The Tower Magazine

Issue 51

August-September 2017

The Tower Magazine

plus:

Julie Lenarz Looks at the Iran-Backed Houthis in Yemen, Fighting Saudis while Shouting "Death to Israel"

Palestinian Victory on the Temple Mount

RICHARD LANDES revisits the Temple Mount crisis and asks: Looking back, who really won? And what does winning look like?

Animal Rights, Judaism, and Veganism in Israel

Does a Jewish state relate differently to animal rights? SHECHARYA FLATTE takes a look at new developments on the ground.

As Scientology Spreads, Israelis Yawn

The cult of Scientology is spreading quickly in the Jewish state, but as TAMAR LEVESON shows, Israelis don't seem to care much.

What Was the Knesset Speaker Doing in Moscow?

GARY DREYER, child of Jewish immigrants from the Soviet Union to America, explores the meaning of Yuli Edelstein's recent speech before the Russian parliament.

How an Anti-Israel Propaganda Platform was Turned Around

GERALD STEINBERG on how one of the most prestigious medical journals, The Lancet, turned briefly into an anti-Israel rag, and then turned back.

Issue 50

June-July 2017

The Tower Magazine

plus:

Michael J. Totten on the Rapidly Developing Syria War, and the Necessity of Bashar al-Assad's Fall

The Next Jewish Identity?

American Jewry faces an unprecedented demographic, cultural, and political crisis. Can "Israeliness" offer a way out? DAVID HAZONY explores the newest way to be Jewish.

The Myth of the "Lone Wolf" Terrorist

In the age of ISIS and "inspired terror," nobody is really acting alone. JULIE LENARZ shows how Western thinking has gone wrong.

Hezbollah: Bigger, Stronger, Nastier than Ever

SETH J. FRANTZMAN looks at the lessons of the 2006 Israel-Lebanon war, and the dramatic changes Hezbollah has undergone since then. The next war will look very different.

The Impossible Question of Occupation

The facile calls to "end the occupation" misunderstand the powerful strategic and moral goals that underlie Israel's century-long struggle for survival. BENJAMIN KERSTEIN raises the questions nobody wants to answer.

The Mysteries of Magdala

SARA TOTH STUB explores the ancient Jewish town Magdala, discovered by archaeologists in 2009 and home to a new institute that brings Palestinian Christians and Israeli Jews together.

PHOTOS: Jerusalem Before 1967

Since the Holy City was unified under Israeli rule in 1967, the city has become a thriving hub of religious freedom, modernization, and technology. To understand just how dramatic a change it's been, here's how the city looked beforehand.

Issue 49

April-May 2017

The Tower Magazine

plus:

Michael J. Totten on James Kirchick's 'The End of Europe'

The Other War Crimes in Syria

Well before Bashar Al-Assad gassed hundreds of citizens, other Iranian proxies in Syria were carrying out horrific war crimes as well. SHLOMO BOLTS and MOHAMMED A. GHANEM offer a crushing indictment.

Would Palestine Fail?

While the West debates over the future of the "two-state solution," few are asking the hard questions about what a Palestinian state would actually look like--and whether it would work at all. EYLON ASLAN-LEVY takes a hard look.

American Anti-Semitic Acts, By the Numbers

While American Jews worry about a rise in anti-Semitism, a little-told story has emerged: Many of those attacks are being carried out by Arabs and Muslims. JOHANNA MARKIND takes a look at the data.

Israel's New Tahini Empire

A savory distant cousin of peanut butter has broken out of the Middle East and, with the help of Israeli entrepreneurs, invaded the American pantry. SARA TOTH STUB reports.

The Myth of the Palestinian Mandela

DEXTER VAN ZILE looks at the false promise of Marwan Barghouti, a Palestinian leader in jail on multiple murder convictions.

PHOTOS: Israel's Festival of Freedom

Israelis do Passover a little different, turning it into a holiday of national thanksgiving and the collective celebration of hard-won liberation.

Issue 48

March 2017

The Tower Magazine

plus:

Julie Lenarz on the Brutal Oppression of Minorities In Iran

Jerusalem's Secret Embassies

While some say that moving the U.S. embassy to Jerusalem would mar peace talks, EYLON ASLAN-LEVY suggests that the scales are already tipped the other way: The West has de facto embassies to Palestine in the heart of Israel's capital.

Human Trafficking, In Broad Daylight

SETH J. FRANTZMAN explores Iran's practice of importing fighters to Syria from third countries—often by deception or force.

The Mother of the IDF

Miriam Peretz lost two sons in war. Now she is the "mother of the IDF," lecturing soldiers about loss, humility, passion and honor. GABRIEL GROISMAN spent an unforgettable day with her.

The Slow Destruction of Iran's Water Supply

Corruption, mismanagement, and radical ideology have all contributed to a potential humanitarian disaster. NIK KOWSAR looks at Iran's parched future.

Getting International Law Right in Gaza

During and after a war, people throw around words like "disproportionate" and "indiscriminate." But as JAMIE PALMER explains, these words have specific meanings with legal and ethical ramifications. Where do Israel and Hamas stand?

Women of Valor: Israel's Female Heroes

In honor of Women's History Month, The Tower brings you the stories of Israeli women who changed the world.

Issue 47

February 2017

The Tower Magazine

plus:

Sara Toth Stub Meets the Founders of Mamanet, the Israeli Women's Sports League That's Conquering Europe

Move the Embassy—for America's Sake

AARON MENENBERG looks at the problem of recognizing Israel's capital through the lens of classic American values.

Can Trump Break the Russian-Iranian Alliance?

Russia and Iran have teamed up in Syria, cementing the Islamic Republic's regional ambitions. ANNA BORSHCHEVSKAYA offers advice to the new American president on how to pry them apart.

Israel's Influence Spreads Across Africa

SETH J. FRANTZMAN looks at how Israel's international development agency is helping African economies grow.

We Are Still Living With Eisenhower's Big Mistake

A new book on President Eisenhower's fateful decision to side with Egypt against American allies in 1956 has profound repercussions for today. MICHAEL J. TOTTEN explores the lessons of 'Ike's Gamble.'

The Real Meaning of Anti-Israel Hatred

In an exclusive excerpt from his new book, BERNARD-HENRI LEVY explores the newest forms of anti-Semitism, and the bright future that Israel offers.

Israeli Music: Like Nothing Else on Earth

This isn't your grandfather's hora: Israeli music incorporates Mizrahi melodies, Western beats, and instruments from all over the world. The Tower provides everything you need to know about Israeli radio—and a playlist to boot.

Issue 46

January 2017

The Tower Magazine

plus:

Ben Cohen Talks to Bernard-Henri Lévy About the Future of Islam, Anti-Semitism, and Israel's Place in the World

Who Will Talk About Iran's War Crimes in Syria?

Iranian forces, command structures, and money have caused the worst atrocities of the last decade. But as BENJAMIN T. DECKER shows, these are barely seen in Western media reports. Will anyone be held to account?

In Susiya, False Narratives Drown Out Reality

EYLON ASLAN-LEVY visited the controversial West Bank town of Susiya, where he found a miasma of conflicting visions, historical distortions and legal ambiguities symbolic of a much bigger conflict over land and the future.

I Fought ISIS in Syria. This Is What I Learned

Reports of atrocities led ROBERT AMOS to join the Kurds' fight against ISIS in northern Syria. There he discovered a world of conflicting ideologies, surprising optimism, and a familiar revolutionary spirit.

How Do You Say 'Kotel' in Chinese?

SARA TOTH STUB explores the deepening ties between Israel and China, as seen in a dramatic increase in tourism, trade, and a deep mutual curiosity.

The NYT's Special Words for Certain Places

Why does the New York Times treat the West Bank differently from all other disputed territories on earth? GILEAD INI takes a close look.

PHOTOS: A Chanukah Miracle

After thousands of Israeli children had their toys and other precious items destroyed in a massive wildfire, donors from around the world pitched in to provide them with new, happier memories.

Issue 45

December 2016

The Tower Magazine

plus:

Tshediso Mangope, a South African Member of the ANC, Used to Fight Against Israel. And Then He Went There.

The Iranian Empire Is Almost Complete

The displacement of Sunnis in Syria, Hezbollah's takeover of Lebanon, the rise of Shi'ite militias in Iraq—it all adds up to a new and terrifying empire headquartered in Tehran and stretching to the Mediterranean. HANIN GHADDAR explains.

A Blaze of Light in Every Word

What made Leonard Cohen so powerful as a modern Jewish artist? BENJAMIN KERSTEIN suggests it might be because his sources were rooted deep in Jewish literary history.

The Holocaust as a Weapon Against Jews

THANE ROSENBAUM explores the rise and fall of the Holocaust as a cultural icon—and how it was then weaponized against Israel.

Why Did This Huge Christian Charity Help Hamas?

World Vision is an enormous charity network that was recently accused of aiding Palestinian terror. But as LUKE MOON reports, it has been attacking Israel for decades.

Can Jordan's Economy Survive the Refugee Crisis?

