Ruthie Blum
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Senior Contributing Editor/Columnist @JNS_org. Former adviser at the Israeli Prime Minister's Office. Author of To Hell in a Handbasket.
Articles by Ruthie Blum
‘Emerging from the Shadows’ named official selection of Newport Beach Film Festival
(Oct. 15, 2026 / Kultura PR International) “Emerging from the Shadows: Rediscovering the Legacies of Weinberg & Korngold,” the documentary from U.S.-German filmmaker Veronika Emily Pohl, has been named an official selection of the Newport Beach Film Festival. The film will screen on Oct. 18 as part of the festival’s program.
Why Tokyo Should Be Looking to Jerusalem, Not Away From It
(Oct. 14, 2026 / JNS) “Israel Undiplomatic” brings sharp insight and spirited debate to the stories shaping Israel and the Middle East. Hosted by JNS senior contributing editor Ruthie Blum and former ambassador Mark Regev, both former advisers to the Prime Minister’s Office, the show goes beyond talking points to tackle Israel’s toughest political, diplomatic and security dilemmas head-on.
EarlyJ invests more than $510,000 to expand Jewish Parenting Centers across California
(Oct. 12, 2026 / EarlyJ) EarlyJ has invested nearly $1 million over the last 18 months to expand and open new Jewish Parenting Centers and strengthen early childhood engagement for young families in the Bay Area and Los Angeles, building on the success of an initiative that connects parents with Jewish community long before their children enter preschool.
CareerForward expands fellowship to prepare students for Jewish nonprofit careers
(Oct. 12, 2026 / JLIC) More than half of Jewish professionals who work outside the Jewish communal world say they are unfamiliar with Jewish nonprofits, according to Leading Edge’s “2025 State of Jewish Nonprofit Talent” report. CareerForward, a Jewish Impact Fellowship from the Orthodox Union (OU) powered by JLIC Yavneh, aims to introduce college juniors to careers in Jewish nonprofit organizations. Applications for the second cohort are open through Oct. 25.
Medical staff antisemitism flagged in UK Original
(Oct. 12, 2026 / JNS) The Campaign Against Antisemitism, a prominent watchdog group in the United Kingdom, has identified five healthcare professionals whose public statements it considers antisemitic or anti-Israel, according to a Daily Mail report published on Saturday. The five individuals, whom the newspaper identified as current or former National Health Service employees, included midwife Fatimah Mohamied, who allegedly endorsed a post supporting Palestinian “resistance” on Oct. 7, 2023.
A ‘peace prize’ for the vilification of Israel
(Oct. 9, 2026 / JNS) There are bad decisions and disgraceful ones. And then there’s the awarding of the 2026 Nobel Peace Prize to Navi Pillay. The choice is hardly out of character for an award whose history has repeatedly shown that its name guarantees nothing about its recipients’ merit. Indeed, this isn’t an aberration for the Norwegian committee.
‘Infidel Awareness Month’ underway from Sept. 11 to Oct. 7
(Oct. 7, 2026 / Infidel Awareness Month) Infidel Awareness Month, a national observance bringing together Jews, former Muslims and Christians, is underway following its Sept. 11 launch and will continue through Oct. 7, the anniversaries of the 9/11 attacks and the Oct. 7 massacre. Each day, Infidel Awareness Month remembers the victims, examines the history and ideology behind the attacks and asks a simple question: Why are we still afraid to name the threat?
Three years after Oct. 7, Israel has turned the tables on Hamas
(Oct. 6, 2026 / JNS) “Israel Undiplomatic” brings sharp insight and spirited debate to the stories shaping Israel and the Middle East. Hosted by JNS senior contributing editor Ruthie Blum and former ambassador Mark Regev, both former advisers to the Prime Minister’s Office, the show goes beyond talking points to tackle Israel’s toughest political, diplomatic and security dilemmas head-on.
Muss High School Israel unveils refreshed brand identity for its next chapter
(Oct. 2, 2026 / Muss High School Israel) For more than 50 years, Jewish National Fund-USA’s Muss High School Israel (formerly the Alexander Muss High School in Israel) has transformed the lives of some 35,000 North American high school students through rigorous academics and immersive learning that strengthens their connection to the land and people of Israel. The school is now entering a significant period of growth, with plans to attract 10,000 students annually over the coming decade.
