab friends in peace, we’re defending Europe, we’re helping defend also the United States, which helps us all the time in our defense. This is an important mission.”

–  Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu

Dave Gordon

In the early hours of Friday, June 13, 2025, Israel launched a massive and coordinated military campaign against Iran’s nuclear and missile infrastructure. The operation, codenamed “Rising Lion,” marked the most extensive Israeli assault on Iranian soil since the Iran-Iraq War, targeting not only nuclear facilities but also the upper echelons of Iran’s military and scientific leadership. The codename comes from the Biblical verse that points to s victorious future for a powerful Israel: Behold, the people shall rise up as a great lion (Numbers 23:24).

The Israeli cabinet divided the Book of Psalms between them before making the decision to launch an attack on Iran. Hours before the operation, Prime Minister Netanya was photographed at the Kotel, placing a note between the cracks of the Wall.

According to BBC News and a public address from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, the decision to strike came after intelligence confirmed that Iran had amassed enough enriched uranium to build multiple nuclear bombs and was actively assembling weapon components. Netanyahu, addressing the nation, declared that further delay would have meant an existential threat to Israel.

Israeli Air Force Strikes

At around 3:30am in Iran, the Israeli Air Force unleashed waves of airstrikes across the country. More than 200 fighter jets participated, hitting dozens of strategic sites – nuclear enrichment complexes in Fordow, Isfahan, Kermanshah, Tabriz, Tehran, Qom, and others, according to Col. John Spencer.Ballistic missile bases in Piranshahr and IRGC HQ in Kermanshah were hit. IRGC headquarters in Kermanshah, Iran was reportedly attacked.

Various reports say that Netanyahu and his cabinet played up a public riff to throw Iran off the scent, and make them believe no military actions would occur.

The IAF deployed massive bunker-buster bombs in a direct strike on Iran’s Natanz uranium enrichment facility, one of the regime’s most fortified and strategically critical nuclear sites, according to a June 13th story in BBC News.

The Mossad in Action

The strikes were meticulously planned, with months of Mossad-led intelligence gathering culminating in simultaneous commando raids, sabotage operations, and drone attacks launched from within Iran itself, according to BBC News.

In a separate operation, the Mossad operatives embedded sophisticated attack technologies inside civilian vehicles near high-value air defense installations, according to a Free Press report.

At the onset of the Israeli strike, these hidden systems were triggered, destroying Iran’s defensive radar and interception capabilities, clearing the skies for the IAF.

Long before the aerial attack, the Mossad had already established a covert drone launch base within Iran, smuggling in explosives over time. During the main assault, these drones were launched at surface-to-surface missile launchers housed at the Asfaqabad base near Tehran. The attack neutralized a major component of Iran’s offensive missile threat.

Confirmed Casualties

In the Israeli operation, several of Iran’s most senior military and nuclear figures were killed. Confirmed casualties included IRGC Commander Hossein Salami, Armed Forces Chief Mohammad Bagheri, and nuclear scientists Fereydoun Abbasi and Mohammad Mehdi Tehranchi. Ali Shamkhani, a key adviser to Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and a principal negotiator in nuclear talks, was also reportedly killed, as was Khosal Reza Mossvarini, a senior officer in the Iranian Revolutionary Guard.

The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corp intelligence headquarters in Tehran was set on fire.

IDF spokesman Brigadier General Effie Defrin declared, “At this time, we can say that we have achieved full aerial superiority over Tehran’s skies.” Military experts cited by outlets such as The Wall Street Journal and Business Insider note that Israel’s suppression of Iranian air defenses allows its warplanes – including older F-15s and F-16s – to drop bombs from within Iranian airspace, and not just rely on long-range missiles.

Iran Retaliates

Iran’s retaliation was swift but less effective than anticipated, revealing limitations in its ability to inflict mass casualties on Israel, largely due to the effectiveness of Israeli missile defenses. Iran launched several waves of ballistic missiles and drones at Israeli cities, including Jerusalem, Tel Aviv, Haifa, and northern towns.