Jordan is a pillar of any U.S.-based strategy for stability in the Middle East. Yet as DAVID SCHENKER writes, the kingdom now risks economic ruin.

PHOTOS: A Light Unto Nations

In America, Chanukah is the best-known Jewish holiday, a time of gift-giving and gelt, symbolizing Jewish commitment. In Israel, it has a different, more specific, and ancient sense.

Issue 44

November 2016

The Tower Magazine

plus:

Sara Toth Stub on the Surprising Growth of Israel's Christian Communities

What the Next President Must Do About the World

Veteran foreign correspondent MICHAEL J. TOTTEN explains that in order to keep America safe, the 45th Commander-in-Chief must be more resolute towards both allies and adversaries.

The Far-Left is Tearing Itself Apart Over Syria

As the Syrian Civil War degenerates even further, the pro-Palestinian movement has been split into two camps—those who oppose all human rights violations, and those who only care when they can blame the West. JAMIE PALMER explains.

In Mosul, With Our Real Allies

SETH J. FRANTZMAN writes a dispatch from Iraq, where ISIS is increasingly on the run, thanks largely to Kurdish forces. But will the U.S. continue to support its most helpful military partners in the area?

House of Kurds

It's true that the Kurds have been supportive allies who share many Western values. But, BERNARD STANFORD argues, a failure to think long-term is making the region even more violent and unstable.

To My Younger Siblings, Scared About College

Jewish college student PERI FELDSTEIN explains to her younger brother and sister what they have to look forward to—and what they need to be prepared for.

PHOTOS: The Israel Angle on the U.S. Election

The never-ending election is only a few days away. Here's a look back at both candidates' outreach to Israel's supporters around the world.

Issue 43

October 2016

The Tower Magazine

plus:

Ben Cohen on the Stunning Rise and Preposterous Mainstreaming of British Anti-Semitism

Why Did It Take So Long to Love Shimon Peres?

He fought for grand ideas, many of which failed. He maneuvered in politics and behind the scenes, and only won the country's admiration in his final years. BENJAMIN KERSTEIN writes about the ultimate triumph of Israel's ninth president.

Will Balochistan Ever Find Freedom?

Across Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Iran, a people that longs for an independent secular state is brutally oppressed in its homeland. JULIE LENARZ reports.

The Rise of 'Soft' Holocaust Denial

The latest trend in clever evils is downplaying, rather than denying, the slaughter of six million Jews. ZACH BEN-AMOTS shows us how it's done.

Israeli Cows are Taking Over the World

The next Israeli revolution coming your way is in the dairy industry. SARA TOTH STUB presents an udderly surprising report.

Mizrahi History Finds Its Place in Israeli Education

ARYEH TEPPER explores a deep change taking place in Israeli education: For the first time, history classes will give much more weight to the story of Jews from Arab lands.

PHOTOS: The Many Lives of Shimon Peres

A lifetime of serving his country through creativity and determination, in photos.

Issue 42

September 2016

The Tower Magazine

plus:

India: Harry Hoshovsky Explores the Deepening Alliance Between Israel and the World's Second-Largest Country

The Silent Scream of Iran's Jews

ANNIKA HERNROTH-ROTHSTEIN spent a Shabbat with the Jews of Tehran. What they told her was almost as harrowing as what they didn't.

The Next War Will Be a Godawful Mess

After years fighting in Syria, has the Iran-backed terror group Hezbollah reinvented itself as a regular army? As DAVID DAOUD shows, the answer is complicated—and scary.

A Paradise for Global Veganism

A combination of Mediterranean food culture and cutting-edge social awareness has turned Israel into a magnet for vegans around the world. RACHEL FRAZIN gives us a taste.

Why the Kurds Should Fascinate Liberals

Everywhere the Kurds rule, they've embraced gender equality and protected minorities. So why, SETH J. FRANTZMAN asks, isn't the West fully behind them?

You Won't Fix Iraq Without Fixing This

BERNARD STANFORD explores Iraq's enormous water problem—and how it will affect any political solution for an already beleaguered country.

PHOTOS: Pigskins in the Holy Land

As American football gains fans and players from around the world, Israel has a league of its own.

Issue 41

August 2016

The Tower Magazine

plus:

Eylon Aslan-Levy Explores the Forgotten Exodus of Jewish Refugees from Arab Lands

The Next Generation of Killers

RILEY CLAFTON takes a terrifying look at the Gaza summer camps where Hamas trains the terrorists of tomorrow.

Yes, We Really Can Learn About Guns from Israel

SAMI RAHAMIM lost his father in a mass shooting in Minnesota four years ago. Now he calls for a change in American attitudes—and looks to the Jewish state as a model.

UK's Labour Whitewashes Its Anti-Semitism

JAMIE PALMER looks at the Chakrabarti Report, a party inquiry that makes no mention of the anti-Israel hate that hate that has gone increasingly mainstream.

A Fake Palestinian Protest Goes Off the Rails

While Jerusalem's Arab residents enjoyed the city's new light rail, the global anti-Israel noise machine decided to take us for a ride. JARED SAMILOW reports.

Swimming for Gold, Wearing Blue and White

SARA TOTH STUB interviews the Stanford-educated Andrea Murez, one of Israel's best hopes for a medal in Rio.

PHOTOS: Faster, Higher, Stronger

Israel is going for the gold, sending one of its most formidable delegations to the 2016 Rio Olympics.

Issue 40

July 2016

The Tower Magazine

plus:

Aaron Menenberg Tastes 13 Israeli Wines That Will Blow Your Mind

In Iraqi Kurdistan, a Jewish Past Comes to Life

JULIE LENARZ explores the deepening ties between Israel and the Kurdish quasi-state—and the increased Kurdish recognition of their own Jewish community.

Five Years After Huge Protests, What's Changed?

In the summer of 2011, hundreds of thousands of Israelis took to the streets hoping for social change and a better way of life. YITZHAK BRONSTEIN explores the surprising fruits of the movement.

Remembering the Destruction of Iraqi Jewry

Seventy-five years ago, Jews were victim to a broad campaign of murder, rape, and dispossession known as the 'Farhud.' EDY COHEN looks at the origins of the pogrom and its connection to today's Palestinian terror movement.

Why Is Iran Still Testing Ballistic Missiles?

The Iran deal was supposed to end Tehran's nuclear ambitions. But as DAN FEFERMAN discovers, a crucial part of their program is going full speed ahead.

Tel Aviv's Vibrant Underbelly

MATTHEW SCHULTZ explores the neglected neighborhood of Neve Sha'anan, and discovers a world of immigrants, locals, and a flourishing culture.

PHOTOS: Israelis in Cafés Getting Coffee

Every culture loves its coffee, but in the Jewish state, java junkies take inspiration from the best of Europe and the Middle East. With coffee this good, who needs Starbucks?

Issue 39

June 2016

The Tower Magazine

plus:

Edy Cohen Explores the Jewish Nakba, which was Bigger than the Palestinian One

The Mind of the President

The intrigue surrounding the Iran deal has revealed a much deeper mystery: What is the philosophy guiding American foreign policy? DAVID HAZONY explores the unusual, terrifying dream of a man looking for a legacy.

Revenge as a National Ethos

ANNIKA HERNROTH-ROTHSTEIN went to Tehran to find the reasons behind the regime's anti-Western belligerence. What she found was a hatred more profound, sincere and indelible than she ever imagined.

Brazil Has Problems of Its Own. Why So Nasty to Israel?

ANDRÉ LAJST explores the rise of an anti-Israel movement in the world's fifth-largest country.

Serving their Country, Quietly and Bravely

SARA TOTH STUB meets the Bedouin Arabs who serve in the IDF, and explores the acute social and economic challenges they face in a country that hasn't fully figured them out.

For Children at Risk, a New Way Forward

BEVERLY SIEGEL explores the Israeli 'mishpachton,' an institution that may revolutionize social services around the world.

PHOTOS: An African Baptism in Tel Aviv

Israel has absorbed thousands of migrants from Sudan, Eritrea, and other African countries. AVIRAM VALDMAN took his camera to a ceremony until recently unknown in the Jewish state.

Issue 38

May 2016

The Tower Magazine

plus:

Rachel Delia Benaim & Yitzhak Bronstein on the Renaissance of Jewish Study among Secular Israelis

The Case for Israeli Sovereignty on the Golan

From every perspective—legal, historical, and common-sense—Israel's claim to permanent sovereignty in the territories captured in 1967 from the country formerly known as Syria is airtight. EYLON ASLAN-LEVY explains.

The King of Holocaust Denial

Mahmoud Abbas has inspired the Palestinians for more than a decade. But as EDY COHEN shows, his worldview was built on a radically distorted view of history. What could this mean for the prospects of peace?

Righteous Among the Nations, At Home in Israel

NATHAN JEFFAY explores the lives of Europeans who risked their lives to save Jews in the Holocaust, and then made their own lives in the Jewish state.

Totalitarian Terror in Tehran

ANNIKA HERNROTH-ROTHSTEIN traveled to Iran, where she discovered a government apparatus dedicated to instilling fear in every citizen, even more insidious than that of the Soviet Union.

