The Diaspora may be moving, but it isn’t going away any time soon
November 10, 2006
The changes in the Diaspora community.
Joel Kotkin
Hooray for Holy-wood
December 8, 2005
But perhaps a better reflection of Los Angeles\’ overall civic health might be to look at Temple Israel in Hollywood. There, a $20 million new building program — this being Los Angeles, an expanding parking lot is one centerpiece — will soon be tearing down aging adjacent apartments to make way for an expanded campus, including a new education complex and chapel.
U.S. Left May Be Turning Against Israel
August 18, 2005
For years, American Jews, including liberals, have watched in astonishment as Europe\’s left-wing media, academic and political elites have turned decisively against Israel and, to some extent, Jews, as well.
‘Little Flower’ Could Help Antonio Bloom
May 26, 2005
I imagine you are enjoying the hoopla surrounding your election. As the first Latino chief executive in more than 130 years, it may be tempting to bask in the warmth of a great ethnic triumph.
But don\’t enjoy it too much. Los Angeles does not need a symbol or an icon; it needs a mayor, one who can be both decisive and effective. We need less rah-rah and more Fiorello La Guardia.
When Jews Lose
March 17, 2005
The narrow defeat of mayoral candidate Robert Hertzberg marked a signal defeat not only for Los Angeles but for the future of Jewish influence in Los Angeles.
Vote May Be First to Blur Ethnic Lines
February 24, 2005
For more than a generation, racial and ethnic politics have dominated Los Angeles\’ mayoral elections. That is, perhaps, until this year, which might be the first election of Los Angeles\’ emerging post-ethnic era.
Lighten Up on Christmas and Christians
December 23, 2004
Even in relatively tolerant and officially secular America, Jews long have had to do a dance around the holidays of the majority population. There\’s a national party going on and, let\’s face it, we are not invited.
Bush or Kerry?
March 25, 2004
America\’s Jews face a difficult choice in this year\’s election. For many, the Bush administration symbolizes the kind of yahoo Republicanism — shaped by evangelical Christianity and the South — that grates on the sensibilities of a highly urbanized and socially liberal community.
Out of Sight, Out of Power?
October 30, 2003
The forced retirement of Gov. Gray Davis, and the shattering of the Democratic one-party government in California, marks a major turning point in the political evolution of the state\’s Jews.
The Cost of Latinization
October 2, 2003
For the most part, Jewish leadership in Los Angeles and elsewhere can be expected to oppose the recall of longtime \”ally\” Gov. Gray Davis and, in a pinch, support his Mini-Me proposed replacement, Lt. Gov. Cruz Bustamante (see page 12). \”Go along to get along\” expediency and Pavlovian liberal sympathies provide much of the explanation.
Yet, as is all too often the case, the more pressing, long-term issues will be lost. Not only has Davis presided over a disastrous decline in the state\’s finances and an unprecedented debasing of its political culture. Now he has become handmaiden to the undermining of our most precious principles, the sanctity of citizenship.
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