The Associated Press reported that some Iranian missiles were intercepted in the sky above the Jordanian capital, Amman.

By  June 16th, at least 24 Israelis were killed and some 600 wounded from Iranian missile attacks, fired at Tel Aviv, Haifa, and Jerusalem, according to Israel Hayom. Reports of buildings collapsing and fatalities in Bnei Brak, Tel Aviv, and other cities are confirmed. A Bat Yam apartment building was hit, according to the Times of Israel, where seven were killed and a hundred injured. In the northern Arab city of Tamra a home took a direct hit and four family members were killed, reports Times of Israel. 

Israel’s Reach and America’s Folly

Israel’s unprecedented ability to strike deep into Iranian territory – including the heart of Tehran – has shattered long-held assumptions about Iran’s security and exposed vulnerabilities in its air defenses. The operation’s sophistication, involving covert Mossad operations and drone strikes launched from within Iran, has demonstrated a new level of operational reach and intelligence dominance.

In a recent National Post exclusive interview by this author, the pro-Israel exiled Crown Prince of Iran, Reza Pahlavi, the eldest son of the former Shah of Iran, cautioned the world against the continued folly of “the policy of containment, or appeasement” saying that “after 40 years of this, how much more proof do you need that it doesn’t work?” He condemned the Obama-Biden administration for releasing to the Iranian regime billions that only allowed the mullahs to fund more of its terror-spreading extremist proxies.

He added on X on June 14th, “The Islamic Republic and its incompetent and criminal leaders have dragged Iran into war.”

World Leaders Weigh In

Various world powers had differing responses to the Israeli attack.

The German government, represented by Chancellor Friedrich Merz and Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul, did not condemn Israel’s bombing of Iran. German officials emphasized Israel’s “right to defend its existence and the safety and security of its citizens,” particularly in light of the perceived nuclear threat from Iran. At the same time, Germany called for restraint and diplomacy from all parties, urging both Israel and Iran to avoid actions that could escalate tensions further.

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer expressed “grave concerns” over Iran’s nuclear program and affirmed Israel’s right to self-defense, but stated, “Now is the time for restraint, calm, and a return to diplomacy. Escalation serves no one in the region. Stability in the Middle East must be the priority and we are engaging partners to de-escalate.”

Canadian Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand has called for de-escalation following Israel’s strikes on Iranian nuclear and military sites. She warned that “further action risks triggering a broader regional conflict with devastating consequences,” and urged both Israel and Iran to “refrain from actions that further destabilize the region.” Anand reiterated that Canada “always favors negotiated resolutions and encourages the involved parties to engage in dialogue,” emphasizing diplomacy as the path to enduring peace and security in the region.

The Iranian Regime – Axis of Terror

A year ago, the Iranian regime launched over 380 rockets and suicide drones at Israel in a coordinated attempt to murder civilians and ignite an all-out war. Meanwhile, it armed the Houthis, who fired rockets into Israel. The regime controls Hezbollah, and Iran bankrolled and orchestrated the October 7th massacre, the bloodiest day for Jews since the Holocaust.

Israel is standing on the front line against a regime that has exported Jihad, terrorism, and death across the globe, and turned Islam into a weapon of political conquest. But now, Netanyahu stated, “Iranian leaders are packing their bags” amid Israeli airstrikes.

What is unfolding in Iran might lead to the return of pre-revolutionary Iran, to the return of Western values, and the end of colonial Islamic darkness. And if it does, it will have been Israel paving the way, striking deep, standing firm, and saving the world from the continued grip of this evil.

Thousands in Iranians are now flooding the streets, not in fear, but in defiance and celebration of this now-crippled Islamic regime.

