Jewish history

Inside Jerusalem’s 1948 siege through the eyes of a child who survived the Old City’s fall

In her book ‘Forever My Jerusalem,’ Shteiner recalls life in the Old City before its fall in 1948 and the emotional return decades later.

Hurva remains, 1972.
BNEI AKIVA youth movement members dance with a Torah scroll at the Western Wall on Jerusalem Day, on May 20, 1974.

Why does Jerusalem belongs to the Jews? Because history says so - opinion

In total there were 33 participants, each representing a different Jerusalem school – religious, secular, and mixed.

How well do you know Israel’s capital? Take the Jerusalem Quiz

THE PALMAH’S ‘German Squad’ on a training march, 1942.

This month in Jewish history: Revelation, thrill of victory, agony of defeat


Why does US media not celebrate Jewish American Heritage Month? - opinion

We need Jewish American Heritage Month so we can honor a unique and ancient history, and celebrate the richness of Jewish heritage.

An American Jewish man praying

Israel Museum Jerusalem: Guarding the past, shaping the future - interview

Suzanne Landau, director of The Israel Museum, Jerusalem, reflects on the institution’s past, present, and future.

 The Israel Museum, Jerusalem

Remembering Francis Salvador, the Jewish Paul Revere - opinion

His courage earned him the title “the Jewish Paul Revere,” and his sacrifice stands as a testament to the Jewish contribution to the creation of the United States.

 PAUL REVERE monument near Old North Church in central Boston, 1955

Sassoon Codex, world’s oldest Hebrew Bible to date, to join ANU permanent collection

The museum will be hosting a series of events to celebrate the manuscript's new home.

 The Sassoon Codex will be on permanent display at the ANU.

Surviving beyond tragedy: How Holocaust survivors inspire continuity, resilience - opinion

On Holocaust Remembrance Day, I bow my head in remembrance of the dead, but I also look to the future.

 PEOPLE PAUSE in Jerusalem yesterday as sirens sound throughout Israel on Holocaust Remembrance Day. Says the writer: ‘I bow my head in remembrance of the dead, but I also look to the future. Because our duty is not only to remember the past – but also to make sure that there is a life after it.’

A journey through Seder night: A time machine of Jewish memory - opinion

From ancient Egypt to now: A look at Jewish seder nights through the ages.

 SEDER TABLES are set up with chairs portraying pictures of hostages held in the Gaza Strip, on the eve of Passover, last year in Jerusalem. Now, we arrive in the present: In Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, and kibbutzim in the South, families set extra places at the table – not for Elijah, but for the hostage

Kazakhstan textbooks promote tolerance, respect for Judaism, Israel - IMPACT report finds

Kazakhstan's school curriculum offers a largely positive portrayal of Judaism and Jewish history and, in many cases, a balanced approach to the Arab-Israeli conflict.

 A man holds a mobile phone while walking past a board with a Kazakh state flag during a protest against LPG cost rise following authorities' decision to lift price caps on liquefied petroleum gas in Almaty, Kazakhstan January 5, 2022

Life lessons: My Passover in Soviet unfreedom - opinion

The history of Soviet Jewish refuseniks demonstrates Jewish resilience throughout the generations.

 Hazorfim - Passover plate, the Linia collection, NIS 574

The Indian Jewish journey to Israel: A story of return, not invasion - opinion

For the Jews of India, Israel was not viewed as a foreign land to colonize but rather as the ancient homeland of the Jewish people.

Steeped in history and flavor, Nahoum’s Bakery in Kolkata stands as a sweet reminder of the city’s rich Baghdadi Jewish legacy. For centuries, Jews in India maintained a connection to the land of Israel, the writer recalls.

'Embracing Exile': Defending Jewish Diaspora as source of identity, prosperity, pride - review

In his book Embracing Exile: The Case for Jewish Diaspora, David Kraemer seeks to provide a “fuller picture” of issues related to Jewish identity, place, and home.

The Holy Land model, featured at the Shrine of the Book, Israel Museum, Jerusalem, depicts Jerusalem during the late Second Temple period as seen from the east. The Temple Mount and Herod’s Temple are located in the middle.