Eric Garcetti: A new Jewish face for L.A.?

By Jonah Lowenfeld
Published on February 7, 2013

During a recent candidates’ forum at Sinai Temple, Los Angeles City Councilman and mayoral hopeful Eric Garcetti began his opening statement by thanking his hosts, the audience, and the moderator, Rabbi David Wolpe.

Mexican cousin of Ben-Gurion is newest Jewish star

Published on August 29, 2011

Mexican singer Adam Kleinberg, a distant cousin of David Ben-Gurion, became the Jewish world's newest star.

Jury Duty!

By Julia Bendis
Published on May 23, 2011

Poll: Latinos believe U.S. too supportive of Israel

By Jonah Lowenfeld
Published on March 30, 2011

A new poll by the Foundation for Ethnic Understanding (FFEU) finds that nearly half of U.S. Latinos feel that their country is too supportive of Israel. The findings also suggest high levels of anti-Semitism exist in the U.S. Latino community.

‘Accidental Mexican’  Ilan Stavans probes cultural identity in first play

By Rachel Heller
Published on October 10, 2008

As an "accidental Mexican" born to an Eastern European family, author and essayist Ilan Stavans has hurdled critics to become one of the nation's foremost commentators on Latino culture. As a Mexican American, he has written widely on immigration, the clash and fusion of languages and the quest for acceptance.

Oy Caramba! Serve a Simcha Fiesta

By Beverly Levitt
Published on September 4, 2007

What makes a ‘real’ Jew?

By Rebecca Suchov
Published on July 5, 2007

When I started Milken Community High School's middle school after finishing the sixth grade at Abraham Joshua Heschel Day School, I further realized how unacquainted I was with my own feelings toward my religion. Although we had Judaic studies every year, I felt unable to drift away from my parents' beliefs and create my own.

How a Yid from Chicago became the Judio next door

By Roberto Loiederman
Published on March 15, 2007

Illegal aliens; Dems and Reps; Shocked, just shocked!

Published on September 21, 2006

Letters to the Editor.

Living and Working [Il]legally in America—It’s Not Just for Latinos Anymore

By Roberto Loiederman
Published on September 7, 2006

According to statistics compiled by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), during 2004 alone, 540 Israelis were deported or about to be deported. If that many Israelis were caught, it stands to reason that there are many thousands more -- in Los Angeles as well as the rest of the United States -- who have not yet been located by authorities.

7 Days In Arts

Published on September 2, 2004

7 Days in the Arts

Viva la Cinema!

By Corrie MacLaggan
Published on February 5, 2004

In Veracruz, Mexico, there lived a group of people who for generations had avoided eating pork and lit candles on Friday night without knowing why. In the early 1980s, some members of the group discovered their Jewish roots and converted to Judaism, and now, 20 years later, are still struggling for acceptance from the Jewish community in Mexico.

Their story is being told in "Eight Candles," a 2002 Mexican documentary, one of nine Jewish films being shown in Mexico's first Jewish film festival.

Latino Group Sues Over District Lines

By Mike Levy
Published on November 1, 2001

Locals’ Dreams for Breed Street

By Gustavo Arellano
Published on July 12, 2001

Although East Los Angeles, and the bordering Boyle Heights, is now the heart of Mexican Los Angeles, vestiges of its diverse past still remain.

Forging a New Vision

By Gregory Rodriguez
Published on February 22, 2001

While visiting Ellis Island at the turn of the 20th century, Henry James wondered how the sweeping tide of immigrants would ultimately affect "the idea of" America. Comparing the incorporation of foreigners to sword- and fire-swallowing feats at a circus, James reflected on what it meant for America to share its patrimony with those "inconceivable aliens."

In Honor of Justice

By Michael Aushenker
Published on May 7, 1998

Despite his Italian surname, joked District Attorney Gil Garcetti, "[My heritage] is Mexican-American and my wife is Jewish.So our kids ask, 'Well, what are we?'"

Garcetti was praising our city's multi ethnic population as he spoke at last week's Anti-Defamation League SpringLuncheon, touted as a tribute to Israel's 50th Anniversary but, in fact, honoring Deputy District Attorney Carla Arranaga and Deputy Sheriff BerniceAbram. Recognized for their efforts in combating hate crimes in Los Angeles, they were this year's recipients of the Sherwood Prize for Combating Hate.