The Softer Israel
Israelis called Tel Aviv during the recent elections, Medinat Tel Aviv, Country of Tel Aviv, as if it seceded from the rest of the country due to its secular atmosphere. A situation which is changing. There are several campaigns to bring the secular citizens closer to Judaism, to encourage them to observe certain rituals, to find more meaning in Judaism. There are wide campaigns to hold ‘kabbalat Shabbat’, which is the traditional blessing and dinner on Friday eve. There are several movements reaching out to seculars to encourage them Lihthazek orLihitkarev to Judaism which means to ‘strengthen’ and ‘get closer’ to Jewish values.
Source: Your Middle East
As the Islamic State approaches, an Assyrian Christian family is struggling to protect the tomb of a Jewish prophet
In the town of Al Qosh, located near Iraq’s Bayhidhra Mountains, Assyrian Christians are trying to do what may well be impossible. For 2,700 years, the tomb of Nahum the Prophet has rested within the walls of Al Qosh’s small and decaying synagogue. Now, as the Islamic State (also called ISIS and Daesh) approaches, both the synagogue and the tomb may be in jeopardy.
Source: Muftah
Four Egyptian wartime B-movies: nudity, sex, and a dash of politics
The tough economic, social and political conditions of the country at that time took its toll on every aspect of Egyptian life, including the movie business, which prompted a new kind of cinema: low-budget, poorly executed, exotic, exciting, almost pornographic flicks mostly produced abroad — mostly in Lebanon.
Source: Mada Masr
