Is this you? As a journalist, you can create a free Muck Rack account to customize your profile, list your contact preferences, and upload a portfolio of your best work.
Claim your profile
Articles by David Matlow
Treasure Trove: Let’s dance a hora, even if times are troubling
In the 2002 comedy film My Big Fat Greek Wedding, the character Gus Portokalos says “Give me a word, any word, and I’ll show you that the root of that word is Greek.” Let’s try it with the dance that is a feature of every bar and bat mitzvah and Jewish wedding, was done around the campfire in the pioneering days of Israel, and was the staple of Israeli folk dance programs at camp: the hora.
Treasure Trove: On the Upcoming Elections- The Hora, The Hora
Please note that the posts on The Blogs are contributed by third parties. The opinions, facts and any media content in them are presented solely by the authors, and neither The Times of Israel nor its partners assume any responsibility for them. Please contact us in case of abuse. In case of abuse, Report this post. From the Herzl and Zionism Collection of David Matlow, Toronto (www.herzlcollection.com). Photograph by David Matlow.
Treasure Trove: Celebrating the history of aviation in Israel
The long-awaited resumption of Air Canada’s Toronto-Tel Aviv direct flight is currently scheduled for Nov. 30, 2026. In anticipation of these flights starting again, Treasure Trove is taking this opportunity to give a brief history of aviation in the Land of Israel. With the first flight by the Wright Brothers in 1903, a word for “airplane” needed to be created.
Treasure Trove: Israel’s Aviation History Will Include Flights from Canada Again
The long awaited resumption of Air Canada’s Toronto-Tel Aviv direct flight is scheduled for November 30, 2026.In anticipation of these flights starting again, Treasure Trove is taking this opportunity to give a brief history of aviation in the Land of Israel.
Treasure Trove: Israel’s Aviation History Will Include Flights from Canada Again
World News 14 hours ago Israeli settlers beat Palestinians and a U.S. photojournalist in West Bank attacks NPR - Hadeel Al-Shalchi • 14h Masked Israeli settlers attacked Palestinians as they were harvesting olives in the occupied West Bank on Friday, injuring several people including an American photojournalist.
Treasure Trove: How a flag, a German cigarette company and a Jewish actress are connected
The Thanksgiving holiday has a long tradition in Canada. First Nations peoples held ceremonies to give thanks for crops and for surviving the winter, long before Europeans arrived. The first officially recorded Thanksgiving in North America was celebrated in 1578 when English explorer Martin Frobisher arrived safely in Nunavut. In 1879, the Canadian Parliament declared Nov. 6 as the official annual Thanksgiving.
Treasure Trove: On Thanksgiving in Canada and Other Places
The Thanksgiving holiday which gives us this long weekend in Canada has a long tradition in our country.Long before European explorers arrived, First Nations across Turtle Island (for some Indigenous peoples, Turtle Island refers to the continent of North America) held ceremonies to give thanks for crops and for surviving the winter.The first officially recorded Thanksgiving in North America was celebrated in 1578 upon the safe arrival in Nunavut of the fleet of English explorer Martin...
Treasure Trove: Memories of a terrible time that can’t be forgotten
I cannot throw these out. These are the blue ribbons handed out at the first rallies to save the hostages. They are the items purchased at Hostage Square in Tel Aviv to help fund the campaign to Bring Them Home. They are the 101 yellow ribbons that were the only “decorations” in our sukkah in 2024 and, when the holiday was over, they hung on a tree in front of our house until the last hostage came home. They are the memory of a terrible time.
Treasure Trove: Curl up in the sukkah with a Jewish comic book
Sukkot, which starts at sundown on Sept. 25, is referred to as Z’man Simchateinu, the time of our joy, because the Torah specifically commands us to rejoice on this holiday. In the spirit of the holiday, this week Treasure Trove will focus on something that is simply fun, a comic book. The Jewish Hero Corps is the brainchild of Alan Oirich. He created a series of comics, starting with issue #1, to show through the exploits of his superheroes that Jewish holidays are fun.
