Jews in Germany’s far-right party feeling buyer’s remorse
“The more radical and anti-Western people are succeeding in getting the majority,” said JAfD (Jews in the AfD) co-chair Artur Abramovych.
Corporate cancel culture reaches Germany with a Jewish twist
Following a boycott campaign by anonymous tweeters, Audi and Eurowings pulled ads from a popular German media outlet led by a prominent, pro-Israel German-Jewish intellectual.
Germany’s new ambassador to Israel launches charm offensive
Does the open approach of Steffen Seibert mark a new era of friendship between Germany and Israel, or do his kind words belie a “business as usual” approach?
German anti-Semitic arts scandal continues to foment after festival director resigns
“The devastating realization remains that in Germany in 2022, it took weeks of immense public pressure—once again almost exclusively from Jewish organizations—before the display of ‘Stürmer’ caricatures had consequences,” said Remko Leemhius, director of AJC Berlin.
Fossile Brennstoffe abschaffen? How dare you!
Orit Arfa sprach mit Bestseller-Autor Alex Epstein über die katastrophale Energiepolitik Deutschlands und unseren blinden Glauben auf fossile Energien verzichten zu können. Er sagt: “Das größte Geschenk, das die Deutschen der Welt machen, ist ihr Beispiel des eigenen Versagens. Keiner wird folgen.“
Works at German art festival cause stir over anti-Israel, anti-Semitic nature
“Elements being portrayed in certain exhibits are reminiscent of propaganda used by [chief propagandist of the Nazi Party Joseph] Goebbels and his goons during darker times in German history,” said Shira Ben Tzion, spokesperson for the Israeli embassy in Berlin. “All red lines have not only been crossed; they have been shattered.”
Exclusive: American-Israeli Author — Amber Heard Played the Media like the Palestinians … and Lost
Orit gave an interview with Breitbart describing her analogy of Amber Heard with the Palestinian movement.
Another German ‘mess’ has some crying foul and others keeping quiet
The Lufthansa affair comes on the heels of a community still souring over the Gil Ofarim incident, which might have damaged the credibility of Jewish claims of anti-Semitism. Could that be the cause of the muted response by the Zentralrat, the official Jewish body?
Macron’s clear French victory underscores unease with Le Pen’s extremist baggage
French President Emmanuel Macron eases to victory among a public wary of challenger Marine Le Pen, who while having moderated her far-right image could not properly defend her past ties with Russia, her campaign fumbles, and, especially among Jews, the liability of her last name.
European conservatives stress importance of empowering nation-states amid global uncertainty
In an annual conference in Brussels, national conservatives outlined why they stand with Ukraine, just as liberals do. But what differs it their endgame and, by extension, the implications for Israel and other proud nation-states.
A shaken German Jewry opens arms to Ukrainian Jews
Outside of Ukraine, Germany is home to the largest population of Russian-speaking Jews in Europe. “They take it very personally because for us it’s still part of our identity; it’s not just another war on the map,” said Anna Segal, CEO of the Kahal Adass Jisroel congregation in Berlin.
Israel Freedom Convoy persists amid media blackout and police crackdown
Israeli Minister Eli Avidar calls the police’s breakup of the protest at the Knesset “violent and brutal.”
‘Roots’ seeks to make flashpoints of peace in Samaria
“Getting to know each other and seeing each other as human beings—with families, with lives—it was eye-opening to me,” said Natalie Zacks, who moved to Israel in 2008 from Detroit.
German anti-Semitism czar with ‘anti-Zionist’ proclivities accused of splintering Jewish community
Civil servant Michael Blume defends allegations of impropriety by going on the offensive against his Jewish accusers. The established German Jewish community supports him, demonstrating a partisan rift. Now, allegations of corruption have surfaced.
Complex interplay of French patriotism, Jewish identity behind Zemmour’s presidential run
What remains up for debate is how much, if at all, Eric Zemmour’s Jewish identity plays a role in his positions, popularity and electability among Jews and non-Jews alike.
Who is Annalena Baerbock, Germany’s new foreign minister?
The choice of the 40-year-old Green Party member leaves analysts and the media unsure over effects on the domestic Jewish community, anti-Semitism and Israel policy, among other things.
Germany’s new ‘traffic light’ government signals worry for German Jews
Germany’s “traffic light” government, led by new Chancellor Olaf Scholz of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), was sworn in on Wednesday under the banner “dare to make progress.” Jewish leaders, activists and analysts, however, fear that the coalition will make less progress in strengthening Israel-German ties.
Alleged Vaccine Injuries in Israel: Underreported, Coincidental or a Tool for Anti-Vaxxers?