PHOTOS: Eilat, City of Sun and Endless Fun

Tower photographer AVIRAM VALDMAN took his camera to Israel's deep south, where, surrounded by an intimidating landscape, tourists go to forget their troubles.

Issue 37

April 2016

The Tower Magazine

plus:

Miriam Pollock on the Jewish Ex-Navy SEAL Who Did Humanitarian Work in Rwanda and Now Wants to Be Governor of Missouri

Inside the IDF's Super-Secret Brain Trust

What do Israel's advanced tunnel detection, missile defense, and cyberwarfare capabilities all have in common? JASON GEWIRTZ explores the elite Talpiot unit, a collection of the smartest young minds on earth.

How the Iran Entente Caused the Syria Crisis

KYLE ORTON explores how the greatest humanitarian catastrophe of our time has been enabled every step of the way by American policy.

He Saved Gabby Giffords. Can He Save Arizona?

ANTHONY BERTEAUX profiles a rising star in the Democratic party: Daniel Hernandez, Jr., a gay Latino activist running for the Arizona state legislature, whose progressive agenda is as deeply ingrained as his support for Israel.

The Holocaust, the Left, and the Return of Hate

In Europe and around the world, the political far-Left is legitimizing outright anti-Semitism. But as JAMIE PALMER shows, there's a long and awful history at play.

Why Are Hamas' Terror Tunnels Collapsing?

DAN FEFERMAN offers a beginner's guide to Hamas' intricate network of tunnels, and looks into rumors that Israel might be behind the repeated failure of the scariest weapons in the terrorists' arsenal.

Photos: Purim Like No Place on Earth

While Jews around the world were popping poppy-packed hamentaschen and grinding their groggers, Israelis were up to something else entirely. AVIRAM VALDMAN takes a look.

Issue 36

March 2016

The Tower Magazine

plus:

David Collier on What the Anti-Israel Boycotters Say When They Think We're Not Listening

Will Palestinian Hate Stop the Western Wall Deal?

After decades of struggle, Jewish movements have struck a deal on the Kotel. But as EYLON ASLAN-LEVY explains, any attempt to implement it risks a wave of violence that could drive a stake into the heart of the progressive Jewish ethos.

Israel's Big Gift to the U.S. Economy

AARON MENENBERG crunches the numbers of Israel's dramatic contribution to American prosperity--something the boycotters don't want you to know.

Syria: The Hell Next Door

Turkey, Russia, Saudi Arabia, the United States, Lebanon, and Iran have all gotten stuck in the horrors of what was once called "Syria." JONATHAN SPYER shows us how Israel has managed to navigate the global maelstrom to its north.

Europe Needs a New Approach to Freedom of Speech

LIAM HOARE asks whether Western Europe's laws governing restricted speech aren't fanning the flames of the very extremism they were meant to control.

An Ancient Ethnic Cleansing Remembered

A new exhibit reveals the world of Jewish life in the Land of Israel in the second century, and the Roman tyrant who tried to destroy it. SARA TOTH STUB takes us there.

PHOTOS: The Monumental Rise of Tel Aviv

AVIRAM VALDMAN offers breathtaking shots of the White City as it rises to the skies.

Issue 35

February 2016

The Tower Magazine

plus:

David Patrikarakos on the Iranian Leadership's Hardening Line in the Wake of the Nuclear Deal

In the Safe Spaces on Campus, No Jews Allowed

ANTHONY BERTEAUX takes a look at how campus groups meant to give students a sense of belonging have instead become incubators of anti-Semitism and exclusion.

How NGOs Became a Weapon Against Israel

Far-Left NGOs, secretly funded by the EU, have changed Israeli discourse and fueled the fire of anti-Israel hate. As GERALD STEINBERG writes, the latest headlines are only the beginning of a blow-up years in the making.

Martin Luther King, Hijacked by Academic Radicals

A. JAY ADLER explores the fantasy world of far-Left academia, where Palestinians are the iconic victim, Jews the cosmic oppressor, and Martin Luther King, Jr. rolls in his grave.

Surfing for Peace, One Wave at a Time

The ocean knows no borders, and the waves speak only truth. BENJAMIN T. DECKER met with a small group of Israelis, Gazans, and others working to bring understanding through surfing.

PHOTOS: The Beautiful, Blazing Southern Desert

Covering half of Israel's territory, the Negev is home to some of the most extraordinary natural and human finds. AVIRAM VALDMAN takes us there.

Issue 34

January 2016

The Tower Magazine

plus:

Arik Agassi on Iran's Latest Dalliance with ISIS–This Time in Egypt

The Looming Global Nuclear Weapons Crisis

EMILY B. LANDAU explores one of the least-discussed, and scariest, implications of the Iran Deal: The possibility that the whole global mechanism for stopping the spread of nuclear arms might soon unravel.

BDS Has a New Target: Your Kids

An anti-Israel curriculum is making inroads in Jewish schools across America. MAX SAMAROV & AMANDA BOTFELD offer a chilling critique.

The EU's Israel Problem Goes Far Beyond Labels

STEVEN J. ROSEN explores how the European bureaucracy is trying to slowly shackle the Jewish state, leading to a de facto boycott over time.

A New Dawn for Argentina?

Since assuming the presidency, Mauricio Macri has signaled a change of direction for the country, beginning with a rejection of its decades-long collusion with Iran and Venezuela. EAMONN MACDONAUGH asks: Will he follow through?

Germany's Jewish Past Trumps Its Jewish Present

SHANY MOR visited two synagogues in Germany, and discovered two radically different approaches to Jewish identity in the shadow of the Holocaust. Which will win out?

PHOTOS: The Ultimate Refuge

For such a small country, Israel enjoys an astonishing diversity of species and climates. AVIRAM VALDMAN visited three of the country's leading wildlife refuges—and came face to face with nature's stark truths.

Issue 33

December 2015

The Tower Magazine

plus:

Rachel Delia Benaim on the Rebellion of Mizrahi Poetry

To Save Itself, Liberal Europe Must Find Itself

JAMES BLOODWORTH explores the new challenge facing political leaders, in Great Britain and across Europe, in the wake of the Paris terror attacks.

Israel Takes On Its Home-Grown Jihadists

For years Israel's Islamic Movement Northern Branch, now banned, has been accused of incitement, terror support, and ties to Hamas. RAFFA ABU TAREEF explores the history of the movement and its felonious leader, Raed Salah.

Samantha, Powerless?

America's ambassador to the UN has a long record of advocating for humanitarian intervention to stop genocide and war crimes. But as MICHAEL J. TOTTEN shows, the crisis in Syria has become a case study in American impotence, or worse.

Iran Is More Deeply Tied to ISIS Than You Think

BENJAMIN T. DECKER explores the story of Imad Mughniyeh, and explodes the myth that empowering Iran is the way to defeat ISIS.

Could Houellebecq's World Really Happen?

Michel Houellebecq's dystopian novel "Submission" was published on the day of the Charlie Hebdo attacks. As BENJAMIN KERSTEIN writes, the book offers a chilling look at how Europe could be lost--and what can be done to prevent it.

PHOTOS: Israel's Newest National Holiday

AVIRAM VALDMAN takes his camera to the observance of Sigd, a unique holiday for the Ethiopian Jewish community, celebrating the divine revelation of Moses.

Issue 32

November 2015

The Tower Magazine

plus:

Matthew Schultz on the Price You Pay for Not Knowing Hebrew

The Grand Mufti's Genocidal Children

How did Arab opposition to a Jewish state become so absolute and violent? EDY COHEN looks at Haj Amin Al-Husseini, one of the central figures in creating a conflict for the ages.

How a Family Became a Propaganda Machine

With the help of Amnesty International, the Tamimi clan of Nabi Saleh has been sold to the world as the epitome of non-violent protest. But as PETRA MARQUARDT-BIGMAN shows, the reality is far more disturbing.

A Peacemaker's Problem with the President

If you thought Michael Oren's memoir was a problem for the President's Israel legacy, wait'll you read what Dennis Ross has to say. SHANY MOR reports.

Humanitarian Heroes in a Wrathful World

The Jewish state has translated its traumatic experiences of war into a potent ability to assist with catastrophes. NATHAN JEFFAY follows the group IsraAID to Europe during the Syrian refugee crisis.

The Violence is Endless, the Hope Never Fades

ASSAF DUDAI takes us into the heart of the Israeli experience in the face of more violence and dashed hopes—and finds the optimism where we least expect it.

PHOTOS: Crazy Autumn Energies of Tel Aviv

The turn from summer to fall creates a striking visual moment in a city where ancient and modern collide. AVIRAM VALDMAN brought his camera.

Issue 31

October 2015

The Tower Magazine

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Aaron Menenberg on the Future of Israel's Military Edge

How Israel Is Solving the Global Water Crisis

The world is running out of usable water, and from California to the Congo, governments are turning to Israel for help. DAVID HAZONY spoke with Seth M. Siegel, whose new book tells the incredible story.

The Palestinian Endgame?

He has refused to negotiate with Israel, praised acts of terror, and now declared his intention to ignore Palestinian commitments. BEN COHEN & BENJAMIN KERSTEIN ask: What is Mahmoud Abbas' plan?