Treasure Trove: Just in Time for the Holiday – The Secret of the Solar Succah
Succot, which starts at sundown on Friday September 25, is referred to as Z’man Simchateinu (The Time of Our Joy).This is because the Torah specifically commands us to rejoice on this holiday.In the spirit of the holiday, this week Treasure Trove will focus on something that is simply fun, a comic book.
Treasure Trove: Just in Time for the Holiday – The Secret of the Solar Succah
Succot, which starts at sundown on Friday September 25, is referred to as Z’man Simchateinu (The Time of Our Joy). This is because the Torah specifically commands us to rejoice on this holiday. In the spirit of the holiday, this week Treasure Trove will focus on something that is simply fun, a comic book. The Jewish Hero Corps is the brainchild of Alan Oirich.
Treasure Trove: A holiday card game that might be a little dark for kids
What could be more fun than selecting the Yom Kippur card in a game of Hageinu (Our Holidays)? This was one of more than 100 original Hebrew games that were manufactured and produced by Benjamin Barlevy (1894-1964), the pioneer of the Israeli game industry who immigrated to Israel from Warsaw when he was 27.
Treasure Trove: Remembering 9/11 with sadness and a scoop of ice cream
When we talk about the horrors of October 7 we don’t need to say the year. For many of us, the same is true for September 11. When we don’t attach the year, it is easy to forget how long has passed. For those who need reminding, it has been 25 years since the Al-Qaeda terrorist attack on the United States on Sept. 11, 2001. This is the cover of the Globe and Mail the next day.
Treasure Trove: Infamy, Interconnectedness and Ice Cream
When we talk about the horrors of October 7 we don’t need to say the year. For those of us of a certain age, the same is true for September 11. When we don’t attach the year, it is easy to forget how long has passed. For those who need reminding, it has been 25 years since the Al-Qaeda terrorist attack on the United States of September 11, 2001. This is the cover of Toronto’s Globe and Mail the next day.
Treasure Trove: Infamy, Interconnectedness and Ice Cream
When we talk about the horrors of October 7 we don’t need to say the year.For those of us of a certain age, the same is true for September 11.When we don’t attach the year, it is easy to forget how long has passed.For those who need reminding, it has been 25 years since the Al-Qaeda terrorist attack on the United States of September 11, 2001. From the collection of David Matlow.
The #HERZL 100 – My Summer of Herzl. Number One drops on Wednesday!
As the owner of the world’s largest private collection of Theodor Herzl memorabilia, I feel the responsibility to use the collection to advance knowledge about Zionism and the work of the founder of the Zionist movement.
The #HERZL 100 – My Summer of Herzl. Number One drops on Wednesday!
The #HERZL 100 - My Summer of Herzl. Number One drops on Wednesday! - David Matlow
Treasure Trove: New Year’s greetings from around the world
This postcard extends ‘Zion’s Greetings for the New Year’ and in Hebrew, references three cities that were important to Zionism in 1905 when the postcard was mailed. First is Jerusalem, which needs no explanation. Second is Basel, Switzerland, which was the host city of the First Zionist Congress in 1897, as well as the Congresses in 1898, 1899, 1901 and 1903 (and six later Congresses, all held before 1948). The third city listed is Pittsburgh. Pittsburgh?
Treasure Trove: Zionism from Jerusalem to Basel to Pittsburgh. Pittsburgh?
This postcard extends Zion’s Greetings for the New Year and references in Hebrew three cities that were important to Zionism in 1905 when the postcard was mailed. First is Jerusalem, which needs no explanation. Second is Basel, which was the host city of the First Zionist Congress in 1897, as well as the Congresses in 1898, 1899, 1901 and 1903 (and six later Congresses, all held before 1948). The third city listed is Pittsburgh. Pittsburgh?
Treasure Trove: Zionism from Jerusalem to Basel to Pittsburgh. Pittsburgh?
Please note that the posts on The Blogs are contributed by third parties. The opinions, facts and any media content in them are presented solely by the authors, and neither The Times of Israel nor its partners assume any responsibility for them. Please contact us in case of abuse. In case of abuse, Report this post. From the Herzl and Zionisim Collection of David Matlow, Toronto (www.herzlcollection.com). Photograph by David Matlow.