Anti-Jewish bias puts patients at risk in healthcare settings
(Oct. 2, 2026 / The Focus Project) Healthcare is bound by a basic vow: Do no harm. Across America, some doctors, nurses and therapists are breaking their oath and the law when the patient is Jewish or Israeli. Several of the profession’s own associations have begun labeling Zionism as a sickness to be treated rather than an identity to be respected. Anti-Jewish hatred in America has entered the examination room, and the federal government now has said emphatically that this breaks the law.
American Jewish University names Ari Bloom chair of the 2050 Institute
(Oct. 2, 2026 / American Jewish University) American Jewish University announced that Ari Bloom, founder and CEO of A-Frame Brands and co-founder of Wise Sons Jewish Deli, has been named board chair of the 2050 Institute at AJU. In this role, Bloom will guide the Institute’s strategy to convene the next generation of Jewish leaders, build cross-community allyship and establish AJU’s Brandeis-Bardin Campus as a national destination for Jewish thought leadership.
Is Jewish unity in a polarized nation possible?
(Oct. 1, 2026 / “Think Twice” with Jonathan Tobin and guest Roberta Kwall, Ep. 240) At a time when most Americans have lost the ability to listen to people with opposing views on political issues, how can a fractious Jewish community that is also split on denominational lines pull together? That’s the question posed by JNS editor-in-chief Jonathan Tobin.
Netherlands targets Israeli travelers over ‘settlement’ products
(Oct. 1, 2026 / JNS) “Israel Undiplomatic” brings sharp insight and spirited debate to the stories shaping Israel and the Middle East. Hosted by JNS senior contributing editor Ruthie Blum and former ambassador Mark Regev, both former advisers to the Prime Minister’s Office, the show goes beyond talking points to tackle Israel’s toughest political, diplomatic and security dilemmas head-on.
American Jewish University to celebrate 85 years of Ziering Brandeis Camp Institute
(Oct. 1, 2026 / American Jewish University) American Jewish University (AJU) will celebrate the 85th anniversary of its Ziering Brandeis Camp Institute (BCI) with “BCI at 85,” a weekend-long celebration bringing together generations of BCI participants, alumni, faculty and friends to honor 85 years of Jewish learning, community, creativity and connection. The celebration will feature two signature events, each open to the entire community. On Saturday, Oct.
What Bibi knew
(Sept. 29, 2026 / JNS) The latest installment in the Oct. 7 blame-Bibi game comes courtesy of The Wall Street Journal. The piece echoes a report in The Atlantic. Both assert that Abbas Kamel, then-head of Egypt’s General Intelligence Service, secretly flew to Israel 11 days before the Hamas massacre—and phoned Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu twice after that—to warn that the terrorist group ruling Gaza was mobilizing for a major attack.
HaZamir International Jewish Teen Choir recruiting singers
(Sept. 28, 2026 / Zamir Choral Foundation) HaZamir: The International Jewish Teen Choir offers teens an experience that combines music, community-building, leadership and friendship. Rehearsals for the 2026-2027 season begin this fall in locations across the U.S. and Israel, culminating in a gala performance at David Geffen Hall at Lincoln Center in New York City in April, featuring hundreds of HaZamir singers.
Netanyahu’s U.N. speech exposes the failure of ‘land for peace’
(Sept. 28, 2026 / JNS) “Israel Undiplomatic” brings sharp insight and spirited debate to the stories shaping Israel and the Middle East. Hosted by JNS senior contributing editor Ruthie Blum and former ambassador Mark Regev, both former advisers to the Prime Minister’s Office, the show goes beyond talking points to tackle Israel’s toughest political, diplomatic and security dilemmas head-on.
Macron and King Abdullah take aim at Israel at the UN
(Sept. 26, 2026 / JNS) World leaders took aim at Israel from the UN stage, but Mark Regev and Ruthie Blum say their arguments ignore the security reality Israel faces on the ground. In this episode of “Israel Undiplomatic”, the hosts take on Emmanuel Macron’s claims about Judea and Samaria, including his assertion that Hamas was not operating there and examine what they see as a growing disconnect between European rhetoric and Israel’s experience with terrorism.
Newsom signs California bills expanding security protections for houses of worship, nonprofits
(Sept. 25, 2026 / JNS) California Gov. Gavin Newsom, a Democrat, signed two bills into law on Friday that expand security protections for houses of worship and nonprofit organizations. AB 2664, the Safe Worship Zone Act, establishes a 100-foot zone around entrances and exits of houses of worship.