Western Europe's Most Powerful Anti-Zionist

Jeremy Corbyn has defended 9/11 conspiracy theorists, appeared on Iranian state TV, and called Hamas and Hezbollah his "friends." LIAM HOARE examines the new leader of the British Labour Party.

South Africa Has a Boycott Problem

In the land where apartheid reigned, one student leader realized that attacking Israel made no sense—and paid a heavy price. ANNIKA HERNROTH-ROTHSTEIN takes us there.

The Curious Question of Russian Anti-Semitism

Violence targeting Jews has declined in Russia, but there's trouble beneath the surface. MIRIAM POLLOCK went to Saint Petersburg to hear what young people are saying when they think no one is listening.

PHOTOS: The Etrogim of the Maghreb

The etrog is integral to celebrating the Jewish holiday of Sukkot. And the world's best etrogs are grown in Morocco. AVIRAM VALDMAN traveled to Marrakesh, the Atlas Mountains, and the Sahara Desert in search of the perfect citron.

Issue 30

September 2015

The Tower Magazine

plus:

David Daoud on the Roots and Branches of Shi'a Anti-Semitism

Global Anti-Semitism Now Has a Leader

BEN COHEN explores the horrific theology of hate expounded by Ali Khamenei, and the implications of a rising Iran.

Why Does Iran Keep Taking American Hostages?

It's hard to a remember a time when Tehran wasn't holding U.S. citizens on trumped-up charges. BRIDGET JOHNSON explores the Islamic Republic's policy of holding American feet to the fire.

The Knesset's Female Pride

Today there are more women in Israel's parliament than ever before. YARDENA SCHWARTZ interviews them about the progress made, and the distance yet to go.

As U.S. Power Wanes, Japan Reboots Its Military

American foreign policy has had unintended consequences around the world. ANTHONY BERTEAUX explores the resurgence of military thinking in Japan—and shows that it's not just talk.

China's Deepening Interest in Israel

As its economic power rises and its strategic foundations have shifted underfoot, the Jewish state has developed an increasingly fruitful relationship with the most populous country on earth. ARYEH TEPPER takes us there.

PHOTOS: Procession of the Icon

While Christians around the Middle East are persecuted, in Israel they celebrate their ancient traditions in freedom. AVIRAM VALDMAN takes us to one of the most stunning rituals in the churches of Jerusalem.

Issue 29

August 2015

The Tower Magazine

plus:

James Kirchick Walks Us Through Iran's Bigger, Bolder Terror Empire

The Democratic Party, on the Edge of the Abyss

As the White House goes full-court press on leading Democrats to support the Iran Deal, MARTIN PERETZ asks whether voters will ever trust the party again to safeguard national security.

Iran Has Built an Army of Cyber-Proxies

Americans are starting to learn how vulnerable they are to cyber-attack. JORDAN BRUNNER explores how Iran, flush with new cash, could soon be in a position to bring a nightmare few can imagine.

Will Yemen's Gays Survive the Houthis?

This Arab country had a thriving, if underground, LGBT community. But as BEN GLADSTONE shows, Iranian expansionism might mean its end.

Why a Major U.S. Church Chose Hate over Peace

SHIRI MOSHE takes a look at the events that led the United Church of Christ to boycott the Jewish state.

It's All About Amba!

Want a real Mediterranean diet? JARED KAUFMAN gives us a taste of amba, the most important Israeli condiment you've never heard of.

PHOTOS: Building a Railway to the Future

Israel's two great cities, Tel Aviv and Jerusalem, are about to get a lot closer. AVIRAM VALDMAN takes us to the building site of the new railway that will change the country forever.

Issue 28

July 2015

The Tower Magazine

plus:

Shany Mor on How Michael Oren Freaked Out American Liberals

The Central Pillar of the Iran Deal Has a Big Flaw

If the emerging Iran deal is “not based on trust,” as John Kerry says, then it has to be based on the credible threat of reimposed sanctions. But as EMANUELE OTTOLENGHI explains, those threats are no longer credible.

Alberto Nisman's Secret Recordings, Revealed

Before he was murdered, the Argentine prosecutor wiretapped over 40,000 phone calls. His one question: Did the Argentinian government conspire to cover up Iran's involvement in a terrorist attack? EAMONN MACDONAGH investigates.

The Iran Talks: An Expert's Guide

The West is on the brink of a historic—some say catastrophic—nuclear deal with Iran. RAFAEL OFEK offers a quick primer on what they’re talking about.

Tel Aviv's Nighttime Flying Creatures

Israel's most nocturnal city truly comes alive when the sun goes down, BENJAMIN KERSTEIN writes. The air is filled with the spray of the ocean, the scent of the fruit trees—and bats. Lots and lots of bats.

Down and Out on the Temple Mount

For a thousand years it stood as the pinnacle of sanctity in Judaism, and for two thousand more as the focus of our dreams. So why, ANNIKA HERNROTH-ROTHSTEIN asks, can't a Jew even mumble a prayer there?

PHOTOS: Prouder than Ever

As gays fight for acceptance across the Western world, AVIRAM VALDMAN shows how Tel Aviv takes pride to far greater lengths.

Issue 27

June 2015

The Tower Magazine

plus:

Beth Kissileff has 929 Reasons for You to Study the Bible

When the IDF Invaded Kathmandu

Israel keeps ignoring the critics and sending its top doctors and rescuers to areas of disaster. YARDENA SCHWARTZ got a first-hand look at the people who are saving lives in Nepal.

For Some Arab States, Breaking Up Isn't Hard to Do

JONATHAN SPYER asks why it is that some Arab states, faced with collapsing support for the ruling regime, dissolve into civil war while others don't—and what this difference should mean for Western policymakers.

Can Labor Ever Win Again?

It's been 16 years since Israel's Labor Party won an election. LIAM HOARE asks what has changed in Israel, and suggests that for the Left to win, it has to rediscover its founding principles.

FIFA, the Palestinians, and the Future of World Football

While global soccer's top execs were dealing with a corruption scandal, the Palestinian Authority tried to hijack yet another international body for their own "anti-normalization" campaign. AIDEN PINK has the inside scoop.

A Sermon of Hate in the District of Columbia

SHIRI MOSHE visited a local Presbyterian service where congregants were called upon to boycott the Jewish state as a matter of faith.

PHOTOS: Rabbi Shimon's Pilgrims

In Israel's north, Mount Meron is the scene of an annual ritual drawing tens of thousands of Jews looking for divine inspiration. AVIRAM VALDMAN captured the moment.

Issue 26

May 2015

The Tower Magazine

plus:

Beth Kissileff on the Israeli Answer to This American Life

Yarmouk and the Failure of Palestine Solidarity

Over 100,000 Palestinians have been displaced or killed in a single refugee camp in Syria. BEN COHEN asks what happens to pro-Palestinian activists whenever Israel is not involved—and what it says about their motives.

Life Gets Tough for Jews, Swedish Edition

Targeted for humiliation, prohibited from observing her religion in freedom, ANNIKA HERNROTH-ROTHSTEIN tried to draw attention to the plight of Sweden's small Orthodox Jewish community—and that's when the trouble really began.

The Hijacking of the International Criminal Court

There are 3 kinds of UN bodies: Those that serve no purpose, those that are truly noble, and those that have been taken over by the anti-Israel movement. DAVID DAOUD takes a look at the ICC, on the brink.

The Man in the Middle

He has become Israel's most successful American-born public figure—and now has launched himself into the thick of Israeli politics. BENJAMIN KERSTEIN interviews Michael Oren, as he starts his first tour of duty in parliament.

Should American Jews Embrace the Evangelicals?

It should be a simple equation: Support for Israel is crucial to American Jews, and Evangelicals are the nation's most fervent supporters. TIFFANY GABBAY asks why the relationship still hasn't clicked, and what can be done.

PHOTOS: Armenians in Jerusalem Remember

It has been a century since Turks massacred 90 percent of the Armenian minority in their country. A small group of refugees settled in the Holy Land. AVIRAM VALDMAN met their descendants as they marked the horrible centennial.

Issue 25

April 2015

The Tower Magazine

plus:

Benjamin Kerstein on the Tragic, Regal Legacy of Benjamin Netanyahu

Iran Has a Serious Human Rights Problem

A new UN report paints a scathing picture of Iran as one of the worst regimes on earth. So why is America engaging? BEN COHEN takes a look.

In Iraq, the U.S. and Iran Really Do Fight as Allies

American officials insist that despite fighting a hot war against the same enemy in the same place, the U.S. and Iran are not allies. MICHAEL PREGENT looks at the evidence.

How We Lost Stanford University

Hidden intentions, deceptive tactics, aggressive radicalism, and above all, outside help—all these led the students at one of America's top universities to boycott Israel. MIRIAM POLLOCK '16 offers the anatomy of a defeat.

Israel's LGBT Community Keeps Moving Forward

Pinkwashing was never a real thing. As CORINNE BERZON shows, progress for gays in Israel seems like an unstoppable force—and a symbol of hope.