Treasure Trove: When Far-Away Moses was on display at a world fair
Can you imagine going to see humans from different cultures on display? That is precisely what people would do in the 1800s and early 1900s when they visited “human zoos” or ethnic villages to see people such as Indigenous Americans, West Africans, Samoans and Inuit in their “natural” state. The 1893 World Columbian Exposition in Chicago hosted such an attraction. One of the groups on display were Jews who made up 80 per cent of the inhabitants of the Turkish Village.
Treasure Trove: Human Zoos and Words for Jews
Can you imagine going to see humans from different cultures on display? That is precisely what people would do in the 1800s and early 1900s when they visited human zoos or ethnic villages to see people such as Indigenous Americans, West Africans, Samoans and Inuit in their “natural” state. The 1893 World Columbian Exposition in Chicago hosted such an attraction. One of the groups on display were Jews who made up 80% of the inhabitants of the Turkish village.
Treasure Trove: Human Zoos and Words for Jews
Treasure Trove: Human Zoos and Words for Jews - David Matlow
Treasure Trove: Israel’s Knesset building celebrates its 60th anniversary
Israel’s Knesset building, shown here on the back of Israel’s 50 lira banknote from 1968, will celebrate the 60th anniversary of its official opening on Aug. 30, 2026. When Israel was proclaimed on May 14, 1948 the Moetzet HaMedina HaZmanit (the Provisional State Council), which was comprised of the 37 individuals who signed the Declaration of Independence, served as the temporary legislature of the new country.
Treasure Trove: The Knesset Building Turns 60 and Hopes For Its Next Occupants
Please note that the posts on The Blogs are contributed by third parties. The opinions, facts and any media content in them are presented solely by the authors, and neither The Times of Israel nor its partners assume any responsibility for them. Please contact us in case of abuse. In case of abuse, Report this post. From the Herzl and Zionism Collection of David Matlow, Toronto (www.herzlcollection.com). Photograph by David Matlow.
Treasure Trove: The Zionist Congress wrestles with its purpose after the State of Israel is established
If the original purpose of Zionism was to establish a home for the Jewish people in the Land of Israel, what is the purpose of Zionism after the State of Israel is established? That is the question that was before the delegates to the 23rd Zionist Congress in Jerusalem which opened 75 years ago, on Aug. 14, 1951. It was the first Congress held in Israel and the first Congress after the state was declared.
Treasure Trove: Zionism Means Israel’s Election Involves Diaspora Jewry Too
If the original purpose of Zionism was to establish a home for the Jewish people in the Land of Israel, what is the purpose of Zionism once that home (the State of Israel) is established?That is the question that was before the delegates to the 23rd Zionist Congress in Jerusalem which opened 75 years ago, on August 14,1951.It was the first Congress held in Israel and the first Congress after the State was declared.
Treasure Trove: Zionism Means Israel’s Election Involves Diaspora Jewry Too
If the original purpose of Zionism was to establish a home for the Jewish people in the Land of Israel, what is the purpose of Zionism once that home (the State of Israel) is established? That is the question that was before the delegates to the 23rd Zionist Congress in Jerusalem which opened 75 years ago, on August 14,1951. It was the first Congress held in Israel and the first Congress after the State was declared.
Treasure Trove: The story of Zionism happens on the sea, as well as on land
The story of Zionism, the national liberation movement of the Jewish people, is often framed in terms of land: purchasing it, building towns and farms, planting trees, and making the desert bloom. Less well known is that “conquering the sea” was also an important part of Zionism. David Ben Gurion, who later became Israel’s first prime minister, saw seafaring as critical to the regeneration of the Jewish nation and the establishment of the Jewish state.
Treasure Trove: Putting the ‘Sea’ in Zionism (It’s All Hands on Deck)
The story of Zionism, the national liberation movement of the Jewish people, is often framed in terms of land: purchasing it, building towns and farms, planting trees, and making the desert bloom. Less well known is that “conquering the sea” was also an important part of Zionism.
