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Asaf Elia-Shalev

@asafeliashalev.bsky.social
517 followers 623 following 68 posts

Senior reporter @JTAnews | Author of ISRAEL'S BLACK PANTHERS from @UCPress | Abu Carmel

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Asaf Elia-Shalev @asafeliashalev.bsky.social · 29/01/2026
The researcher who has overseen the ADL's widely cited annual count of antisemitic incidents defects to a rival antisemitism watchdog known for criticizing the ADL. www.jta.org/2026/01/29/u...
jta.org
Senior ADL antisemitism researcher leaves to lead competing effort at watchdog Nexus - Jewish Telegraphic Agency
Aryeh Tuchman will direct a new Nexus research center focused on improving data, definitions and public understanding of antisemitism.
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Asaf Elia-Shalev @asafeliashalev.bsky.social · 10/12/2025
1/ When two panels on Black WWII soldiers vanished from the U.S. cemetery at Margraten, Dutch museums and Holocaust institutions sounded the alarm.
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Asaf Elia-Shalev @asafeliashalev.bsky.social · 21/11/2025
Exclusive: I just published new reporting on the group seeking to launch a religious Jewish charter school in Oklahoma — and why they think their legal strategy will survive the constitutional test that sank the Catholic charter.
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Asaf Elia-Shalev @asafeliashalev.bsky.social · 18/11/2025
Dug deeper into the new stat that 51% of rabbinical students in a new national survey identify as LGBTQ www.jta.org/2025/11/18/u...
jta.org
Surging LGBTQ enrollment in Jewish seminaries signals 'astounding' shift in US rabbinate - Jewish Telegraphic Agency
A surge in LGBTQ rabbinical students reflects long-delayed access and a changing model of spiritual leadership, raising questions about a possible ‘queering’ of the non-Orthodox rabbinate.
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Asaf Elia-Shalev @asafeliashalev.bsky.social · 12/11/2025
An estimated 51% of rabbinical students today identify as LGBTQ, according to a new report — the most comprehensive study of American rabbis ever conducted. Read my story on the findings:
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Asaf Elia-Shalev @asafeliashalev.bsky.social · 04/11/2025
Breaking: Jewish groups are quitting or threatening to quit Heritage Foundation's Project Esther www.jta.org/2025/11/03/u...
jta.org
Jewish exodus underway from Heritage Foundation’s antisemitism initiative over Tucker Carlson - Jewish Telegraphic Agency
Project Esther, launched as a conservative strategy to fight antisemitism, appears to be unraveling after Heritage's president defended Carlson’s friendly interview with white nationalist Nick Fuentes...
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Asaf Elia-Shalev @asafeliashalev.bsky.social · 16/10/2025
Fascinating deep dive by @arnorosenfeld.bsky.social on Elon University’s antisemitism strategy—winning praise from left & right, succeeding without doing any of the things Trump wants Harvard & Columbia to do. A model of solutions journalism. forward.com/news/antisem...
forward.com
This school is fighting antisemitism all wrong. Why is it working?
Elon University has earned praise for creating a safe campus for Jewish students even as it enables free speech blocked by other universities.
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Asaf Elia-Shalev @asafeliashalev.bsky.social · 03/10/2025
Newest FARA filings reveal: Israel to spend up to $4.1m on Christian PR campaign focused western U.S.
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Asaf Elia-Shalev @asafeliashalev.bsky.social · 01/10/2025
Scoop: ​​Israel’s secret ‘Esther Project’: DOJ filings reveal paid US influencer campaign amid AI-powered PR blitz www.jta.org/2025/09/30/i...
jta.org
​​Israel’s secret ‘Esther Project’: DOJ filings reveal paid US influencer campaign amid AI-powered PR blitz - Jewish Telegraphic Agency
As Netanyahu calls social media the “eighth front,” new documents reveal how Israel is paying to shape U.S. opinion.