What If Israeli-Palestinian Security Cooperation Stops?

As attention shifts back to the Palestinian problem, leaders mull the PLO's call to stop cooperating with the IDF on security--the central pillar of the relative calm in the region. NERI ZILBER games out the scenarios moving forward.

PHOTOS: This Is What Democracy Looks Like

There is only one place in the Middle East where freedom truly rings. AVIRAM VALDMAN shows us the Jewish State on election day 2015.

Issue 24

March 2015

The Tower Magazine

plus:

Beth Kissileff Takes Us Inside the Anti-Israel Cultural Boycott Movement

More Biased than Goldstone? The UN Reports on Gaza

Even with its discredited chairman gone, the new UN report on the Gaza war will be every bit as biased. HILLEL NEUER shows how such reports are dictated far in advance--by strong-minded people you've never heard of.

Meet the Proxies: How Iran Spreads Its Empire

In Lebanon, Iraq, Yemen, and elsewhere, Tehran has perfected the art of gradually conquering a country without replacing its flag. DAVID DAOUD explores the New Expansionism.

The Global Pogrom Can Be Stopped. Here's How

The Global Pogrom has taken lives, legitimized violence, and spread fear among Jews across Europe and beyond. But as BENJAMIN KERSTEIN shows, there is a great deal that can be done to roll it back.

Why Reform & Conservative Can't Get Israel Right

Leaders of Reform and Conservative Judaism in Israel tend to blame everyone but themselves for the movements' failure to take hold. LIAM HOARE suggests a fundamental shift in strategy.

Is Argentina Safe for Jews?

A murdered prosecutor, a dismissed indictment, collusion with Iran, and leaks of anti-Semitism at the highest levels—this is Argentina today, EAMONN MACDONAGH reports.

PHOTOS: Women of Valor and Steel

In the middle of the desert sits an IDF base where a unique, all-female unit works around the clock to train soldiers in high-intensity combat. Photographer AVIRAM VALDMAN takes us there.

Issue 23

February 2015

The Tower Magazine

plus:

David Hazony on the Anti-Semitism We Never Talk About

The U.S. Let Iran Take Over Iraq. Are Nukes Next?

When MICHAEL PREGENT served with U.S. Forces in Iraq, he never imagined he would be witness to one of the most bizarre foreign policy decisions in American history.

This Haredi Woman Wants Your Vote

Sick of being overlooked by Ultra-Orthodox political parties, a new movement could finally bring female Haredi representation to the Knesset. BETH KISSILEFF profiles Biz’chutan, which may spark a revolution in Israeli politics.

The Rise of the Iranian Empire

How did it happen that the world's greatest exporter of terrorism, which calls for death to the West, has now taken control of four other countries? DAVID DAOUD explores what may be the greatest foreign policy catastrophe of our time.

Charlie Hebdo and the Future of Europe

The terror attacks in Paris earlier this month led to a historic outpouring of support. But for those looking closely, the siege of the kosher supermarket was anything but a surprise. BENJAMIN KERSTEIN explains.

Why is Japan Warming to the Jewish State?

In the past few years, Israel and Japan have developed closer economic, political, and ideological ties. AARON MENENBERG analyzes a burgeoning relationship.

PHOTOS: In a Forest Dark and Deep

AVIRAM VALDMAN takes us to into the community of Havat Ma'on in the Judean Hills—an eerily peaceful setting overflowing with both political controversy and ancient resonance.

Issue 22

January 2015

The Tower Magazine

plus:

Beth Kissileff on Israel's Amazing Literary Diaspora

North Korea and Iran Are Cyber-Warfare Buddies

Two rogue states with nuclear ambitions, a long and illicit partnership, and a history of cyber-attacks against American targets. CLAUDIA ROSETT investigates the ties that bind Tehran and Pyongyang.

Stop Freaking Out About the Jewish State Bill

A recent proposal to affirm equal rights for every citizen in Israel regardless of religion drove people bananas. DAVID DAOUD looks at the proposal on its merits, and wonders what all the fuss was really about.

Propaganda Maps, Deconstructed

It's a common anti-Israel trope, illustrated in maps: Over the past century, perfidious Zionists have slowly and steadily taken land from the Palestinians. SHANY MOR takes apart the lie—and reveals the hate behind it.

Hope for Syria’s Refugees? This Woman Thinks So

The suffering of Syria's 8 million refugees has been largely overlooked. But a few small organizations—and some extraordinary people—are working behind the scenes to provide services and hope. BEN COHEN takes us there.

Christians in the Holy Land: Don't Call Us Arabs

Long part of Israel's Arab populace, Israel's Christians are reasserting their own unique identity - one that is deeply tied to the Jewish State of Israel. Meet the Arameans. ARYEH TEPPER takes us inside.

PHOTOS: O Little Town of Bethlehem

Every year, thousands of Christians from around the world convene in Bethlehem to celebrate Christmas in the town of Jesus's birth. Photographer AVIRAM VALDMAN shows us the festivities.

Issue 21

December 2014

The Tower Magazine

plus:

Richard A. Block on the Israel We Should Be Talking About

Goodbye Islamic State, Hello Islamic Republic?

The Obama administration’s latest approach to the Middle East may be its most dangerous yet, choosing terror-sponsor Iran over longtime Arab allies. DAVID DAOUD explains what's going on.

How the Summer War Changed Israel's Soul

Operation Protective Edge had a profound effect on the Israeli psyche.
Disillusioned toward the prospects for peace and resigned to the world's lack of support, BENJAMIN KERSTEIN speaks for most Israelis by asking, "What's next?"

Wait, Iraq Is Now Iran?

Slowly but surely, forces tied to Iran have taken over the fight against the Islamic State—and are doing it with American air support. JONATHAN SPYER & AYMENN JAWAD AL-TAMIMI ask: At what cost?

Gaza Is Not Northern Ireland, You Git

The Troubles and the Arab-Israeli conflict seem pretty similar with a cursory glance. But EAMONN MACDONAGH argues that comparing them only serves to excuse terrorism and obscure the real issues.

Love and Song in the Shadow of War

Israeli music has long been profoundly shaped by its military history. From folk dancing to fusion rap, songs are suffused with a unique mix of cynicism and optimism, tragic loss and hope for the future. CORINNE BERZON shows us how.

PHOTOS: Exploring a Formerly Friendly City

Sitting at the crossroads of continents, religions, and former empires, Istanbul is one of the world's biggest, busiest—and most twisted—cities. Photographer AVIRAM VALDMAN shows us the city's glamour and squalor.

Issue 20

November 2014

The Tower Magazine

plus:

Diana Muir Appelbaum with The Real Reason Steven Salaita Shouldn't Teach College

'Open Hillel' Is a Much Bigger Problem Than You Think

A campus movement promoting virulent anti-Israel positions threatens to overturn Jewish life on campuses. AIDEN PINK attended their first-ever conference, and what he saw was a lot more complicated than he expected.

Bad to Worse: Fight ISIS But Empower Iran?

Iran is using the rise of ISIS to extract concessions in negotiations over its nuclear program. As DAVID DAOUD explains, the West's quest for "cooperation" is playing right into Tehran's hands.

Getting High at the Lowest Place on Earth

More than 12,000 people attended the second annual Dead Sea Rave, which featured internationally renowned DJs playing music for Israelis dancing until dawn. YARDENA SCHWARTZ takes us there.

A Serious Medical Journal Just Went Totally Clinical

The Lancet is one of the most widely respected medical journals in the world. But as LIAM HOARE documents, they abandoned their dispassionate analyses this summer in favor of anti-Israel conspiracy theories.

Optimism In the Face of Hamas and War

This past year has been trying for Israel and its supporters. But as RICHARD A. BLOCK explains, the fundamental facts give hope for the future.

PHOTOS: Kobani's Horror-Stricken Refugees

More than 150,000 civilians fleeing ISIS have gathered to await the fate of Kobani, where Kurdish forces are making a desperate stand. AVIRAM VALDMAN captured both the tragedy and the hope in their eyes.

Issue 19

October 2014

The Tower Magazine

plus:

Beth Kissileff on Rachelle Fraenkel's Quiet Revolution in Women's Religious Education

ISIS: Can the West Win Without a Ground Game?

U.S. air strikes aim to "degrade and destroy" the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria. But as JONATHAN SPYER shows, a much bigger challenge will be preventing other extremists—especially Iranian proxies—from filling the vacuum.

Has Argentina Turned Against its Jews?

Twenty years ago, 85 Argentinians were killed in an Iranian terrorist attack. Their families are still waiting for their government to deliver justice. EAMONN MACDONAGH exposes Argentina's capitulation to Iran at the expense of the truth.

On Many Campuses, Hate is Spelled SJP

Students for Justice in Palestine has toiled for over a decade to transform college campuses into centers of terror support and hate speech. DANIEL MAEL offers the definitive primer on a group that sounds a little too much like Hamas.

For the World Cup, Qatar Plays Dirty

Armed with massive wealth and a sordid relationship with terrorists from Al Qaeda to Hezbollah, Qatar is using "soccer diplomacy" to cover up its human rights record and support of terrorism. BEN COHEN has the details.