Niva is part of a growing community of people in Israel, and worldwide, who suspect or have been confirmed with a severe adverse event (SAE) from the COVID vaccine, but which they often dub “vaccine injuries.”
Upcoming German election prospects as lackluster as German Jewish future
The positions of political parties on Jewish German life and Israel read well on paper, as they also did in person at a pro-Israel rally in May at the Brandenburg Gate, where all parties (aside from the excluded AfD) sounded unusually strong pro-Israel rhetoric.
German politicians sound unprecedented pro-Israel rhetoric at Berlin rally
Still, some attendees wonder: Why now? What’s the source? And will it be followed by real action?
Adventures in Vaccinating
Watch Orit’s video tri-lingual report on Israel’s massive vaccination project–and a documentation of her own attempt.
Meet Ashraf Jabari: The Palestinian populist
He shatters myths about the Palestinian-Israeli conflict, finding his greatest Israeli allies in his quest for peace and normalcy among those living in Jewish settlements.
For Israeli right, Trump’s Mideast legacy will outshine his last days
The outgoing president set a new standard among Republicans for what it means to be pro-Israel.
Will Israel’s nightlife return to normal post-lockdown?
The image of half-naked strangers rubbing up against each other in smoky air under the spell of house or trance music seems like something once only seen in movies.
No one braids like the Challah Prince [VIDEO]
How do you make a Challah Prince?
Start with an Israeli born in Tel Aviv named Idan Chabasov, 35. Place him in Berlin with water, flour, yeast, sugar, and egg yolks. Mix with experience as a social media marketer. Add four years in art school in Tel Aviv specializing in animation. Leave to rise, isolated, during a coronavirus pandemic, allowing ample time and space for creative experiments with challah dough. And voila, or rather, challah
If Amsterdam purges prostitutes and pot shops from city center, will Jewish sites suffer?
Forward, September 30, 2020 Will the pandemic lockdown inspire Amsterdam to purge the sex and drugs from its historic core and focus more on its Jewish cultural heritage? Some natives hope so — but not necessarily the Jewish community. Like most of its European neighbors, Holland closed its borders during the coronavirus along with its …
German pollster: Trump will win
(The interview is conducted in German for Achgut.com) Orit Arfa sprach mit dem Meinungsforscher und Pressesprecher der US-Republikaner in Deutschland, Benjamin Wolfmeier, über die politische Stimmung in Amerika, die Tücken des dortigen Wahlrechts und die Aussichten von Donald Trump. Wolfmeier gehörte zu den wenigen, die 2016 einen Wahlsieg von Donald Trump vorausgesagt haben. Der Meinungsforscher folgt dabei einer anderen Methodik als viele Kollegen und sieht Trump auch diesmal vorne.
Sputnik covers Orit’s address at German parliament on Peace Accords
Eine israelische Journalistin sprach am Mittwoch im Bundestag über möglichen Frieden im Nahen Osten. Ebenso über Palästina, Israel und das Friedensabkommen mit den Emiraten durch Vermittlung der US-Regierung. Eingeladen dazu hat Außenpolitiker Anton Friesen (AfD). Wie ist Trumps Friedensplan für Nahost einzuschätzen? Sputnik war vor Ort.
Amsterdam, Sex and the Lockdown
(English with German subtitles) Das Rotlichtviertel von Amsterdam gehört für viele zur Stadt wie die Grachten oder das Van-Gogh-Museum. Dennoch gibt es Diskussionen unter den Anwohnern, ob man es nicht vor die Stadt verbannen sollte. Viele hofften, dass Corona dem schnellen Sex ein Ende bereiten würde. Doch davon kann keine Rede sein. Orit Arfa sprach vor Ort mit den Beteiligten.
My Swedish Corona Fairy Tale
Orit travels with her daughter Hanna to Stockholm to find out how they bucked the European lockdown trend–and to get a bit of fresh air.
Find The Nazi!
Orit ventured to the Bundestag, the German parliament, to take down those Nazis on the day German lawmakers voted against Israeli plans to apply sovereignty over Israeli-controlled areas. But she ran into some snags. Will the real Nazi please stand up!
An American prophet in Berlin
Richard Grenell had been making the German-American relationship more open and honest than ever before and holding Germany accountable to their ethical, historical and political obligations.
German lawmakers denounce Israel’s sovereignty plan, say ‘silence is not an option’
In a series of speeches at the Bundestag, every German party except for the right-wing AfD voted to condemn Israeli plans to apply sovereignty over Israeli-controlled areas, in the name of international law, regional stability—and friendship.
