Diaspora

Miss Israel Organization severs ties with 2025 winner over allegations of rigged pageant

The Miss Israel Organization stated that as of Friday, Melanie Shiraz is “no longer authorized to represent, speak on behalf of, or act in an official capacity for the Miss Israel Organization."

Miss Universe Israel, Melanie Shiraz, showcases her evening gown during the 74th Miss Universe Preliminary competition on November 19, 2025 in Bangkok, Thailand.
Mississippi River steamboats at New Orleans, 1853.

'Returning': Exploring assimilation and the search for Jewish belonging - review

The writer and daughter Noa O’Sullivan on roots visit to Mississippi, 2018. Background: Highway welcome sign upon entering to state, ‘the birthplace of America’s music.’

How a Jewish police chief's mezuzah captivated a Mississippi town

An AI-generated cartoon depicting the author's interpretation of what the Israel Day Parade 2026 reflects.

What New York's Israel Day Parade says about the future of American Jewry - opinion


Shabbat candle lighting times for Israel and US

See Shabbat candle lighting times for your area.

Shabbat candles

Different was never a problem: Growing up Jewish and confronting antisemitism - opinion

Being the only Jew in the room has always been my normal. The small differences never bothered me. I loved my traditions, and being “different” didn’t feel like a bad thing.

STAR OF DAVID necklace: Inside or outside your shirt?

New York Jews wake up at the Israel Day Parade - opinion

Mayor Mamdani’s absence from a long-standing civic celebration left many Diaspora Jews feeling newly exposed in the city with the world’s largest Jewish population.

Thousands of Jewish and Israeli Americans participate in the annual Israeli Day Parade, the world's largest pro-Israel parade, on May 31, 2026, in New York City.

Scott Wiener, ‘lefty Jew’ who said Israel committed genocide, advances in CA race to replace Pelosi

Wiener will face San Francisco Supervisor Connie Chan, who placed second with Pelosi’s endorsement, in November’s general election.

People gather at state Senator Scott Wiener’s election party at his campaign headquarters on election night in San Francisco, Calif. on Tuesday, June 2, 2026.

NYC antisemitic hate crimes 70% higher in May 2026 than May 2025, 41 incidents confirmed

So far in 2026, there have been 152 confirmed antisemitic hate crimes. There have been 17 confirmed hate crimes against Muslims, 9 against Asian people, and 18 against Black people.

New York City Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch speaks during for a press conference at the New York Police Department headquarters in New York City, US, April 2, 2026.

Man wearing Star of David necklace beaten in possible antisemitic gang attack in Germany

Police are investigating whether the attack may have been motivated by antisemitism because the victim was wearing a Star of David necklace at the time of the suspected aggravated assault.

Police officers stand in front of the Verden Regional Court during the trial against Daniela Klette, former member of German far-left militant group The Red Army Faction (RAF) on May 27, 2026 in Verden, northern Germany.

Four more arrested for two drive-by gel pellet gun attacks on Toronto Jews

The incident was preceded a week before by an assault in which three identifiable Jewish residents were walking and were shot at with a gel pellet gun, inflicting minor injuries.

Toronto police stand watch near the Al-Quds day protest in Toronto, Ontario, on March 14, 2026.

Chicago rabbi gifts Pope Leo XIV a White Sox kippah during Vatican visit

Pope Leo XIV, the first American pope and a native of Chicago’s South Side, repeatedly advocated after his selection last year for the release of the Israeli hostages.

A delegation of Chicago faith leaders meet with Pope Leo XIV on May 28, 2026.

For restoration of Vienna’s historic synagogue: Gottfried Helnwein to auction painting

Artist Gottfried Helnwein donated the painting to IKG.Kultur, the cultural arm of Vienna’s Jewish community, to raise funds for the restoration of the historic Vienna City Temple.

ARTIST GOTTFRIED HELNWEIN and the president of the Jewish Community of Vienna, Oskar Deutsch, present the painting ‘The Child Dreams’ in Vienna, Austria, on Tuesday.

Carney promises to combat antisemitism in Canada, citing surge in hate crimes

"The crisis of antisemitism in Canada today is specific, it's severe, and it demands a targeted response," said Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney.

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney speaks to the Economic Club of New York in New York City, US, May 28, 2026.