Jewish Caucus urges Rubio to preserve State Department Holocaust office Original
(Sept. 24, 2026 / JNS) Members of the Congressional Jewish Caucus asked U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio to keep the Office of the Special Envoy for Holocaust Issues and not place it under the U.S. special envoy to monitor and combat antisemitism. The office, established in 1999, advocates for Holocaust survivors.
Where’s Marco?
Ruthie Blum, a former adviser at the office of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, is an award-winning columnist and a senior contributing editor at JNS. Co-host with Ambassador Mark Regev of the JNS-TV podcast “Israel Undiplomatic," she writes on Israeli politics and U.S.-Israel relations. Originally from New York City, she moved to Israel in 1977. She is a regular guest on national and international media outlets, including Fox, Sky News, i24News, Scripps, ILTV, WION and Newsmax.
Where’s Marco?
(Sept. 23, 2026 / JNS) Not long ago, Marco Rubio seemed to have more jobs than there were hours in the day. U.S. secretary of state. National security advisor. Point man on Latin America. A key player in negotiations between Israel and Lebanon over cooperation against Hezbollah. It got to the point that memes began circulating online showing Rubio in the same pose, but in an array of costumes.
Where’s Marco?
(Sept. 23, 2026 / JNS) Not long ago, Marco Rubio seemed to have more jobs than there were hours in the day. U.S. secretary of state. National security advisor. Point man on Latin America. A key player in negotiations between Israel and Lebanon over cooperation against Hezbollah. It got to the point that memes began circulating online showing Rubio in the same pose, but in an array of costumes.
House passes Russia sanctions bill named for late senator Graham Original
(Sept. 17, 2026 / JNS) In one of its last votes before recessing until after the midterm elections, the House cleared legislation to increase sanctions on Russia and Iran. The bill is named for the late senator Lindsey Graham, who was a leading proponent of backing Ukraine as it defends itself from Russia, which invaded the country in 2022. The vote was 262-159. After passing the Senate, 86-11, in August, it now goes to U.S. President Donald Trump for his signature.
Carnegie Mellon says it will take ‘swift action’ against professor’s social media posts about Charlie Kirk’s murder
(Sept. 17, 2026 / JNS) Carnegie Mellon University, a private school in Pittsburgh, said on Monday that it will take “swift action” in response to controversial social media posts by Uju Anya, an associate professor of second language acquisition, about the assassination of conservative leader Charlie Kirk.
Lying for a standing ovation won’t protect the screenwriters of ‘NAZA’ from the Israel-haters
(Sept. 17, 2026 / JNS) If Yuval Avraham and Rachel Szor imagine that a 25-minute standing ovation in Venice is a sign that the anti-Zionist cultural elites abroad have embraced them completely, they’re living in an alternate universe. Certainly after Oct. 7, 2023, when the murderers, rapists and kidnappers from Gaza didn’t bother to inquire about the political views of their victims before torturing and murdering them.
Israeli film accusing IDF of war crimes gets standing ovation in Venice
(Sept. 17, 2026 / JNS) “Israel Undiplomatic” brings sharp insight and spirited debate to the stories shaping Israel and the Middle East. Hosted by JNS senior contributing editor Ruthie Blum and former ambassador Mark Regev, both former advisers to the Prime Minister’s Office, the show goes beyond talking points to tackle Israel’s toughest political, diplomatic and security dilemmas head-on.
Kosher.com shares Rosh Hashanah recipes rooted in Jewish tradition
(Sept. 10, 2026 / Kosher.com) This Rosh Hashanah, Jewish holiday tables are becoming showcases for a new generation of home cooks who are blending centuries-old traditions with global flavors, elegant presentations and fresh culinary inspiration. Rather than replacing beloved family recipes, today’s cooks are adapting them, transforming challahs into edible centerpieces, reinventing apples and honey with creative desserts and discovering dishes inspired by Jewish communities around the world.
UK-Israel crisis deepens as Britain imposes new sanctions
(Sept. 10, 2026 / JNS) “Israel Undiplomatic” brings sharp insight and spirited debate to the stories shaping Israel and the Middle East. Hosted by JNS senior contributing editor Ruthie Blum and former ambassador Mark Regev, both former advisers to the Prime Minister’s Office, the show goes beyond talking points to tackle Israel’s toughest political, diplomatic and security dilemmas head-on.