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Asaf Elia-Shalev @asafeliashalev.bsky.social · 20/08/2025
The Body Keeps the Score made trauma guru Bessel van der Kolk a cultural hero. Some of his fans were horrified when he compared Israelis to Nazis at a recent talk. My story on what happened — and his ban from teaching at the storied Omega Institute. www.jta.org/2025/08/19/u...
jta.org
Renowned trauma expert Bessel van der Kolk banned from teaching at Omega Institute over 'antisemitic comments' - Jewish Telegraphic Agency
The bestselling author of "The Body Keeps the Score" faced backlash after comparing Israelis to Nazis during a workshop.
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molly taft @mollytaft.com · 06/08/2025
SCOOP from me: FEMA is planning to order states to immediately stop activities intended to combat domestic violent extremism - the latest in a broad federal move to downplay the threat:
wired.com
Combating Domestic Violent Extremism Is No Longer a FEMA Priority
Documents obtained by WIRED show FEMA plans to direct states and tribes to halt activities intended to combat domestic violent extremism so as to align with "current administration priorities."
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Asaf Elia-Shalev @asafeliashalev.bsky.social · 05/08/2025
Over the weekend I went to the campaign launch of Che Ahn, who is running for California governor. He has been on my radar as a major figure in the Christian nationalist movement. No shofar or other Jewish rituals as I half-expected — but the Israeli flag was in the backdrop.
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Asaf Elia-Shalev @asafeliashalev.bsky.social · 31/07/2025
1/ The new @USCIRF 2025 report urges Congress to reauthorize the Lautenberg Amendment—a key pathway for persecuted Iranian religious minorities to reach the U.S. But there's a glaring omission: no mention of Trump's freeze that still blocks the program.🧵 www.uscirf.gov/sites/defaul...
uscirf.gov
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Asaf Elia-Shalev @asafeliashalev.bsky.social · 24/06/2025
Congrats to all the AJPA award winners! I am honored that my series on the global crowdsourcing to support Israel's war efforts in Gaza first place for investigative reporting. shorturl.at/q87lp
shorturl.at
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Susanne Rust @susrust.bsky.social · 30/05/2025
In the continuing saga of CA's plastic law, CalRecycle introduced draft regs re chem recycling based on a report you can't access unless you pay $187 -which is kind of a scam, bc no standards or guidelines are in report. 🤷‍♀️ #plasticwaste @gavinnewsom.bsky.social #SB54 www.latimes.com/environment/...
latimes.com
Want to understand CalRecycle's chemical recycling rules? You'll need to pay
CalRecycle's latest attempt at rules to implement the state's plastic waste law is under fire — including for its decision to use ISO guidelines on hazardous waste that cost nearly $200 to access.
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Asaf Elia-Shalev @asafeliashalev.bsky.social · 29/05/2025
My reporting that the IDF’s top international spokesperson is a Messianic Jew has gotten little reaction — which kind of validates the Messianic claim that they’re just ordinary Israelis who happen to believe worshipping Jesus is the most Jewish thing you can do.
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Asaf Elia-Shalev @asafeliashalev.bsky.social · 29/05/2025
The international spokesperson of the IDF, Nadav Shoshani, grew up in a Messianic congregation in Jerusalem that was founded by his pastor father, meaning he was raised in with a religion that blends Jewish practices with worship of Jesus. www.jta.org/2025/05/29/i...
jta.org
In Jerusalem and DC, Messianic and Episcopal communities mourn Capital Jewish Museum shooting victims as their own - Jewish Telegraphic Agency
Inside the evolving faith lives of Yaron Lischinsky and Sarah Milgrim, who had attended an Episcopal church in the months before they were gunned down last week.
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Asaf Elia-Shalev @asafeliashalev.bsky.social · 15/05/2025
My profile of Yehuda Kaploun, Trump's pick for antisemitism czar: his history with Biden, the Adelsons and Elie Wiesel; recent infidelity allegations that roiled his synagogue and led to his departure; his role as a fixer in the Hasidic world, and more. www.jta.org/2025/05/15/u...
jta.org
The rise of Yehuda Kaploun: How a Hasidic fixer became Trump’s nominee for antisemitism czar - Jewish Telegraphic Agency
A senator named Joe Biden first raised Kaploun's profile in Congress.
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Asaf Elia-Shalev @asafeliashalev.bsky.social · 25/04/2025
Honored to be among these fantastic journalists and thrilled for the recognition. rna.org/news/religio...
