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Canaries in the coal mine: The rise of workplace bias against Jews

 
 
(Jan. 9, 2025 / JNS) Ellie Krasne-Cohen

America has long been known as the land of opportunity, welcoming people of all nationalities, backgrounds and religions to its shores and giving them a chance to build prosperous lives. This has been especially true for Jews, who, despite bouts of antisemitism, have thrived in the United States.

Recent studies, however, suggest that this period of acceptance and tolerance is eclipsing as Americans face religious discrimination in the workplace. Last month, the Anti-Defamation League released a study titled, “Jewish and Israeli Americans Face Discrimination in the Job Market,” detailing contemporary hiring practices. The study suggests a departure from the recent American Jewish life known by many Jews—a period characterized by social and professional success. Even more alarmingly, workplace antisemitism’s re-emergence serves as a “canary in the coal mine,” signaling...

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18,000 Attacks: Thank YOU for Protecting Israel and her People

A sobering report from the National Public Diplomacy Directorate in Israel reveals the unrelenting wave of terrorism faced by the Jewish state in 2024. Over 18,000 terrorist attacks—including rockets, stabbings, shootings, and UAV strikes—took a devastating toll, claiming nearly 150 lives and injuring over 1,200 people. Despite these harrowing statistics, the resilience of the Israeli people and the support from allies around the world continue to inspire hope.

The report highlights that Israel was attacked from seven fronts: Iran, Lebanon, Syria, Gaza, Iraq, Yemen, and within its borders. Most of the incidents involved rockets, with over 15,400 fired from Lebanon alone, forcing tens of thousands of Israelis to evacuate northern communities. Hamas and Hezbollah—both backed by Iran—were central in these attacks, including the brutal invasion of Oct. 7, 2023, which sparked ongoing conflict in Gaza and the northern regions.

Thank You to Our Modern-Day Esthers
To...

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Should Wonder Woman Have Worn the Yellow Ribbon Pin?

When you think of Wonder Woman, you think of courage, justice, and the determination to stand for what’s right—qualities that resonate deeply with Modern-Day Esthers like you. So when Gal Gadot, the Israeli actress known worldwide for her portrayal of Wonder Woman, appeared at the Golden Globes on January 7, 2025, it sparked a thought: Should she have worn the Yellow Ribbon Pin, symbolizing the fight for freedom and the safe return of hostages?

The Yellow Ribbon Pin campaign has become a powerful way for people around the world to stand with those held captive, reminding their families and loved ones that they are not forgotten. The pin is more than just a piece of jewelry; it’s a visible declaration of hope, unity, and action.

Gal Gadot, who has always been vocal about her Israeli heritage and her belief in justice, appeared radiant at the Golden Globes. But would wearing the pin have sent a stronger message? In a moment when the world’s attention was...

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A Glorious Future: Pray, Pray, Pray!

In today’s edition, we’re diving into stories that remind us of the strength of faith, the power of prayer, and the urgency of taking a stand. From the saving of sacred Torah scrolls in the midst of devastating wildfires to the heartbreak of recovering hostages and confronting antisemitism in public spaces, these moments call us to action. Let’s stand together, boldly and prayerfully, as we navigate these challenges and shine His light in a world that needs it now more than ever.

  


Shame on You, National Portrait Gallery: When Hate Finds a Platform

 

The National Portrait Gallery’s decision to feature Nelly Adam—a figure whose social media is rife with antisemitic rhetoric—has sparked outrage. From Holocaust comparisons to chants calling for Israel’s destruction, the content linked to her platform goes against the very values of truth and inclusion.

As Christians, we must stand against hatred and call for accountability....

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Saving the Torah from the Flames

The deadly wildfires ravaging Los Angeles this week have left devastation in their wake—destroyed homes, displaced families, and heartbroken communities. Tens of thousands have been evacuated, and entire neighborhoods have been consumed by flames. Yet, even in the chaos, moments of resilience and faith shine through.

One such moment comes from the historic Pasadena Jewish Temple & Center, which tragically suffered catastrophic damage during the Eaton Fire in Pasadena. The historic synagogue, home to a vibrant Jewish community for decades, was engulfed in flames. While much of the building was reduced to rubble, a powerful act of preservation took place: Torah scrolls, containing the Word of God, were removed from the sanctuary before the fire consumed the structure.

This image of sacred scripture being saved from destruction is a testament to the enduring power of faith. It reminds us that even in moments of overwhelming loss, there is hope, resilience, and a commitment...