Treasure Trove: Putting the ‘Sea’ in Zionism (It’s All Hands on Deck)
The story of Zionism, the national liberation movement of the Jewish people, is often framed in terms of land: purchasing it, building towns and farms, planting trees, and making the desert bloom. Less well known is that “conquering the sea” was also an important part of Zionism.
Treasure Trove: When comic book humour met real-world politics
After the 1967 Six Day War, the originator of the comic book hero Captain America produced a spoof on the war and its political aftermath. A Funny Thing Happened to Me on the Way to Tel Aviv was a 66-page satirical magazine created and edited by Joe Simon that sold for 50 cents. Its pages contain photographs of Egyptian and Jordanian leaders with comic-style word balloons and corny jokes.
Treasure Trove: Who Should Not Live and Be Well?
After the 1967 Six Day War, the originator of the comic book hero Captain America produced a spoof on the war and its political aftermath.A Funny Thing Happened To Me on the Way to Tel Aviv is a 66 page satirical magazine created and edited by Joe Simon and sold for 50 cents. From the Herzl and Zionism Collection of David Matlow, Torono (www.herzlcollection.com).
Treasure Trove: Who Should Not Live and Be Well?
After the 1967 Six Day War, the originator of the comic book hero Captain America produced a spoof on the war and its political aftermath. A Funny Thing Happened To Me on the Way to Tel Aviv is a 66 page satirical magazine created and edited by Joe Simon and sold for 50 cents.
Treasure Trove: Camp Ramah in Canada, Hockey’s Herzl Cup and Peace for Israel
There is no evidence that Theodor Herzl (1860-1904), the visionary of the State of Israel and the founder of the Zionist movement, knew anything about hockey. However, he would be proud to know that there are a number of hockey tournaments that memorialize him. The original Herzl Cup ball hockey tournament was played between lawyers at the Goodmans law firm starting in 1991 and continuing for two decades.
Treasure Trove: Camp Ramah in Canada, Hockey’s Herzl Cup and Peace for Israel
There is no evidence that Theodor Herzl (1860-1904), the visionary of the State of Israel and the founder of the Zionist movement, knew anything about hockey.However, he would be proud to know that there are a number of hockey tournaments that memorialize him.
Treasure Trove: Don’t Forget the Justice Part of Zionism (A Note for Tisha B’Av)
There is a Jewish story told about Napoleon. He once travelled through a Jewish small town in Europe and entered a synagogue where he witnessed men and women sitting on the floor weeping. Napoleon asked what terrible misfortune had occurred, why were these people crying? He was told that it was Tisha B’Av and the Jews were mourning the destruction of the two ancient Temples that had occurred thousands of years before.
Treasure Trove: Don’t Forget the Justice Part of Zionism (A Note for Tisha B’Av)
There is a Jewish story told about Napoleon.He once travelled through a Jewish small town in Europe and entered a synagogue where he witnessed men and women sitting on the floor weeping.Napoleon asked what terrible misfortune had occurred, why were these people crying?He was told that it was Tisha B’Av and the Jews were mourning the destruction of the two ancient Temples that had occurred thousands of years before.
Treasure Trove: How Tisha b’Av shaped the early Zionists’ vision of Israel
There is a Jewish story told about Napoleon who once travelled through a small town in Europe and entered a synagogue where he witnessed men and women sitting on the floor weeping. Napoleon asked what terrible misfortune had occurred, why were these people crying? He was told that it was Tisha b’Av and the Jews were mourning the destruction of the two ancient Temples.
The #Herzl100: 100 Herzl Artifacts in 100 Days
I own the world’s largest collection of Theodor Herzl memorabilia and this summer I am posting 100 Herzl artifacts from my collection in 100 days. 45 episodes have dropped so far, with another 55 episodes to go. The #Herzl100 can be found on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok. I believe that the meaning of Zionism as intended by its founder, Herzl, has been lost. It is simply the national liberation movement of the Jewish people.
The #Herzl100: 100 Herzl Artifacts in 100 Days
I own the world’s largest collection of Theodor Herzl memorabilia and this summer I am posting 100 Herzl artifacts from my collection in 100 days. 45 episodes have dropped so far, with another 55 episodes to go. The #Herzl100 can be found on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok. I believe that the meaning of Zionism as intended by its founder, Herzl, has been lost. It is simply the national liberation movement of the Jewish people.
