June 12, 2026 Amid conflict, Israel’s children find joy in music, sport and study – opinion By Barbara Sofer Amid the dire reports from the ongoing fighting on our borders, the political scrambling, and the disturbances over the draft issue, there is a cheery item on Israel’s evening news. Israeli pop Mizrahi singer Peer Tasi […]
Amid conflict, Israel’s children find joy in music, sport and study – opinion Read More »
May 29, 2026 Why Jewish tourists no longer feel safe being visibly Jewish in London – opinion By Barbara Sofer Guest Relations, Luton Airport: “Good afternoon. Thank you for contacting us and sharing your concerns regarding your recent experience at London Luton Airport. We are truly sorry to hear about the distress you experienced and the negative impact it had on your journey.
Why Jewish tourists no longer feel safe being visibly Jewish in London – opinion Read More »
May 15, 2026 The miracle that shaped Israel Prize winner Avi Rivkind’s life and career – opinion By Barbara Sofer In her apartment in Beersheba, Rachel Ohana is listening to the living room television with one ear as she makes her famous Moroccan meatballs in the kitchen. She has an amazing 30 pounds of meat to grind
The miracle that shaped Israel Prize winner Avi Rivkind’s life and career – opinion Read More »
May 1, 2026 From Auschwitz to today: How Israel’s days of memory define who we are – opinion By Barbara Sofer “Had we not acted against the existential threat, had we not acted with determination and daring, the names of the death sites Natanz, Fordow, Isfahan might have joined the names of the death camps
From Auschwitz to today: How Israel’s days of memory define who we are – opinion Read More »
April 17, 2026 Between missiles and swifts: A stay at the Gordonia hotel – review By Barbara Sofer “Where are you from?” I asked. “Tel Aviv.” “Oh, you are worse than we are in Jerusalem.” “We’re from Nahariya.” “Oh, I’m so sorry about what you’ve been through.” “We live right here in Zichron Ya’acov. We wanted to try the new hotel.” “We’re nearby in Binyamina.
Between missiles and swifts: A stay at the Gordonia hotel – review Read More »
April 17, 2026 Independence Day: 78+1 reasons I love Israel – opinion By Barbara Sofer Returned hostage AlonOhel played the piano dedicated to him in Hostages Square. On thedaythe hostages were released, spinning classes in Jerusalem cycle to the rhythm of the Breslov Hassidic song “(God) Always Loves Me.” At a Greek kosher restaurant in Jerusalem, a young woman
Independence Day: 78+1 reasons I love Israel – opinion Read More »
March 27, 2026 Amir Peretz saw what others missed: Iron Dome reshaped Israel’s defense and future – opinion By Barbara Sofer Whenever I walk back up the 52 steps from our building’s shelter to our apartment in Jerusalem, after hearing the booms in the skies, I thank heaven and I whisper a thank you to Amir Peretz.
Mar 13, 2026 Netivot shows how Israel’s periphery can become its center – opinion By Barbara Sofer The subject came up recently when I attended the inauguration of the newest branch of the Hadassah Medical Organization in the southern city of Netivot. I found visitors from abroad looking at me quizzically whenever I used the
Netivot shows how Israel’s periphery can become its center – opinion Read More »
February 27, 2026 When first graders in Modi’in sang ‘You Won’t Defeat Me,’ I cried By Barbara Sofer The part in Yehoram Gaon’s song “You Won’t Defeat Me,” when the adorable first graders dance, made me cry. I was in an old-fashioned gym in the young city of Modi’in. The population is estimated to be 112,692 – which is
When first graders in Modi’in sang ‘You Won’t Defeat Me,’ I cried Read More »
February 13, 2026 A manicure, a memorial and the music of David – opinion By Barbara Sofer On Tuesday night, 10 days after the return of Ran Gvili’s body, members of my Jerusalem synagogue Shira Hadasha gathered in an evening of song and to store away, in personalized fabric cases, the many accoutrements related to the return of the hostages. These,
A manicure, a memorial and the music of David – opinion Read More »