The Sabras of Silicon Valley

Israel's start-up success has led to California tech titans competing for ownership of Israeli enterprises. It's not a case of Israeli "brain drain," as MIRIAM POLLOCK explains, but an arrangement that benefits both the U.S. and Israel.

PHOTOS: Where Horses Run, and Run

In a city struggling with crime and poverty, Arabs, Jews, and Bedouins come together to enjoy the sport of kings. AVIRAM VALDMAN takes us off to the races.

Issue 18

September 2014

The Tower Magazine

plus:

Liam Hoare on What's Next for Israel's Gay Community

Where the Shadiest Players Find a Home

Under Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, Turkey is funding Hamas, helping Iran evade sanctions, and harboring a financier tied to 9/11. JONATHAN SCHANZER exposes how a purported NATO ally is undermining the rest of the West.

Can Zionism Include Muslims?

Over the past century, the Zionist story has constantly changed to include new groups seeking a place in Israeli society. Now, as EINAT WILF explains, the next frontier of Zionism will include Israel's Arab population.

Hamas Is Killing Gaza, One Child at a Time

In the Gaza War, Israeli troops faced an enemy willing to sacrifice its own civilians to gain in international sympathy. YARDENA SCHWARTZ spoke with the IDF soldiers who had to fight under truly inhuman conditions.

So, Was the Gaza War Legal?

Accusations of Israeli "war crimes" and "genocide" have been thrown around with abandon. But these charges are not only false, argues DAVID DAOUD—they also are destroying the system of international law needed to stop real atrocities.

Christians Respond to the War on the Jewish State

The country's biggest pro-Israel organization is also one of the most misunderstood. RICK RICHMAN on what pro-Israel Jews can learn from Christians United for Israel.

PHOTOS: To Be Gay at Night in Tel Aviv

The city has been called the "Gay Capital of the World," and nowhere is this more evident than in the clubs. AVIRAM VALDMAN takes us there.

Issue 17

August 2014

The Tower Magazine

plus:

Assaf Dudai on the Forces that Pull Israelis Apart and Bring Them Together

A U.S. Ally is Behind the Gaza War, and It’s Not Israel

Unfathomably wealthy from its natural gas reserves, Qatar has become an enormous funder of terrorists and a headache for Washington. JONATHAN SPYER explores the frighteningly effective strategy of America's #1 "frenemy."

Waking Up to a Global Pogrom

BENJAMIN KERSTEIN puts the hardest question on the table: Has Jewish life around the world entered an entirely new, truly dangerous phase?

Why Everything Reported from Gaza is Crazy Twisted

Under the thumb of Hamas, Western journalists are told what and where to report, and those who break the rules risk abuse or death. Veteran reporter MARK LAVIE takes us inside.

How to Deal with Rockets Falling Around You

The theaters and night-clubs are quiet, giving way to sirens and shelters and Iron Dome and the surprising strength of a city known for its parties. MIRANDA FRÜM shows us Tel Aviv at war, a moment as revealing as it is harrowing.

Did the Peace Process Cause the Gaza War?

AARON MENENBERG looks back at the eruptions of violence between Israel and Palestinians over the last two decades and points to an uncomfortable fact: They tend to happen immediately after talks fail. Could there be a connection?

PHOTOS: When War Becomes Home

It's been a long time since Israel has gone to war with so much domestic and global backing. AVIRAM VALDMAN took his camera to the latest round in the battle of West vs. Jihad.

Issue 16

July 2014

The Tower Magazine

plus:

Benjamin Kerstein Visits the Final Resting Place of Israel's Heroes

Time for Some New Friends in the Middle East

Decades of failed U.S. policy raise the question of whether it was a mistake to try to work with authoritarian, revolutionary Sunni Arab regimes. GABRIEL SCHEINMANN argues for a new, bottom-up approach.

The Terror Within: A Survivor’s Tale

In December 2010, KAY WILSON was brutally attacked by terrorists in the forests outside Jerusalem. Since then, she has become a spokesperson for the rights of victims, the fight against terror—and the hope for a better future despite it all.

A Big New Threat to Evangelical Support for Israel

American Evangelicals have long been steadfast in their support for the state of Israel. But as LUKE MOON explains, a small, influential group of young anti-Israel Evangelical activists are seeking to change that.

The Weirdest Place in Tel Aviv

It's part concrete corn maze, part Dr. Seuss playground, and part post-apocalyptic trading post. MATTHEW SCHULTZ takes us through the grungy, grimy, glorious Tel Aviv Central Bus Station.

The Sun Keeps Shining on Yosef Abramowitz

In his teens, Yosef Abramowitz fought for Soviet and Ethiopian Jews and dreamed of life on a kibbutz. Today his revolutionary passion is changing the way the Sun will power our future. ASSAF DUDAI has details.

PHOTOS: Mountain of Moses, Beaches of Heaven

Since ancient times, the mysterious Sinai Peninsula has resonated in the imagination of Israelis and tourists from around the world. AVIRAM VALDMAN takes us to one of the few places left where reality outstrips imagination.

Issue 15

June 2014

The Tower Magazine

plus:

Rick Richman on How Jabotinsky Won the Battle for the Israeli Political Mind

How Corruption is Ruining the Palestinian Future

In a startling and exclusive first-hand account, AARON MENENBERG exposes how the Palestinian Authority systematically prevents Palestinian entrepreneurs, farmers, and investors from improving their lives.

Jazz from the Promised Land

Who imagined that Israel would become a jazz juggernaut? ARYEH TEPPER explores the music, the history, and an unbelievable vibe that spans cultures and oceans—and one trumpeter who is blasting his way into the soul of a genre.

The Anti-Zionism of J Street

If Zionism is the belief in Jewish self-determination through a Jewish state, AIDEN PINK explains, then nothing can be more its opposite than working to override Israel's democratic and policy choices through outside pressure.

Nightmare on Sunset Blvd: To Be Jewish at UCLA

Report from the boycott battle lines: TESSA NATH, class of 2015, takes us inside the maelstrom of anti-Israel hate on her campus—and the growing climate of fear felt by anyone who speaks their mind in support of the Jewish State.

The Apartheid Libel, Demolished

When Secretary of State Kerry dropped his now-infamous "A-Bomb," many may not have understood how truly wrong he was. EUGENE KONTOROVICH delivers a decisive dismissal of the idea on the basis on international law.

PHOTOS: Ancient Rituals in the Land of the Bible

The Samaritans appeared in history over 2,500 years ago, and today they number around 700 people who follow the most ancient Israelite practices. AVIRAM VALDMAN shows us a Passover seder like none you've ever seen.

Issue 14

May 2014

The Tower Magazine

plus:

Beth Kissileff on the Jewish Schools Where Creativity Trumps Denominationalism

The Deep UN: Inside the Infrastructure of Hate

EXPOSÉ: The UN may have repealed its 1975 resolution equating Zionism with racism—but replaced it with a massively funded mechanism for delegitimizing Israel, still running today. BEN COHEN blows the lid off this latest UN scandal.

How Should Rabbis Speak About Israel?

Instead of using the pulpit for critiquing the Jewish state, rabbis have an obligation to highlight Israel's strengths as a vibrant, democratic, and moral Jewish civilization—so says RICHARD A. BLOCK, the Reform movement's top rabbi.

The Real Palestinian Refugee Crisis

Who is a refugee, and why has the Palestinian refugee crisis never been solved? As ASAF ROMIROWSKY shows, one big reason is the special UN body that was originally tasked with helping them—but is now a huge part of the problem.

Getting Real in Transcendent Tel Aviv

MIRANDA FRÜM takes us into the sweet, steamy underbelly of trippy Tel Aviv, where modeling and raving and partying all tell us something about coming home.

Marketplace of Dreams and Fresh Produce

In the last decade and a half, Jerusalem's open-air market has been transformed into a bustling commercial and cultural center. ASSAF DUDAI met with the people who made it happen.

PHOTOS: An Ethiopian Easter in Jerusalem

This month, AVIRAM VALDMAN takes his camera into the most extraordinary of Christian rituals—the Ethiopian Easter candle-lighting in the Church of the Holy Sepulcher.

Issue 13

April 2014

The Tower Magazine

plus:

Einat Wilf on Two Books that Could Heal the Zionist Narrative

The Myth of the Thirsty Palestinian

Outrageous attacks suggesting Israel is systematically depriving the Palestinians of their water are increasingly common—and vicious. As AKIVA BIGMAN shows, these lies are about as true as the blood libels of centuries past.

Discovering Jewish History on the Golan Heights

STEPHEN RUBIN explores the discovery of a ruined ancient synagogue with almost all its original pieces just lying on the ground, waiting to be rebuilt.

At U. Michigan, Students Fight Back Against Madness

Jewish students at one of America's top schools have faced intimidation, ridicule, and death threats. MOLLY ROSEN, class of 2014, offers a firsthand look.

In Bethlehem, the Wrong Kind of Christian Festival

In the last decade, Bethlehem has lost its Christian majority to pressure from the Palestinian Authority. So why did American Christians hold a conference there to protest Israel? LUKE MOON takes us there.