Netanyahu and Trump

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu issued a statement June 14th, addressing President Donald Trump by saying: “You’ve been an extraordinary leader: decisive, courageous, clear vision, clear action. You have done great things for Israel. You’ve been an extraordinary friend to the Jewish state and to me personally.

“And we appreciate what you’re doing now, helping protect Israeli lives against the criminal regime in Iran… By defending ourselves, we’re also defending others. We’re defending our Arab neighbors, our Arab friends in peace, we’re defending Europe, we’re helping defend also the United States, which helps us all the time in our defense. This is an important mission.

“Our enemy is your enemy. And by doing what we’re doing, we’re dealing with something that will threaten all of us sooner or later. Our victory will be your victory.”

An Open Miracle

Former U.S. Ambassador to Israel sums up the feelings of many of us. He tweeted on June 13th, “If you didn’t believe in miracles before, you should now. The skill, precision, and dramatically successful results of Israel’s attack on Iran’s nuclear facilities and missile silos, coupled with Israel’s interception of more than 100 attack drones launched against it by Iran before any drone crossed into Israel airspace, tells you pretty clearly that Gd is at work here, and whose side He is on!”

Victor Cohen

The observance of kashrut is a cornerstone of Jewish life, among the most important means by which we set ourselves apart from the rest of the world. We do not eat in the same restaurants as others, we do not buy the same foods as others, and we handle our dishes much differently.

Thankfully, our generation is blessed with numerous highly-competent organizations that we can trust to certify products and establishments as kosher. These include household names such as the Orthodox Union (OU), Star-K, and the Jersey Shore Orthodox Rabbinate (JSOR). These organizations, among others, allow us to purchase food and eat at restaurants confidently, knowing that the food we consume was prepared in compliance with kashrut laws.

Unfortunately, not everyoneunderstands the “ins and outs” of how certification works, and there are those who are not aware its necessity for certain foods or establishments. They may say, “I just eat cheese,” or “I just eat fish,” or “I just get salad.” They may further the question the purpose of certification if “it’s all kosher ingredients.”

The truth is that there is much more to kashrut than just the “kosher ingredients.” People need to realize that even if all the ingredients are 100 percent kosher, the product could still be halachically forbidden for consumption.

To gain a clearer understanding of the issues at hand, and to receive some practical guidelines for kosher consumers, I had the honor of interviewing Rabbi Hayim Asher Arking, Administrator of JSOR. He patiently explainedfor us in general terms how kashrut works, where potential misunderstandings may arise, and what the real issues at play are.

The Meaning of “Certified Kosher”

“Certification” is a broad term. It can apply to foods which must be prepared in a certain manner, to foods that can easily be substituted with a non-kosher alternative, or to the status of the utensils used in production.

Some foods or drinks are always considered kosher. Water, for instance, is always kosher,even water with electrolytes. The same goes for unflavored coffee, plain raw rice, flour, sugar, and fruits which are not prone to infestation. (It should be noted that Israeli fruits and vegetables do require supervision). Some foods change kashrut status depending on the circumstances, such as cooked rice, artichoke hearts which are prone to infestation, and others. There are also foods which always require certification, no matter what the ingredient panel states, because they must be prepared according to certain conditions. Rabbi Arking gave six examples of food categories that require certification despite their kosher ingredients:

1. All cheeses
2. All cooked foods (because of issues with bishul akum– products cooked by a gentile, the use of non-kosher utensils, and potentially problematic ingredients)
3. Wine, brandy, cognac
4. Fish
5. Meat/Poultry
6. Vegetables

Milk vs. Cheese

Many people are unaware of the important distinction between milk and cheese in regard to modern-day kashrut.Rabbi Moshe Feinstein ruled that here in the United States, commercially-produced milk does not require certification, due to the stringent regulatory restrictions of the FDA,whichall but guarantee that the milk we purchase came from a cow, and not a non-kosher species. Outside the USA, every location requires evaluation. Many hold to a higher standard and use onlyhalav Yisrael – which means milk which was produced under supervision, rather than being presumed to be permissible.