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Mourning the Loss, Praying for the Remaining Hostages

The discovery of the bodies of Youssef Ziyadne, 53, and his son Hamza, 22, has brought immense sorrow to Israel and the family of these two hostages who were taken by Hamas on Oct. 7, 2023. Their remains were located in a tunnel in the Rafah area of southern Gaza during military operations, as confirmed by Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz.

In a statement, Katz expressed his “deep condolences to the Ziyadne family upon the discovery of the bodies of Youssef and Hamza,” calling the rescue operation by IDF soldiers “heroic.” He reiterated the commitment to the “supreme moral obligation” of returning all hostages—whether alive or deceased—to Israeli soil.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu shared in the grief, stating, “We hoped and worked for the safe return of the four members of the family held hostage by Hamas. I send heartfelt condolences to the family. I thank the IDF and Israel Security Agency for their determined...

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Shame on You, National Portrait Gallery: When Hate Finds a Platform

The National Portrait Gallery is a place where stories are told through faces, a space that celebrates the individuals who have shaped and inspired our world. Yet, the recent inclusion of Nelly Adam, also known as Queen Niche, raises serious questions about the platforming of individuals whose social media presence is deeply troubling and antithetical to the values of inclusion, truth, and justice.

A simple scroll through her social media accounts reveals posts that are not only offensive but outright antisemitic, dangerous, and revisionist in nature. Here are just a few examples:

  • A placard comparing the Holocaust to current events in Israel and Gaza—an act defined as antisemitic by the International Definition of Antisemitism. Equating the policies of the Israeli government to those of Nazis trivializes the atrocities of the Holocaust and is a direct attack on the Jewish community.

  • A sign that reads: “Never again seems only to be for white people.” This...

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A Glorious Future: Pray Fervently

Welcome back to A Glorious Future, designed just for modern-day Esthers like you. This edition is all about taking action and standing strong. Join us in an Esther 3-Day Fast for the hostages, uncover shocking ties between Credit Suisse and Nazi accounts, and confront the rising hatred against Jews and people of faith. Plus, show your solidarity with the hostages through our Yellow Ribbon Pin campaign.

Stand Boldly. Pray Fervently. Shine His Light.


  


 Call to an Esther 3-Day Fast for the Hostages
 

The urgency of prayer has never been greater. Negotiations for the release of hostages held by Hamas are at a critical stage, with President-elect Donald Trump warning that “all hell will break out” if they are not released before January 20. His Middle East envoy is heading to Qatar as talks continue, but time is running out.

Just as Queen Esther fasted for the deliverance of her people, we are calling on Modern-Day Esthers to join an Esther 3-Day Fast...

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Call to an Esther 3-Day Fast for the Hostages

As the world anxiously watches ongoing negotiations for the release of hostages held by Hamas, the urgency of prayer has never been greater. President-elect Donald Trump has issued a stark warning, declaring that "all hell will break out" if the hostages are not released before his inauguration on January 20. Meanwhile, Trump’s Middle East special envoy, Steve Witkoff, is heading to Qatar to continue talks, signaling that progress is being made but the situation remains precarious.

We are reminded of Queen Esther’s bold act of faith when faced with the impending destruction of her people. Esther called for a three-day fast, saying, “Go, gather all the Jews… and fast for me. Do not eat or drink for three days, night or day. I and my attendants will fast as you do. When this is done, I will go to the king, even though it is against the law. And if I perish, I perish.”Esther 4:16

Today, like Esther, we are faced with a crisis that calls for...

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New evidence of Credit Suisse accounts linked to Nazis, Senate panel says

“Must leave no stone unturned when searching for the truth about who enabled the financing of the Nazi killing machine,” Maram Stern, of World Jewish Congress

 

Evidence has emerged of previously known Nazi-linked bank accounts at Credit Suisse, a Swiss bank that is now part of UBS, according to the Senate Budget Committee.

The accounts were found among tens of thousands of documents that the bank did not disclose during earlier probes of possible Nazi ties. The Senate Budget Committee got involved after a whistleblower alerted the panel of Credit Suisse’s dismissal of an ombudsman, Neil Barofsky, who was overseeing the bank’s investigation. Barofsky has been reinstated.

“Our investigation has dug up more than just stones—we’ve found boulders. Credit Suisse hid additional evidence of Nazi ties for years and even tried to conceal information from our congressional...

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