August 18, 2025
Ohio Jewish Communities
The statewide government advocacy, public affairs, & community relations voice of Ohio's eight Jewish federations.
ISRAEL AT WAR
Wives waiting for husbands still held hostage speak out.
The UN quietly changed its metrics in order to declare a famine in Gaza.
Secretary-General Antonio Guterres blacklists Hamas on the UN's annual conflict-related sexual violence report.
Israel brings MAGA influencers to see facts on the ground.
Germany arms maker Renk says they will find ways to continue providing arms to Israel, even in the face of a potential German government boycott - which itself is facing significant blowback.
What are Australia's conditions on supporting a Palestinian state?
Several countries may agree to take in displaced Palestinians.
Rabbi Tamir Granot officiates at the wedding of his widowed daughter-in-law.
A new Israeli initiative trains combat vets for tech careers.
And, Kibbutz Nir Oz, the hardest hit location on Oct. 7, welcomes 50.
ON CAPITOL SQUARE
The Supreme Court clarifies the legal definition of stalking.
Ohio joins a six-state effort to build the new Interstate 73-74-75 from Michigan to South Carolina, moving from Toledo through Columbus and Southeast Ohio.
Gov. DeWine opens a new visitor center at Mohican State Park.
The Casino Control Commission is collaborating with MLB on an investigation regarding two Ohio pitchers. (And, new legislation would ban free tickets for lawmakers.)
The equal rights ballot issues are gaining urgency.
Could Ohio abolish property taxes?
A look at Greater Cleveland's megaprojects.
Two Ohio college campuses make the "Top 60" list for Jewish students.
And, airlines add flights around Ohio State games.
ON CAPITOL HILL AND AROUND THE COUNTRY
President Trump directs military force against drug cartels.
House Democrats push DHS on the NSGP issues. Terrorists are learning the art of drone warfare.
Facing criticism from the President and both US Senators, the Intel CEO visits the White House.
Federal regulators are considering reclassifying marijuana.
Cleveland.com takes a look at the perils of parenting as public official, using the VP and his family as an example.
Federal appropriators have millions in Ohio earmarks ready to go - but the bill is in limbo.
Rep. Jim Jordan investigates home-market blackouts in major league sports.
Rep. Beatty meets with area seniors worried about threats to Social Security.
There's a first-ever siddur made for the Jewish prisoners at Rikers Island.
Startups look to take advantage of new tax rules for hiring US based employees.
A look at the Ohio connections of President Trump's lead on taking on college campuses.
And, Loehmann's is back.
ON THE CAMPAIGN TRAIL
Is Israel a new litmus test in Democratic politics? And, Zohran Mamdani gets quizzed on his policies and how they affect synagogues.
News reports indicate Sherrod Brown will run for US Senate again; Jon Husted says the news surprises him.
Tim Ryan may run for governor.
And, NJ gubernatorial candidate Jack Ciattarelli was in Tel Aviv and pledges New Jersey will be the leader in the nation on bilateral Israel trade.
THE JEWISH WORLD
The Toronto Film Festival backtracks and agrees to show the October 7 documentary.
PM Netanyahu wants an Israeli "DOGE" to reform bureaucracy.
A Guatemalan Holocaust memorial is desecrated.
Arkia will start a new direct route to Vietnam and also start a new competing flight with El Al on the Bangkok route. (And duty-free is now open at the Haifa Airport.) El Al also pushes back against a Wizz Air hub.
Romania's Jewish community is at a crossroads.
Museums should lead Holocaust restitution efforts, says this activist.
An African high speed rail project takes shape.
And, a new highway structure in Thailand aims to save elephants from deadly car crashes.
IN THE MEDIA
EJP sits down with JFNA chair Gary Torgow.
Brad Kastan, Malcolm Hoenlein, and Howie are quoted in this article on Jay and Jeannie Schottenstein's charitable reach and vision.
SOCIAL MEDIA POSTS OF THE WEEK
WORTH A READ
Who will play Dennis Ross in the movie - the diplomat's memoir is now optioned for the big screen. Air France makes a new "short connection pass" at Charles De Gaulle. And, how Lorain County relearned and retooled after it lost the Intel site bid.