Why is John B. Judis Giving Harry Hell?

Through his reinvention of the story of Harry Truman’s recognition of Israel in 1948, John B. Judis's new book attempts to overturn the foundations of liberal American Zionism. But as JOSHUA MURAVCHIK points out, his version is based on bald distortions and troubling omissions.

PHOTOS: Birthplace of Jesus, Hidden & Found

Long ago a bastion of Christianity, the "little town of Bethlehem" has changed dramatically under Islamic dominion. But as AVIRAM VALDMAN discovered, there is still much of its former glory on display, if you know where to look.

Issue 12

March 2014

The Tower Magazine

plus:

Shai Oseran and Stéphane Cohen Shatter the Myth of Hezbollah's Weakness

Yes, We Really Can Stop the Slaughter in Syria

Rwanda, Bosnia, Darfur: The world has learned that unspeakable mass atrocities can and must be stopped—or has it? BROOKLYN MIDDLETON explores the options for intervention.

Ideology at the Oscars

RICK RICHMAN looks at two new films with similar plot-lines, both of which speak of love and identity among Israel's Arabs—but which have been treated very differently by the Hollywood establishment.

Why Liberals Should Give Boycotters the Boot

HOWARD WOHL on the New York Times, the campus boycott movement, and the dangers of letting radicalism take over the Left.

Hammered: The Palestinian Peace Paradox

Another round of peace talks, another round of failure. BENJAMIN KERSTEIN explores the grinding psychological burden of a conflict that never ends.

Joining the Start-Up Nation Just Got a Lot Easier

A new index fund allows ordinary Americans to invest in a range of fast-growing Israeli companies. But as BEN COHEN shows, the path to massive investment is filled with challenges.

PHOTOS: The Bedouin, Between Two Worlds

AVIRAM VALDMAN gives us a peek at the community that has benefited tremendously from the Israeli experience, yet remains very much apart.

Issue 11

February 2014

The Tower Magazine

plus:

Claudia Rosett on the Twisted Conundrum of Funding the United Nations

Do ‘Syria,’ ‘Iraq’ and ‘Lebanon’ Still Exist?

Turns out that the Arab Spring did a lot more than just overthrow long-standing regimes. In some cases, JONATHAN SPYER discovers, borders have melted away and countries have effectively vanished.

The Woman Who Makes Jihadists Squirm

For over a decade, Nitsana Darshan-Leitner has led the charge against terrorists and their paymasters through civil litigation. As DAVID HAZONY explains, she's also changed how we think about the whole fight against terror.

Why the Left Ought to Love the Jewish State

Once its greatest champions, radical Leftists now seek to paint Israel as racist, oppressive, and colonialist. JOSHUA MURAVCHIK exposes that hypocrisy, and offers a definitive response, grounded in the most liberal principles.

On Feminists and Pioneers in Early Zionism

LAUREN DAVIDSON explores the complicated experience of women in the early years of the Zionist movement, and a new film that takes an unadorned look.

The Afterworldly Imagination of Ofir Touché Gafla

One of Israel's most innovative new novelists has just landed on the American scene. BETH KISSILEFF talks to the man who will change the way we think of time, past, and future.

PHOTOS: A Faith Under Fire

Israel's Christian Arab minority enjoys more freedom than any of their coreligionists in the Middle East. AVIRAM VALDMAN shows us how they're dealing with an increasingly Muslim region.

Issue 10

January 2014

The Tower Magazine

plus:

Aiden Pink Tries to Figure Out If His Zionist Summer Camp Indoctrinated Him

The Last Lion of Judaea

Ariel Sharon embodied much of what Israelis have come to look for in a leader: Secular, bold, creative, and willing to take the world's endless abuse. BENJAMIN KERSTEIN explores his role in the Israeli psyche.

Losing American Support, the Gulf States Scramble

With America losing credibility across the Middle East, its longtime Arab allies are left facing the Iranian menace alone—and, as JONATHAN SPYER points out, they are increasingly looking elsewhere for support.

How the Weak Iran Deal Makes War More Likely

Nobody wants either an Iranian nuclear bomb or an attack on Iran’s nuclear facilities. So why, EMANUELE OTTOLENGHI asks, are the world’s powers trying so hard to make them happen?

The Bedouin’s Outrageous Claims to the Negev

AKIVA BIGMAN sets aside the emotional attraction to the protests against the Prawer plan, and puts a critical eye to the movement's real aims. The results are deeply troubling.

A Chameleon in the Courtyard of the Divine

On the invisible frontiers between Israel and America, between Torah and
literary fiction, Ruchama King Feuerman found her muse. BETH KISSILEFF interviewed her in the office of a New Jersey psychoanalyst. Why not?

PHOTOS: White Fire on Gold

AVIRAM VALDMAN takes his camera through the biggest snowstorm to hit Israel in over a century.

Issue #9

December 2013

The Tower Magazine

plus:

Asaf Romirowsky and Alexander H. Joffe on How
the Quakers Became So... Unfriendly

We Really Need to Talk About Corruption

Forget about whether it's a good idea. JONATHAN SCHANZER asks if it's even possible to build a Palestinian state on profiteering, violent turf wars, and widespread hatred of elected officials. If not, then we have a very big problem.

Lihi Lapid, Leaning a Different Way

The novelist, photographer, and wife of Israel's finance minister has a tough message for modern women: Don't believe in fairy tales, and know whom you can trust. BETH KISSILEFF interviews the author of 'Woman of Valor.'

Dare We Say It? The Mullahs Must Go

Not so long ago, people on both sides of America's political divide saw democratic revolution as a serious basis for US policy in Iran. What happened? MICHAEL LEDEEN calls for reopening that conversation in the wake of the Geneva debacle.

Jabotinsky’s Lost Moment: June, 1940

Of all the early Zionists, nobody saw the coming Holocaust as clearly as Vladimir Jabotinsky. RICK RICHMAN explores the resonance he had with Americans, the army he almost built, and how his untimely death may have changed history.

Oslo Proved Something About Peace, All Right

Twenty years after the dramatic handshake on the White House lawn that heralded the Oslo Accords, peacemakers are still insisting that you lose nothing by trying. As BENJAMIN KERSTEIN shows, they haven't learned a thing.

PHOTOS: Worlds Beneath the Sacred Waters

Off the coast of the Israeli port city of Ashdod, a whole new kind of fishery has emerged, where Mediterranean sharks swim with whole schools of tuna and sea bream. AVIRAM VALDMAN went there with his camera—and a whole lot of guts.

Issue #8

November 2013

The Tower Magazine

plus:

Liam Hoare on the Psychic Unmooring of Andrew Sullivan

Ataturk, Ben-Gurion, and Turkey's Road Not Taken

Both Israel and Turkey were founded on a secular, ethnic-nationalist, modern and Western-facing vision. But as GABRIEL MITCHELL shows, little differences can mean a lot when it comes to democracy—and it's playing out before our eyes today.

Why Are There Jihadists In Minnesota?

They traveled from Somalia to the Great Lakes in search of a better life. But now their kids are joining al-Shabab. AIDEN PINK traveled to Minneapolis, where he learned about the newest front in anti-terror.

The Decent Marxist

When Norman Geras passed away last month, the world lost an unusually articulate, indefatigable, left-wing thinker who opposed anti-Semitism, anti-Zionism, and illiberalism in all its forms. JOHN-PAUL PAGANO shows us the way.

The Next Cultural Superpower?

Small countries can contribute a lot to the world cultural stage. BENJAMIN KERSTEIN explores the precedents in the last half-century—and what they could mean for the future of the Jewish state.

Facebook Democracy is Good Democracy

For a country that loves its politicians accessible, down-to-earth, and above all authentic, social media have become an invaluable way to talk to your voters. LAHAV HARKOV explores the new political discourse emerging in the Jewish State.

PHOTOS: And Wine Soothes the Soul of Man

In recent years, Israeli vintners have become a global legend. AVIRAM VALDMAN visits the deep purple world of wondrous winemaking.

Issue #7

October 2013

The Tower Magazine

plus:

Benjamin Kerstein on the Virtues and Costs of Going It Alone

Who Is the Real Big Winner of the Arab Spring?

Could the pundits be wrong? While conventional wisdom holds Israel's strategic situation has taken a big hit across the Middle East, GABRIEL SCHEINMANN says the opposite is true.

Of Utopian Dreamers and the Israeli Spirit

After a decade of research, Yossi Klein Halevi has produced the new Israeli epic. DAVID HAZONY profiles the author of "Like Dreamers," which tracks the paratroopers who took the Temple Mount in 1967, and whose lives mirrored the history they made.

The Big Hamas Elephant

Western leaders talk about peace negotiations between Israel and the Palestinians. But a third of the Palestinians live under a Hamas in Gaza, which will never make peace with Israel. What, ELHANAN MILLER asks, can they hope to achieve?

Tel Aviv: Culinary Cathedrals of the White City

ASHLEY RINDSBERG takes us to some of the top restaurants in Tel Aviv, and discovers an eating culture that is exquisite, rapidly changing, and couldn't give a fig for Michelin ratings.