Palestinian NGOs with terrorists on the payroll eligible for EU funding
A letter issued by the European Union’s top diplomat to Palestinian territories allegedly allowing terrorists to benefit from E.U. funding has gotten pro-Israel groups concerned, especially as the E.U. equivocates on the matter.
Hezbol-Law: Behind Germany’s long-awaited ban of the terrorist organization
The move to ban the Iranian-backed Shi’ite terror group was more than a decade-long process in the famously bureaucratic Germany.
Corona baby boom? Not for many who want a baby the most
(April 21, 2020 / JNS) Amy Klein thought she had a hard time with infertility, having gone through 10 doctors, nine rounds of IVF in three countries and four miscarriages. But she thinks it’s nothing compared to what aspiring mothers are going through now with the coronavirus pandemic. “I can’t imagine what it’s like to put fertility treatments …
Corona baby boom? Not for many who want a baby the most Read More »
‘Unorthodox’s’ Aaron Altaras: The Jewish-German Ryan Gosling?
Blame it on his multi-ethnic looks and theatrical versatility, Altaras is not pigeonholed into Jewish roles — to his delight. He was bummed the shooting of his next series in which he plays a Turkish German boxer was interrupted by the coronavirus — as was his Passover trip to Israel. He would have loved to hang with the cast of “Unorthodox,” and maybe some new fans.
Corona Blues Music Video
There is no sugar coating it. There is no silver lining. There is no “good will come out of it.” There is no “look at the bright side.” There is no “at least….” We don’t know when this will end. This whole situation just sucks. Orit had no choice but to sing the blues…The Corona Blues.
Europe Braces for Extended Lockdowns
Genoa resident Eyal Lerner is an Israeli who has been living in Italy for the past 25 years. He believes Italy serves as a warning to other countries. Among the dead is his friend’s 78-year-old father, who couldn’t properly say goodbye to his loved ones.
Europe on Lockdown From COVID-19
Empty toilet paper shelves, empty seats at restaurants, empty desks in schools. These emerging iconic coronavirus images have become commonplace in Europe as the continent begins nationwide lockdowns amid a rising number of COVID-19 cases. On March 14, the World Health Organization called Europe the “epicenter” of the pandemic.
Warum sind der Iran und Deutschland so gute Freunde?
Die Absicht, der Gründung eines Regimes zu gedenken, das sich verpflichtet, Israel von der Landkarte zu tilgen, ist nur ein kleines Beispiel einer Reihe von deutschen Aktionen gegenüber dem Iran, die pro-jüdische und Menschenrechtsaktivisten dazu veranlassen, Deutschlands Reue über den Holocaust kritisch zu betrachten.
What explains Germany’s persistent, quixotic friendship with Iran?
A bungled telegram marking the 40th anniversary of the Islamic Revolution, coming on the heels of the 75th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz, puts some Jewish groups on edge.
An Original Lullabye, “Waters”
Check out the music video following Orit’s journey into motherhood through an original song, “Waters.”
Interview with Rabbi Yehuda Teichtal, Rabbi of Chabad Berlin
„Wir werden nicht untergehen“, sagt Teichtal, der 1996 „mit einem Einwegticket“ aus New York nach Berlin kam. „Wir sind froh, wir sind stolz“, gibt er zur Antwort, „sie bringen Dunkelheit, wir bringen Licht, wir werden uns nie verstecken, wir werden uns nicht unterkriegen lassen, auf keinen Fall! Never, ever, ever!“ Teichtal fordert „Nulltoleranz gegen Intoleranz“ und findet es befremdlich, „dass höchste Repräsentanten der deutschen Regierung einem Land, das Israel vernichten will, zum 40. Jahrestag der Revolution gratulieren“. Er gesteht den Deutschen ein ehrliches Bemühen um ein tolerantes Deutschland zu, sagt aber auch, dass die deutsche Gesellschaft dafür etwas tun muss: „Manchmal fehlt mir die Zivilcourage“.
Will the synagogue attack in Halle, Germany, spur pro-Jewish sentiment?
“If the political response matches the grassroots one,” Spinner added, “there should be some optimism about the possibility of Jewish life here, despite the obvious challenges.”
How sincere is German political remorse over Halle synagogue attack on Yom Kippur?
“The interconnections of modern anti-Semitism among Islamists, the far-left and the far-right are patently obvious, and [German Chancellor Angela] Merkel offers no program of action to blunt the rise of this highly dangerous form of Jew-hatred,” said Benjamin Weinthal, fellow for the Foundation for Defense of Democracies and an analyst of German politics.
