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The Hajj pilgrimage of 2024 has been marked by extraordinary heat, resulting in the tragic deaths of at least 1,300 pilgrims. Despite this, the pilgrimage continued to attract approximately 1.8 million participants from around the world. This year’s Hajj provided a unique opportunity to reflect on the spiritual and social dimensions of the pilgrimage, as well as the ongoing debates surrounding the management of this sacred event. Background of the 2024 Hajj In June 2024, the Hajj pilgrimage, a pivotal religious duty for Muslims, took place amid scorching temperatures that led to significant loss of life. This heatwave, which claimed…

Afsoon Roshanzamir Johnston, a trailblazing Iranian-American wrestler, is spearheading an initiative to design a wrestling singlet that accommodates the religious and cultural needs of conservative Muslim women. This effort marks a significant step toward inclusivity in international sports. Background of the Initiative Afsoon Roshanzamir Johnston, renowned as the first American woman to earn a medal at the world freestyle wrestling championships, embarked on this mission following a visit to Jordan in February. During her trip, Johnston encountered young female wrestlers facing a conflict between their passion for the sport and their religious obligation to maintain modesty in public. One of…

The Deal Alphabet, Google’s parent company, is reportedly in advanced talks to acquire cybersecurity startup Wiz for $23 billion, as reported by the Wall Street Journal. This potential acquisition, if completed, would be Alphabet’s largest ever and a significant exit for Wiz, which is relatively young at just four years old. This deal could have profound implications for the venture capital (VC) and startup ecosystem. Impact on Startup M&A Market Revitalizing M&A Momentum: Angela Lee, a professor at Columbia Business School and founder of 37 Angels, believes this acquisition could serve as a catalyst for the startup M&A market. The…

Introduction On Monday, July 15, Harmeet Kaur Dhillon, a California national committeewoman, offered a Sikh prayer, known as the Ardas, at the Republican National Convention (RNC). The event stirred controversy among some conservative figures, but it also highlighted a long-standing tradition of including diverse religious voices at political conventions. The Controversy Dhillon’s prayer sparked criticism from various quarters, including some mainstream conservatives and white supremacists. Notably, Thomas Kidd, a professor of religious history at Baylor University, argued that allowing prayers from multiple faiths could imply that all religions are equally valid, a notion he suggested undermines traditional values. In response…

Overview of the Report A recent report by Amnesty International has sharply criticized France’s decision to ban its Olympic athletes from wearing hijabs during the 2024 Summer Olympics and Paralympics. The report, published on July 16, raises concerns about human rights violations and discriminatory practices against Muslim women in sports. Amnesty International asserts that France’s ban on hijabs for its athletes violates the fundamental principles of the Olympics, as well as several international human rights treaties. The decision to enforce this ban has prompted significant backlash from human rights organizations and has been described as hypocritical given France’s efforts to…

Background on the Issue Columbia University has demoted three deans—Cristen Kromm, Matthew Patashnick, and Susan Chang-Kim—after text messages surfaced that were deemed to touch on antisemitic tropes. The messages were exchanged following a panel discussion on antisemitism during the school’s alumni reunion on May 31. Screenshots of these messages were leaked to The Washington Free Beacon, which published the details on June 12. The deans involved were Cristen Kromm, Dean of Undergraduate Student Life; Matthew Patashnick, Associate Dean for Student and Family Support; and Susan Chang-Kim, Vice Dean and Chief Administrative Officer. Josef Sorett, Dean of Columbia College, was also…

Introduction On Monday, June 30, 2024, Israel’s Yad Vashem Holocaust memorial inaugurated a state-of-the-art conservation facility in Jerusalem. This new building, named the David and Fela Shapell Family Collections Center, is designed to preserve, restore, and store the extensive collection of Holocaust-related artifacts, documents, and photographs held by the World Holocaust Remembrance Center. Importance of the New Facility Prior to the opening of this facility, Yad Vashem faced significant challenges in exhibiting and preserving its vast collection. Dani Dayan, chairman of Yad Vashem, emphasized the difficulty of showcasing these valuable items while they were stored in less accessible conditions. “Before…

Introduction On June 30, 2024, Tobi Kahn, a renowned Orthodox Jewish artist, was awarded the esteemed title of ‘chaver’ at a ceremony held at the Museum at Eldridge Street in Manhattan. This honor, deeply rooted in ancient Jewish tradition, acknowledges significant spiritual and material leadership within the community. The Significance of the ‘Chaver’ Title The term ‘chaver,’ derived from the Hebrew root חבר (Chet, Vet, Resh), has evolved over centuries. Traditionally, it was bestowed upon rabbinical scholars and leaders within the Jewish community. The title signifies “to attach” or “to unite,” reflecting the completion and unity of the Tabernacle in…

Introduction On October 7, 2024, a significant event unfolded at the Nova music festival in Israel. Margalit, a 25-year-old bookstore employee from Jerusalem, had planned to attend the festival but ultimately did not go. Her story, shared in a recent encounter, reveals a poignant narrative about missed opportunities and the impact of a tragic event. The Encounter Margalit works at a beloved bookstore in Jerusalem, where she has shared various literary works with the narrator over the years. Recently, during a visit, the narrator expressed concern about Margalit’s safety, given the recent tragedy at the Nova festival. The Revelation Margalit…

Introduction In a significant archaeological discovery, an 800-year-old tombstone was found in a coconut field in Tamil Nadu, India. This tombstone, which bears Hebrew inscriptions, has been identified as one of the oldest Jewish artifacts in India. The find offers new insights into a previously unknown Jewish community in the region. Discovery Details The tombstone was discovered by coconut farmers in Ramanathapuram, a city in southeastern Tamil Nadu. Thoufeek Zakriya, a Hebrew calligrapher and scholar of Indian Jewish history, translated the inscriptions. Zakriya has suggested that this discovery could mark the beginning of a new chapter in the history of…