Cheese, however, is treated far more stringently, as the sages forbade consuming gevinat akum – cheese produced by a gentile. Thus, pizza or pasta with cheese from a non-certified restaurant is prohibited. Bringing one’s own cheese to a non-kosher restaurant is not a solution, as numerous halachic issues remain, such as the status of the utensils, gentiles preparing the food, added ingredients, and others.

Wine

The production of wine requires proper supervision throughout the entire process, and secure sealings of all barrels while aging. When you go to a liquor store and see a wine bottle bearing kosher certification, that means that a kashrut organization has guaranteed it reaches your hands under kosher conditions, by assuring that the numerous halachot relevant to wine were upheld.  Consumers must be advised that if the label says “not mevushal,” then the wine becomes prohibited if it is handled by a gentile at any point after the seal was open.

Meat

Generally, even those who are less scrupulous in their kashrut observance recognize the need for kosher certification for meat. Most misunderstandings arise when it comes to fish, dairy products, and vegetables, which is why JSOR has made a concerted effort over the last several years to facilitate many kosher dairy restaurants throughout the Deal area, in order to promote kashrut observance.

Nevertheless, it is worthwhile to review the basic principles relevant to the kosher status of meat.

You are in the butchery, and in front of you are two steaks: Steak A and Steak B. Steak A is certified, and Steak B is not. What makes A kosher and not B?

The following guidelines must be adhered to for meat to be kosher:

1. The meat must originate from a kosher species, such as a cow or sheep. Without valid certification, there is no guarantee that the meat was taken from an animal whose meat is permitted by the Torah for consumption.

2. The animal must be slaughtered properly by a trained, certified shohet (“slaughterer”). The animal cannot be stunned through the slaughter period, and a certain kind of knife must be used.
3. After slaughtering, the meat must be salted, certain veins and fats must be removed, and it must be handled properly.

Furthermore, meat in a non-certified restaurant may not be eaten even if it is otherwise kosher, because halachah forbids eating meat that was “concealed from view,” and not properly guarded.  And, the law of bishul akum forbids eating even inherently kosher food if it was cooked by a gentile. Even utensils used by a gentile for cooking become forbidden, such that the food cooked in them by a Jew thereafter may not be eaten.

Thus, when a restaurant is certified kosher, this means that the kashrut agency ascertained that all the ingredients used by the restaurant are kosher, and all the food served in the restaurant is prepared according to halachic requirements.

Fish is…Fishy

Many people mistakenly assume that since fish has far fewer kashrut restrictions than meat, it does not require supervision.  But this is not true.Alarmingly, many studies have found that“fish fraud” across the United States is at well over 30 percent, perhaps higher. It is incredibly easy to replace one fish with another – and this happens in stores, restaurants, and other establishments.

This means that if we buy fish without kosher supervision, we cannot know whether or not it originates from a permissible species. And when ordering fish in a non-certified restaurant, one also encounters the problem of bishul akum. We must emphasize that there are no halachic “loopholes” that can permit eating fish that does not have kosher supervision, and it must therefore be treated just as stringently as meat.

Vegetables

Vegetables are, in many ways, the most clear-cut category, though vegetables which are prone to infestation need to be checked before consumption. The checking is what makesthe produce kosher – and so it must be treated as non-kosher before it is inspected. The vegetables cannot be presumed to be checked, and thus salads in non-kosher restaurants are prohibited. Like with other foods, vegetables require certain procedures to become kosher, and unless these procedures are followed, they may not be eaten.