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Asaf Elia-Shalev @asafeliashalev.bsky.social · 28/03/2025
A Yale scholar was suspend from her job because a mysterious AI-powered website called Jewish Onliner surfaced info allegedly linking her to a Palestinian terrorist group. I went digging for who's behind the website and I found someone. 1/5
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Asaf Elia-Shalev @asafeliashalev.bsky.social · 13/03/2025
Why did Trump make "anti-Semitism" hyphenated again? www.jta.org/2025/03/13/u...
jta.org
Breaking with recent consensus, Trump makes ‘anti-Semitism’ hyphenated again - Jewish Telegraphic Agency
Advocates had pushed in recent years for the term to be spelled "antisemitism," saying it would clarify the fight against hatred of Jews.
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Asaf Elia-Shalev @asafeliashalev.bsky.social · 11/03/2025
Crazy twist in the Australian "overseas funder" saga: Police now say the wave of antisemitic attacks and the foiled bombing plot were staged—masterminded by a crime boss. www.jta.org/2025/03/11/g...
jta.org
Antisemitic terror plot in Australia was fake and staged by a crime boss, police say - Jewish Telegraphic Agency
Australian Jews were facing violent incidents for months but authorities say there hasn't been a significant attack since early February.
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Asaf Elia-Shalev @asafeliashalev.bsky.social · 06/03/2025
Trump promised to protect Jews and religious liberty. His refugee ban is keeping out 700 persecuted Iranian Jews, along with Christians and other religious minorities. Family members who made it to the U.S. are pleading for an exception to the ban. www.jta.org/2025/03/06/u...
jta.org
Trump promised to protect Jews and religious liberty. His refugee ban is keeping out 700 persecuted Iranian Jews. - Jewish Telegraphic Agency
Iranian Jewish Americans are calling on Trump to make an exception for their friends and family.
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Jack Jenkins @jackjenkins.me · 21/02/2025
NEW: Trump's pick to run the WH Faith Office, Paula White-Cain, has drawn blowback from a subset of conservative Calvinists influential among some in Trump's cabinet. Speaking to me, Doug Wilson called her an “erratic woman preacher who has been all over the map.” religionnews.com/2025/02/21/t...
religionnews.com
Trump's pick to run White House Faith Office sparks theological turf war
(RNS) — Idaho pastor Doug Wilson referred to White-Cain as an 'erratic woman preacher who has been all over the map.'
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Asaf Elia-Shalev @asafeliashalev.bsky.social · 11/02/2025
Wrote about the religious charter school case from Oklahoma and how the U.S. Supreme Court could pave the way for publicly funded Jewish schools throughout the country. www.jta.org/2025/02/10/u...
jta.org
A Supreme Court case could pave the way for publicly funded Jewish day schools - Jewish Telegraphic Agency
The question before the court is whether publicly funded schools should ever be allowed to promote religion.
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Asaf Elia-Shalev @asafeliashalev.bsky.social · 31/01/2025
If you want to know what many families with trans children are dealing with right now, you can read my latest story, which focuses on the Jewish community. They fear the government will take their kid away or worse. www.jta.org/2025/01/31/u...
jta.org
'I'm not waiting until they come to round us up': Transgender Jews and their families search for safety as Trump takes aim at their rights - Jewish Telegraphic Agency
One transgender Jew described the situation as "like 1930s Germany all over again."
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Harbinger Media Network @harbingermedia.bsky.social · 31/01/2025
On 🍎THE ORCHARDCAST🍎 ep56 @readtheorchard.org sits down w/ journalist @asafeliashalev.bsky.social to talk about how his book ISRAEL'S BLACK PANTHERS explores a history of the "radicals who punctured a nation's founding myth": www.readtheorchard.org/p/who-were-i... harbingermedianetwork.com 🔶
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Asaf Elia-Shalev @asafeliashalev.bsky.social · 23/01/2025
Honored that "Israel's Black Panthers" was selected as a finalist for a National Jewish Book Award in history www.jewishbookcouncil.org/pb-daily/74t...
