Israel Diaries
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From Academia
Academic studies from various disciplines tackle issues related to Israel. I will critically and fairly examine published articles that find their way to my screen.
Current Events
Politically and Diplomatically Speaking
Here I respond to Israeli current events – to what is happening within the country and what is happening internationally regarding Israel. My views are still evolving and my writing will reflect my continuing growth and exploration of the issues. I examine academic writings in the fields of history, sociology and political science, as well as opinion pieces and analyses that appear in the media. I do not promise to be consistent because my political views are still changing as I learn more. I do promise to be provocative and perhaps a bit irritating to some. Feel free to express your thoughts and your agreements and disagreements with me: I value debate, respectful debate, and anticipate engaging with my readers.
First-Hand and Investigative
As I try to develop my skills as a journalist, I will look for opportunities to get out into the field and away from my computer to write about people and events first-hand. In other cases, my first-hand reporting will be Internet based investigations.
Keeping up with our Elected Representatives
We elect a party whose platform seems to most closely fit with our vision of what needs to be done to ensure that Israel develops as a healthy and ethical state. The Members of Knesset (MKs) are those who propel this boat and the Cabinet is supposed to be the rudder. Are they fulfilling their promise? In order to judge, we need to know what they are doing. I will, periodically, check in with them and see what they are doing within the Knesset plenum and in committees and report back here what I find.
Jew-Hate
Both Jews and non-Jews can be antisemitic. Here I will post summaries and critiques of academic articles dealing with Jew-hate, as well as opinion pieces.
Book Reviews
I critically review books that come my way. I am honest and assess a book for its message and how well it is substantiated. I do not have to agree with the author — if the book is well documented and researched, I consider that a valuable contribution to the reading materials available to professionals and laypeople.
Random Reflections
Reflections on Jewish Holidays
Holidays and symbols involved in their celebration can have meaning for us in the modern world in which we live. I will reflect on what the holidays mean for me.
Reflections on Random Torah Verses
I open the Torah, landing on a randomly selected page. At some point in reading that page, I find something that causes me to stop and reflect. I invite you to engage in conversation with me: telling me what the selected verse means to you, whether you find something meaningful that either coincides with what I wrote or is contrary to it. You don’t have to be Jewish!
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Smadar Ben-Natan.
Current Events
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First-Hand and Investigative
October 21, 2025
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Israel’s Death Penalty Paradox: The Law That Exists but Never Lives
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