Needless to say, the laws of kashrut are intricate and complex, and in fact, some rabbis devote many years to the full-time study of these halachot. Additionally,the certification process is nuanced and complicated, with different agencies implementing different policies. Hopefully, though, this article offered the reader an informative and practical overview of how certification works, why it is needed, and how it applies to different food groups. If you have any specific questions about the status of a certain food, or of the validity of a particular agency’s certification, please direct them to your local rabbi.Baruch Hashem,over the past 50 years, our community has made significant strides in the area of kashrut. While some issues occasionally arise, new kosher restaurants continue to open, and people have become more aware of the need for supervision. Much of this is thanks to the work of the rabbinical, executive and operational teams at JSOR, who continue to facilitate the availability of kosher restaurants and products, which will positively impact halachic observance generally throughout our community.

Sam Sutton

Summer in Deal means one thing: M&S Softball is back, and the 2025 season promises to be its most competitive, content-rich, and exciting chapter yet.

Every roster in the league is packed with ultimate die-hards. This isn’t casual softball. This is M&S – a summer-long battle between competitors who live for the moment and play for legacy.

Lights, Camera, Legacy: M&S Media Coverage

What truly elevates M&S Softball is its unmatched media presence.

Every game is livestreamed – and it’s not just about watching; it’s about being immersed. Co-commissioner Max Sutton leads the live play-by-play with a revolving cast of colorful commentators, bringing sharp insight, unpredictable energy, and off-the-cuff chemistry. Max is as unpredictable as it gets – and that’s what makes the broadcasts unforgettable.

After the final out, the production keeps rolling. High-definition highlight packages drop after every game – edited tight, loaded with emotion, and narrated by the unmistakable cadence of co-commissioner Sam I Am. His energetic professionalism, sharp wit, and ability to turn routine plays into unforgettable moments has made his voice as much a part of the M&S experience as the game itself. Whether it’s a walk-off bomb or a clutch defensive stand, Sam brings it to life like only he can. It’s more than a recap – it’s a retelling. A rewatchable. A moment in motion.

All content lives on the league’s growing YouTube channel: youtube.com/@samiampro.

And for real-time reaction and unfiltered banter? That’s where M&S Smack Talk thrives – a league-wide WhatsApp chat where highlights are shared, opinions are formed, and no moment goes unnoticed.

Carpool Chronicles: Built for the Whole Community

As summer heats up and M&S Softball takes center stage, Carpool Chronicles with Hank continues to be the most talked-about show in community sports media.

Hank Dweck is the cog of the show – the one driving the analysis, the controversy, and the conversation. His takes are sharp, his rankings are bold, and his delivery keeps players locked in and fans talking.

From Day 1, Carpool Chronicles was never just about M&S. It was designed to spotlight all major community leagues – from softball to basketball and everything in between – and it has quickly become the go-to source for authentic commentary, accountability, and banter. While Hank delivers the insight, Sam I Am hosts the ride, teeing up topics, pressing buttons, and guiding the show with the pacing and polish that’s made it one of the most-watched pieces of content in the community. Together, they’ve built something bigger than a recap – they’ve created a voice for the players, the fans, and the culture.

Seven Teams. One M&S Cup. All-In.

The M&S Cup isn’t just a trophy – it’s a piece of league history. Every champion since 2008 is etched into its base. And every player in 2025 wants to be next. Meet the captains and their squads:

Sephardic Bananas – Captain: Edmund Beyda

King Salomon: Part Deux– Captain: Michael “Sabon” Salomon

Stayin’ Alive – Captain: Michael “Melech” Solomon

The Thundering Hooves– Captain: Gabe Abadi

The Long Horns– Captain: Max Yedid

Vandelay Industries– Captain: Sammy Seruya

Kaboom!– Captain: Uri Adler

Each team was drafted with purpose – a mix of veterans, breakout stars, and clutch performers – all with one mission: Lift the Cup!

The full 2025 M&S schedule is now available at www.MandSbaseball.com.

Rabbi Yehuda Finchas

“Rabbi, I was wondering about something regarding Shabbat,” Sammy began. “I’m generally healthy, but I take vitamins regularly to help me feel strong. I’m unsure if the rules about taking medication on Shabbat apply to vitamins as well. Could you clarify this for me?”