Will Egypt’s Liberals Ever Win?

As a new military-backed regime in Cairo works to stabilize Egypt, prospects for long-term reform seem unclear at best. ARMIN ROSEN spent some time with liberal activists there, and came away with more questions than answers.

PHOTOS: Loving Life at the Dead Sea

With its air rich in oxygen and its minerals an ancient balm for the afflicted, nothing in the Middle East compares for otherworldliness with the Dead Sea. AVIRAM VALDMAN takes us there.

Issue #6

September 2013

The Tower Magazine

plus:

Benjamin Kerstein on the Crazy Origins and Global Importance of ’Hatikva’

Say It Again. Kurdish Independence Now

Syria has failed. Iraq is breaking apart. But in both countries, one region has become an island of civil order and pro-Western sentiment. JONATHAN SPYER makes the case for Kurdistan.

Why I Sometimes Don’t Fully Hate the UN

With its awful record on terror and Israel, many consider the UN a travesty. But as BEN COHEN writes, it is really two separate organizations: One tries to improve humanity; the other advances the Palestinian cause at any price.

Iran Is Really Good at Evading Sanctions

Tehran's military nuclear program keeps expanding, even under the toughest sanctions yet. EMANUELE OTTOLENGHI offers a breathtaking look at the regime’s secret tactics. If Western leaders really want to stop Iran, they will have to get much more serious, fast.

A Pitched Battle for the Only Empty Place Left

LIAM HOARE explores the Negev desert, a vast expanse that has become a battleground between Bedouin needing room for their growing families while preserving their traditions, Jews looking to build a new kind of life, and authorities just trying to impose the rule of law.

Assaf Inbari Is Looking for a Home

Born on a dying kibbutz in the Galilee, a journalist decided to eternalize the rise and fall of a utopia. The result was ’Home,’ a Marquez-like epic that suddenly placed him among Israel’s literary elite. EETTA PRINCE-GIBSON paid a visit.

PHOTOS: Summer Before the Storm

Just before what might be an autumn of teeth-grinding battle and lost opportunities, AVIRAM VALDMAN aims his camera at the unique indulgences of what was an unseasonably cool Israeli summer.

Issue #5

August 2013

The Tower Magazine

plus:

Lauren Davidson on the Selective Memory of ’Israel: A Home Movie’

Deep in Africa, Tehran Spreads Its Tentacles

Despite sanctions, Iran keeps expanding its terrorist reach and making progress towards a nuclear weapon. To achieve this, it's built a vast and effective network in sub-Saharan Africa. ARMIN ROSEN explores.

The Morocco Model: A Path to Arab Democracy?

More than two years after violent upheavals began sweeping the Arab world, observers search for another way. MICHAEL J. TOTTEN visited one country
that has been above it all—and may hold the keys to a better Arab future.

Ego Games: Erdogan’s Olympic-Sized Folly

If Istanbul wins the contest to host the 2020 Olympics, Turkey will become a magnet of global attention. But as AIDEN PINK points out, there's a much darker side to hosting the Games.

Southern Kibbutzim, Under Fire and Losing Faith

At night, they fear the terror of falling rockets. By day they wonder
about the future of Israel's most iconic way of living. LIAM HOARE met the
Kibbutzniks who live too close to the Gaza border.

Coexistence Chic in Jaffa and South Tel Aviv

The southern neighborhoods of Israel's greatest city are a study in transformation and recombination: From poor to prosperous, Arab to Jewish, ancient to modern. DEBRA KAMIN explores the hopes and regrets of gentrification.

PHOTOS: The Druze, Another People Apart

Known for their national loyalty and military service, Israel's Druze villagers live a traditional, isolated and somewhat secretive way of life. AVIRAM VALDMAN travels to the Galilee and gives us a rare look.

Issue #4

July 2013

The Tower Magazine

plus:

Ashley Rindsberg Interviews Ido Angel, Literary Barista

Dreaming of a Lebanon Without War

MICHAEL J. TOTTEN interviews key figures in Lebanon's Christian, Sunni, and Druze communities, and discovers a country weary of war—and talking publicly of peace with Israel for the first time in a generation.

The Map that Ruined the Middle East

How has a century-old deal cut between European powers led to endless misery in the Middle East? GABRIEL SCHEINMANN takes a look at the Sykes-Picot agreement, and asks whether the time has come to rethink the whole thing.

Drilldown: Is Blue-and-White Oil on the Way?

Forget about natural gas. Israel is sitting on hundreds of billions of barrels of oil—or so it is often said. DANIEL FINK filters out truth from fantasy in the quest for energy independence.

The Gezi Diaries: Erdogan's Turkey Goes Medieval

For years, pundits have sold Turkey as a modern Muslim miracle. But in the last few months, its Islamist government has revealed its true nature, authoritarian and violent. CLAIRE BERLINSKI offers a first-hand account of the mayhem.

An Ancient Rendezvous with a Gleam in its Eye

It was once the most important port in Israel, the place Napoleon besieged but never quite conquered. NERI ZILBER visits the hotels and restaurants of Acre, a town of lost dreams and a surprisingly bright future.

PHOTOS: City of Utter Fantasy

Nestled on Israel’s northern shore, Acre has tugged at the imagination from biblical times to Napoleon. AVIRAM VALDMAN walks us through the ancient portal.

Issue #3

June 2013

The Tower Magazine

plus:

Lauren Davidson on the Healing Power of Graffiti

The Abyss: Can Anything Save Syria?

The world reels from the cruelty of the Syrian civil war. But as JONATHAN SPYER writes, a serious look at the rebels' struggle and the stakes of failure suggests that Western nations must get involved, and quickly.

The Greatest Living Hebrew Writer Is Arab

An accomplished novelist, screenwriter, and columnist, Sayed Kashua
has taken Israel by storm. DEBRA KAMIN spoke with the man who has
adopted the classic Jewish literary pose of the outsider—and pointed it
at the Jewish state.

Hatred Begins in the Classroom

Everyone knows that for peace to prevail, schools need to preach coexistence between Arab and Jew. But as ADI SCHWARTZ discovered, a recent report comparing Palestinian and Israeli textbooks only made matters worse.

My Jerusalem, Forever Divided, Forever One

One day, writes peace activist GERSHON BASKIN, Israel will share its capital with a Palestinian state. The city will have to find a new way to live, its beautiful mosaic of neighborhoods working together under multiple authorities, weaving together a very possible dream.

If Peace Never Comes, This Will Be the Reason

DEBORAH DANAN has organized co-existence dialogue for Israelis and Palestinians for years. But one big problem has always gotten in the way—
and understanding it may give us the key to peace at last.

PHOTOS: City of Gold and Dreams and Blood

Sometimes the most ancient sites offer the most stirring personal moments. AVIRAM VALDMAN aims his camera at the unfathomable human experience
that is Jerusalem.

Issue 51

The Tower Magazine

In this issue

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Julie Lenarz Looks at the Iran-Backed Houthis in Yemen, Fighting Saudis while Shouting "Death to Israel"

Issue 50

The Tower Magazine

In this issue

plus:

Michael J. Totten on the Rapidly Developing Syria War, and the Necessity of Bashar al-Assad's Fall

Issue 49

The Tower Magazine

In this issue

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Michael J. Totten on James Kirchick's 'The End of Europe'

Issue 48

The Tower Magazine

In this issue

plus:

Julie Lenarz on the Brutal Oppression of Minorities In Iran

Issue 47

The Tower Magazine

In this issue

plus:

Sara Toth Stub Meets the Founders of Mamanet, the Israeli Women's Sports League That's Conquering Europe

Issue 46

The Tower Magazine

In this issue

plus:

Ben Cohen Talks to Bernard-Henri Lévy About the Future of Islam, Anti-Semitism, and Israel's Place in the World

Issue 45

The Tower Magazine

In this issue

plus:

Tshediso Mangope, a South African Member of the ANC, Used to Fight Against Israel. And Then He Went There.

Issue 44

The Tower Magazine

In this issue

plus:

Sara Toth Stub on the Surprising Growth of Israel's Christian Communities

Issue 43

The Tower Magazine

In this issue

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Ben Cohen on the Stunning Rise and Preposterous Mainstreaming of British Anti-Semitism

Issue 42

The Tower Magazine

In this issue

plus:

India: Harry Hoshovsky Explores the Deepening Alliance Between Israel and the World's Second-Largest Country

Issue 41

The Tower Magazine

In this issue

plus:

Eylon Aslan-Levy Explores the Forgotten Exodus of Jewish Refugees from Arab Lands

Issue 40

The Tower Magazine

In this issue

plus:

Aaron Menenberg Tastes 13 Israeli Wines That Will Blow Your Mind

Issue 39

The Tower Magazine

In this issue

plus:

Edy Cohen Explores the Jewish Nakba, which was Bigger than the Palestinian One

Issue 38

The Tower Magazine

In this issue

plus:

Rachel Delia Benaim & Yitzhak Bronstein on the Renaissance of Jewish Study among Secular Israelis