The Orit Arfa Show: From Start-up Nation to Grown-up Nation Israel
Without Israeli hi-tech genius, there would be no Face ID recognition on the iPhone, no “Did you mean…?” function for Google typos…the new Berlin taxi-share service “BerlKönig” also relies on Israeli technology. So far, Israeli companies have been cooperating primarily with the USA. But more attention is being paid to Germany. Can this c to contribute to strengthening German-Israeli friendship?
Interview with US special envoy Elan Carr
“Anti-Semitism is evil, regardless of where it comes from”
Milo Yiannopoulos Talks About His Jewish Identity, Trump and Zionism in Berlin
The former tech editor of the pro-Trump outlet Breitbart, told the enthusiastic Hopfingerbräu crowd, “I’ve been called a racist, an anti-Semite, a misogynist, a white supremacist, a homophobe, a pedophile apologist and a transphobe. Only Islamaphobe is true.”
What’s your anti-Semitic poison? Conference tackles Jew-hatred at home and abroad
A conference on anti-Semitism in Berlin revealed varying ideological roots of contemporary anti-Semitism according to different parts of the world.
Geht’s Noch, Claus Strunz?
Das Buch beschäftigt sich mit den „schlimmsten“ Fehlern des Landes und schlägt 20 Ideen vor, wie man sie beheben kann. Einer der Fehler ist, selbstredend, Merkels Entscheidung, Tür und Tor zu öffnen für Menschen mit zweifelhaften Werten und problematischem Demokratieverständnis. Das ist der Fehler, den Strunz am kompetentesten behandelt…aber seine Lösungsvorschläge sind technisch, eben klischeehaft deutsch. Er beschäftigt sich nicht mit dem tatsächlichen Grund für die Probleme in diesem Land: Deutschlands gequälter Seele.
An exclusive interview with Dr. Felix Klein
Germany’s antisemitism commissioner seeks to fight hatred against Jews and Israel
Behind the Bundestag’s vote against banning the political arm of Hezbollah
Germany’s political parties shut down a motion to ban Hezbollah in large part because of the messenger: the right-wing Alternative fur Deutschland.
Germany’s ‘anti-Semitism’ czar: ‘Kipah’ advisory was made to trigger talk in troubling times
His statements have indeed triggered discussion, in addition to calls for defying the recommendation.
The winners and losers of Israel’s 2019 Eurovision Song Contest
The contest lured expected calls for boycotts by Israel-haters, but the show went on—almost without a hitch—at the Expo Tel Aviv convention center. During the vote tally, representatives from other countries praised Israel’s top-notch production.
[WATCH] Interview with US Ambassador to Germany, Richard “Ric” Grenell
On May 8, 2018, US Ambassador Richard Grenell arrived in Berlin and quickly made an impact in Germany. Orit engages the Ambassador for a 30-minute interview for the leading German online political magazine, Achgut.com, in which he looks back on his year in Berlin and the issues that are important to him: improving the transatlantic alliance, an authentic approach to diplomacy, NATO and the Iran deal, support for Israel, and LGBT rights.
Karsenty: Jewish Leadership Unequipped to Tackle Anti-Semitism in France
The man who caught France television in alleged “Fake News” on Israel’s actions during the intifada opens up to the Jewish Journal on the current situation of Jews in France.
Das kalte Date mit D
A very personal blog (in German) about Orit’s date with a German man, watching a Holocaust movie, and the frightening ending….
In the cafes of Paris, French Jews open up on anti-Semitism and their future in Europe
Jewish media, Israeli politicians and community leaders paint a picture of a France where Jews feel unsafe and leaving in droves. Does a selection of Jewish residents think similarly?
Communal pressure helps put pro-Israeli speakers on teacher-training program in Switzerland
A course designed for high school teachers on the Israeli-Arab conflict now offers a better range of opinions after an immediate outcry that it was biased.
Single Mum auf Wunsch: Orit Arfa über ihre Entscheidung
Mum Magazine: Viele Frauen in den Dreißgern kennen das: Sie wünschen sich ein Baby, doch es fehlt der passende Partner – und die biologische Uhr tickt unerbittlich! Die israelische Journalistin Orit Arfa hat sich entschieden, Single Mum zu werden. Wie sie zu dieser Entscheidung kam und welchen Weg sie gewählt hat, um mit Anfang 40 nun ihr Wunschbaby zu bekommen, erzählt sie uns hier.
Everything you wanted to know about my Berlin Baby
My unborn daughter has already given me many gifts. Honesty, for one. For a long time, I haven’t written about my personal life, partly out of respect for my own privacy and partly for fear that it might scare men away. But I’m not scared anymore.
The Journey to Polish Citizenship
“Your Polish citizenship certificate has come through – congrats! Where would you like it sent to please? And do you have this BC [birth certificate] attached ready in hard copy so we can do Step 2?”