jewishbookcouncil.org
74th Nation­al Jew­ish Book Awards Winners
Attend the 74th Nation­al Jew­ish Book Awards Cel­e­bra­tion
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Asaf Elia-Shalev @asafeliashalev.bsky.social · 16/01/2025
You have may have seen news yesterday of — and glee about — JVP's fraud allegation settlement. Here's the story of the activist lawyer siccing prosecutors on JVP and other ideological enemies, while collecting a big chunk of the penalties they've paid to the government. www.jta.org/2025/01/16/i...
jta.org
Pro-Israel attorney uses 'lawfare' to force $700K settlement from Jewish Voice for Peace - Jewish Telegraphic Agency
The anti-Zionist group will pay $678,000 to settle a claim, originating with a private citizen named David Abrams, that it violated the terms of a COVID relief fund.
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Heartland Initiative @heartlandorg.bsky.social · 08/01/2025
@asafeliashalev.bsky.social on Morningstar's decision to stop assessing human rights risk in 'contiguous territorial disputes' after scrutiny from pro-Israel groups. www.jta.org/2025/01/07/u...
jta.org
Investing firm to stop assessing human rights risk in ‘contiguous territorial disputes’ after scrutiny from pro-Israel groups - Jewish Telegraphic Agency
The change follows years of pressure on Morningstar, which advises investors on environmental, social and governance issues.
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Arno Rosenfeld @arnorosenfeld.bsky.social · 07/01/2025
Scoop: I obtained a confidential presentation outlining how a major conservative think tanks plans to go after volunteer editors on Wikipedia who it says are "abusing their position" and promoting antisemitism forward.com/news/686797/...
forward.com
Scoop: Heritage Foundation plans to ‘identify and target’ Wikipedia editors
The conservative think tank told prospective donors that the project was part of its work to combat antisemitism.
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Arno Rosenfeld @arnorosenfeld.bsky.social · 07/01/2025
Wild piece of reporting by @asafeliashalev.bsky.social that has the ADL's research at odds with the organization he works for — "by a lot of measures, we’ve not been doing well" www.jta.org/2025/01/06/u...
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Asaf Elia-Shalev @asafeliashalev.bsky.social · 06/01/2025
Everyone has a plan to fight antisemitism. Few have studied what actually works. www.jta.org/2025/01/06/u...
jta.org
Everyone has a plan to fight antisemitism. Few have studied what actually works. - Jewish Telegraphic Agency
A behavioral social scientist at the Anti-Defamation League is partnering with universities on an ambitious research agenda.
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Arno Rosenfeld @arnorosenfeld.bsky.social · 18/12/2024
For decades, Americans United for Separation of Church and State called its adversaries “religious extremists.” Today, the group has a more specific target: fighting Christian nationalism. @asafeliashalev.bsky.social www.jta.org/2024/12/17/u...
jta.org
The Jewish leader taking on Christian nationalism - Jewish Telegraphic Agency
Rachel Laser, the first non-Christian leader of Americans United for Separation of Church and State, redefines the group’s focus in a polarized era.
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Asaf Elia-Shalev @asafeliashalev.bsky.social · 17/12/2024
My profile of Rachel Laser, the Jewish leader of Americans United for Separation of Church and State, who decided the group should focus on fighting Christian nationalism. www.jta.org/2024/12/17/u...
jta.org
The Jewish leader taking on Christian nationalism - Jewish Telegraphic Agency
Rachel Laser, the first non-Christian leader of Americans United for Separation of Church and State, redefines the group’s focus in a polarized era.
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Asaf Elia-Shalev @asafeliashalev.bsky.social · 10/12/2024
Excited to announce that the audio book version of ISRAEL's BLACK PANTHERS, performed by my dear friend Tova Katz, is now available!
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Jack Jenkins @jackjenkins.me · 03/12/2024
NEW from me: How Elon Musk became "prophet-in-chief" of tech's Trump-leaning conservatism, and his emerging affinity for Christianity. Also in here: Musk's unusual take on "turning the other cheek," which he suggests should really only apply if you're "strong" religionnews.com/2024/12/03/h...
religionnews.com
How Elon Musk became ‘prophet-in-chief’ of tech's Trump-leaning conservatism
(RNS) — Since becoming a Trump supporter, the tech billionaire has arrived at a new stage in his evolution from insisting science and religion cannot coexist.