Maachal Breiim for Mild Ailments

The Shulchan Aruch (Orach Chaim 328:37) establishes that one may consume maachal breiim – regular foods and beverages that healthy individuals consume – even if they provide medicinal benefits. For example, someone with a mild cold, who is generally prohibited from taking medication on Shabbat due to the rabbinic decree of gezerat shehikat samemanim (the prohibition of grinding herbs to prepare medicine), is permitted to drink chicken soup or lemon tea with honey for relief, as these are considered regular foods and drinks consumed by healthy individuals. Gezerat shehikat samemanim does not apply to everyday foods. Based on this principle, Hacham Ovadia Yosef, zt”l, permits consuming soda water for heartburn relief on Shabbat (Halichot Olam Vol. 4, p. 205) as soda water is a regular, commonly consumed, beverage.

Maachal She’eino Breiim for Mild Ailments

Conversely, maachal she’eino breiim – foods not typically consumed by healthy individuals – should not be taken for medicinal purposes by someone with a mild ailment, due to the concern of gezerat shehikat samemanim (O.C. 328:37). For instance, homemade herbal remedies using herbs not commonly eaten are prohibited on Shabbat for minor illnesses. However, this restriction does not apply to a choleh she’ein bo sakana (a non-critically ill person), who is permitted to take necessary medication on Shabbat.

Maachal She’eino Breiim for Healthy Individuals

Regarding healthy individuals, the Beit Yosef (ibid) explains that the issue of eating maachal she’eino breiim on Shabbat does not apply to them,and there is noconcern of gezerat shehikat samemanim  as they are not sick. Therefore, a healthy person may consume natural herbal remedies (maachal she’eino breiim) even to strengthen their health. The Magen Avraham (328:43), however, disagrees, permitting such foods only when consumed for hunger or thirst, not solely for health enhancement. Hacham Ovadia Yosef (Chazon Ovadia, Shabbat, Vol. 3, p. 363) explains that those following the Shulchan Aruch may consume maachal she’eino breiim to maintain or improve their health.

Vitamins on Shabbat

In this context, Hacham Ovadia Yosef explicitly permits healthy individuals to take vitamins on Shabbat (ibid), even for the purpose of maintaining good health (Halichot Olam, Vol. 4, p. 207). This is because a healthy person is allowed to consume maachal she’eino breiim.Bottom of Form It’s important to note that those who follow the opinion of the Magen Avraham might not permit taking vitamins on Shabbat, as they are typically not consumed to satisfy hunger. However, Hacham Ben Zion Abba Shaul (Ohr Lezion 2:36:10) suggests a potential leniency even according to the Magen Avraham’s view, arguing that vitamins could be classified as maachal breiim due to their common consumption by healthy individuals.

Conclusion

In response to Sammy’s question, it is permitted for a healthy person to take vitamins on Shabbat. This is because the issue of eating maachal she’eino breiim on Shabbat does not extend to healthy individuals. This aligns with the ruling of Hacham Ovadia Yosef, who permits healthy individuals taking vitamins on Shabbat even for health reasons. While some authorities, like the Magen Avraham, might hold a more restrictive view, the prevailing Sephardic approach, following the Shulchan Aruch and the rulings of Hacham Ovadia Yosef, considers it acceptable for  healthy individuals to take vitamins on Shabbat. Furthermore, the suggestion of Hacham Ben Zion Abba Shaul offers a potential basis for leniency even within other halachic perspectives, given the common use of vitamins by healthy people. Therefore, according to the Sephardic tradition, Sammy would be allowed to take his vitamins on Shabbat.

Rabbi Yehuda Finchas is a worldwide expert, lecturer and author on Medical Halacha. He heads the Torat Habayit Medical Halacha Institute. His latest book is “Brain Death in Halacha and the Tower of Babel Syndrome.” To contact Rabbi Finchas, email [email protected].