There's nothing like a picture to convey with graphic, instinctive intensity a political message. Images also can link historical events or eras or political causes in ways that reams of words may fail to do. Two sets of images have moved me in different ways over the past few weeks. The first and most recent is a new Banksy poster designed to promote his … [Read more...]
Israeli Press Freedom Under Fire: Jerusalem Post Sacks Long-Time Political Cartoonist
Earlier this week, Avi Katz, who's been one of Israel leading political cartoonists for the past three decades, was fired by the Jerusalem Post. He's contributed illustrations and magazine covers for its sister publication, the Jerusalem Report for years. A few days ago, in response to passage of the "Jewish Nation State" (aka Death of Democracy) law, Avi … [Read more...]
Song for Lebanon
In the current climate, when a Middle East war may come from any direction, it's worth sitting back and hearing beauty, the opposite of war and hate. After reading Idan Landau's post (in Hebrew) predicting an imminent "war of choice" by Israel against Hezbollah, I watched the video he featured of the Israeli performer, Karolina, singing an enchanting … [Read more...]
Israel: Price of Dissidence
When Israeli poet and lyricist, Yonatan Geffen wrote his poem comparing Ahed al Tamimi to Joan of Arc, Hannah Senesch and Anne Frank, I predicted what the impact would be: Really, it’s a fairly innocuous song. But it raises the hackles of Israeli patriot-enforcers, who attempt to extract their pound of flesh from the poor victim. You cannot stray from the … [Read more...]