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Philissa Cramer @philissa.bsky.social · 04/12/2024
Are Christians coming for an election that gives Jews around the world a say in Israel's governance? “Some members of our elections committee expressed concerns about Messianic Jews, or Jews for Jesus, or others voting," the head of the American Zionist Movement told @asafeliashalev.bsky.social
jta.org
Allegations of Christian influence surface as World Zionist Congress election heats up - Jewish Telegraphic Agency
A body tasked with administering an election in which only Jews are allowed to vote felt compelled this year to clarify what it means by 'Jew.'
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Asaf Elia-Shalev @asafeliashalev.bsky.social · 04/12/2024
NEW: After a rule change for the elections to the World Zionist Congress in the United States, voters will now have to state they are Jewish AND "do not subscribe to another religion." The change comes amid anxiety about Christian influence in an election that’s supposed www.jta.org/2024/12/04/i...
jta.org
Allegations of Christian influence surface as World Zionist Congress election heats up - Jewish Telegraphic Agency
A body tasked with administering an election in which only Jews are allowed to vote felt compelled this year to clarify what it means by 'Jew.'
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Asaf Elia-Shalev @asafeliashalev.bsky.social · 27/11/2024
My latest story reveals that the Schustermans, major funders of progressive causes who made their money in oil, donated for the first time to a climate advocacy group www.jta.org/2024/11/26/u...
jta.org
Schusterman foundation, whose fortune comes from oil, makes first donation to climate group - Jewish Telegraphic Agency
Adamah, the country’s largest Jewish environmental organization, received a $300,000 grant from Schusterman Family Philanthropies, one of the largest foundations in the country.
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Asaf Elia-Shalev @asafeliashalev.bsky.social · 21/11/2024
Now that HR 9495 (the terrorism/nonprofits bill) passed the House and is headed to the Senate, attention turns to two things besides the Senate vote: 1. the next Treasury secretary - Marc Rowan, a Wall Street billionaire who thinks that more should be done in response to violence 1/3
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Asaf Elia-Shalev @asafeliashalev.bsky.social · 19/11/2024
A twist in the story of the Ten Commandments inscription on auction with Sotheby’s: it was exported from Israel 20 years ago on condition that it always be available for public display. www.jta.org/2024/11/19/u...
jta.org
Sotheby's to auction a Ten Commandments tablet with a disclaimer: Israel always wanted it to be put on public display. - Jewish Telegraphic Agency
The Samaritan tablet, on view in New York starting Dec. 5, disappeared after last going up for sale in 2016.
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Asaf Elia-Shalev @asafeliashalev.bsky.social · 19/11/2024
Story from @kampeas who did extensive reporting on a recent meeting where a senior official of @jfederations said, "We should all look forward to the day we can hope to buy townhouses in the West Bank and Gaza.” www.jta.org/2024/11/18/p...
jta.org
In a federation official’s remark about resettling Gaza, signs of tension among Jewish groups in the new Trump era - Jewish Telegraphic Agency
"We all left pretty offended, honestly,” one Jewish community relations council leader said after a divisive meeting the week after the election.
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Asaf Elia-Shalev @asafeliashalev.bsky.social · 14/11/2024
Will be in New York City around Jan. 13, the first time since publishing ISRAEL's BLACK PANTHERS. Doing a book talk at synagogue in New Jersey, but would love to also do an event in city if anyone's interested in organizing/hosting. www.ucpress.edu/books/israel...
ucpress.edu
Israel's Black Panthers by Asaf Elia-Shalev - Hardcover
Scholarship is a powerful tool for changing how people think, plan, and govern. By giving voice to bright minds and bold ideas, we seek to foster understanding and drive progressive change.
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Asaf Elia-Shalev @asafeliashalev.bsky.social · 14/11/2024
The Israeli government’s proposed 2025 budget slashes funding for aliyah stipends (money given to Jewish immigrants) among other cuts to help pay for the war. www.jta.org/2024/11/13/i...
jta.org
Israel's proposed wartime budget would slash benefits for new immigrants - Jewish Telegraphic Agency
Some see the proposed cuts as a significant test of Israel’s commitment to encouraging Jewish immigration at a precarious time for world Jewry.
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