Dear Reader,

I’ve been thinking recently about the way that these last months of 2023 will soon be referenced alongside other pivotal moments in American Jewish history. The Rosenbergs and the Second Red Scare. The 1967 War and its aftermath. The Brownsville teacher strike. The Crown Heights riots. And now, October 7th and the war on Gaza.

As Israel’s bombs have killed more than 20,000 and displaced more than two million, the ripples are being felt across the US: University presidents fired for falling into rhetorical traps set by right-wing politicians, pro-Palestine groups banned across American campuses, and careers derailed across industries, from Hollywood to philanthropy to social services.

Through these distressing times, Jewish Currents has worked to offer readers analysis, reporting, and reflection that tries to make sense of so much senselessness. As publisher, I’m proud to be part of that work. But as a reader, I am just thankful that Jewish Currents exists.

The truth, however, is that we can’t exist without you.

Support independent and unapologetic Jewish media today! Donate or become a member to sustain Jewish Currents into the future.

As a Jewish Currents reader, you know right-wing money is shaping the conversation on Israel/Palestine and antisemitism. You see it as megadonors wield their influence over Ivy League schools. You see it in the halls of our Congress, as representatives vote on resolutions slandering anti-Zionists as antisemites. And you see it in Jewish media.

Many Jewish media outlets are supported by a few billionaires that entirely cover their budgets. And it’s no surprise that those outlets reflect the politics of those wealthy donors. At Jewish Currents, we don’t have any single investor and we don’t rely on corporate advertising. We rely on you. And today, that support is more important than ever.

Support independent Jewish media: donate or become a member to sustain Jewish Currents.

Over these last months our audience has grown dramatically, with millions of readers visiting our site for the first time. But as a non-profit media organization committed to keeping our work accessible and ad-free, that increase does not lead to increased capacity. In order to meet the moment, we need you.

Thank you so much for your support.

In solidarity,

Daniel May,

Publisher

PS. If you become a member today at just $9/month, you’ll receive Nathan Thrall’s new book, A Day in the Life of Abed Salama: Anatomy of a Jerusalem Tragedy, listed by The New Yorker and others as one of the best books of the year.