Treasure Trove: The infamous Dreyfus Affair has lessons for Canadian Jews today
In 2025, France declared that July 12 will be the national day of commemoration for Alfred Dreyfus. This year, the first time the day will be observed, is the 120th anniversary of the French high court of appeal recognizing Dreyfus’s innocence.
Treasure Trove: Alfred Dreyfus, Toronto and Elaine from Seinfeld
In 2025, France declared that July 12 will be the national day of commemoration for Alfred Dreyfus.The first such day is in 2026, which is the 120th anniversary of the day that France’s highest appeals court recognized Dreyfus’ innocence.In announcing this day French President Emmanuel Macron said it is “for the victory of justice and truth over hatred and antisemitism.” Dreyfus was a Jewish officer in the French army who in October 1894 was wrongfully charged, then convicted, of spying for...
Treasure Trove: Alfred Dreyfus, Toronto and Elaine from Seinfeld
12 hours ago In France, school and daycare center staff are facing allegations of child sexual abuse. Hundreds have already been suspended. In Paris alone, authorities are investigating dozens of schools and daycare centers.
Treasure Trove: Alfred Dreyfus, Toronto and Elaine from Seinfeld
In 2025, France declared that July 12 will be the national day of commemoration for Alfred Dreyfus. The first such day is in 2026, which is the 120th anniversary of the day that France’s highest appeals court recognized Dreyfus’ innocence.
Treasure Trove: Zionist leader Ze’ev Jabotinsky’s long journey to Israel
Ze’ev Jabotinsky (1880-1940) was the founder of the Revisionist Zionist movement, the Betar youth movement and the Jewish legion of soldiers who fought for the British in the First World War. In 1940, he visited the United States to stimulate interest in forming a Jewish army to fight alongside the Allies during the Second World War and to plead for mass emigration of the endangered Jews of Europe to Palestine. His ship docked in Halifax where he met with members of the Jewish community.
Treasure Trove: Jabotinsky’s 1964 Return Home
Ze’ev Jabotinsky (1880-1940) was the founder of the Revisionist Zionist movement, the Betar youth movement and the Jewish legion of soldiers who fought for the British in World War I (See https://thecjn.ca/arts-culture/on-the-anniversary-of-his-death-treasure-trove-recalls-the-life-and-achievements-of-zeev-jabotinsky/).In 1940 he visited the United States to stimulate interest in forming a Jewish army to fight alongside the Allies in World War II and to plea for mass emigration of the...
Treasure Trove: Jabotinsky’s 1964 Return Home
Ze’ev Jabotinsky (1880-1940) was the founder of the Revisionist Zionist movement, the Betar youth movement and the Jewish legion of soldiers who fought for the British in World War I (See https://thecjn.ca/arts-culture/on-the-anniversary-of-his-death-treasure-trove-recalls-the-life-and-achievements-of-zeev-jabotinsky/).
Treasure Trove: How pickles became the first food to receive national kosher certification
Over 100 million plastic pickle pins have been handed out by the H. J. Heinz company since they were first introduced as a marketing promotion at the World’s Columbian Exposition held in Chicago in 1893. This particular pin was distributed at the 1939 World’s Fair in New York. Although H. J. Heinz was not Jewish, the business he founded was the first major company that had kosher certification on its products.
Treasure Trove: Pin the Pickle on the Jewish People
Over 100 million plastic pickle pins have been handed out by the H. J. Heinz company since they were first introduced as a marketing promotion at the World’s Columbian Exposition held in Chicago in 1893. This particular pin was distributed at the 1939 World’s Fair in New York. Although H. J. Heinz was not Jewish, the company he founded was the first major company that included kosher certification on its products.
Show More
loading
Actions
Is this you?
As a journalist, you can create a free Muck Rack account to customize your profile, list your contact preferences, and upload a portfolio of your best work.Get in touch with David
Contact David, search articles and posts on X, monitor coverage, and track replies from one place.
Learn more about Muck Rack