Trump ramps up pressure on Iran
(Sept. 3, 2026 / JNS) “Israel Undiplomatic” brings sharp insight and spirited debate to the stories shaping Israel and the Middle East. Hosted by JNS senior contributing editor Ruthie Blum and former ambassador Mark Regev, both former advisers to the Prime Minister’s Office, the show goes beyond talking points to tackle Israel’s toughest political, diplomatic and security dilemmas head-on.
Israel and Trump diverge over Syria and Turkey
(Aug. 27, 2026 / JNS) “Israel Undiplomatic” brings sharp insight and spirited debate to the stories shaping Israel and the Middle East. Hosted by JNS senior contributing editor Ruthie Blum and former ambassador Mark Regev, both former advisers to the Prime Minister’s Office, the show goes beyond talking points to tackle Israel’s toughest political, diplomatic and security dilemmas head-on.
Adolph & Rose Levis JCC enters new chapter with building purchase and major renovation
(Aug. 24, 2026 / Adolph and Rose Levis JCC) The Adolph & Rose Levis Jewish Community Center (Levis JCC) is undergoing a $9 million renovation of its 31,000-square-foot main building on the Toby & Leon Cooperman Campus, which is part of the 100-acre Jewish Federation of South Palm Beach County campus. The project follows the purchase of the building from the Federation earlier this year, a milestone that provided a permanent home for the organization and positioned it for continued growth.
Jingle hell
(Aug. 21, 2026 / JNS) With the Oct. 27 Knesset elections a little more than two months away—and following the ruling Likud Party primary on Aug. 17—the campaign jingles are beginning to multiply. As has always been the case, most of them are cringe-inducing. Perhaps that’s because they’re directed at the TikTok generation, whose attention span is about as expansive as that of a flea.
The search that gripped, and duped, a nation
In ditching their lives in Israel, Mali and Liel Yahalomi created a crisis.” When Israel Police representative in Latin America Walter Alejandro Kogan boarded a bus in Argentina and approached Mali Yahalomi, 50, and her daughter Liel, 23, he didn’t demand to know why they’d caused an international search operation. Nor did he lecture them about the resources that had been expended trying to locate them.
Jewish educators return from Israel after eight-day education mission
(Aug. 19, 2026 / Jewish National Fund-USA) Twenty-four Jewish educators recently returned from Jewish National Fund-USA and Alexander Muss High School in Israel’s (Muss) Educators’ Mission to Israel, where participants spent eight days exploring the realities of Israel and strengthening their ability to inspire the next generation of Zionists.
United Hatzalah launches EMT program for Masa participants
(Aug. 18, 2026 / United Hatzalah) United Hatzalah welcomed the inaugural class of its new NREMT Masa Program, marking the launch of a first-of-its-kind partnership that enables young adults to earn an American-recognized Emergency Medical Technician certification while living and studying in Israel. The first cohort consists of eight participants ages 18-28 from diverse backgrounds and locations, including the United States, Canada, Panama and Australia.
Is Israel squandering its military victories?
(Aug. 18, 2026 / JNS) “Israel Undiplomatic” brings sharp insight and spirited debate to the stories shaping Israel and the Middle East. Hosted by JNS senior contributing editor Ruthie Blum and former ambassador Mark Regev, both former advisers to the Prime Minister’s Office, the show goes beyond talking points to tackle Israel’s toughest political, diplomatic and security dilemmas head-on.
Kushner: Gaza demilitarization could begin within 30 days
(Aug. 18, 2026 / JNS) U.S. special envoy Jared Kushner said on Monday that progress toward Gaza’s demilitarization could begin within 30 days, following a nearly four-hour meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
Inside the Israeli kibbutz rebuilding on Hezbollah’s doorstep
(Aug. 17, 2026 / JNS) Just one mile from the Lebanese border, Kibbutz Iftach is one of Israel’s most beautiful communities and one of its most vulnerable. After Hezbollah’s attacks forced tens of thousands of Israelis from their homes following October 7, Iftach stood empty. Orchards burned, homes were abandoned and a peaceful farming community became part of the front line. Today, the residents are returning. Some are rebuilding what was lost. Others are choosing to move here for the very first time.
The search that gripped—and duped—a nation
(Aug. 16, 2026 / JNS) When Israel Police representative in Latin America Walter Alejandro Kogan boarded a bus in Argentina and approached Mali Yahalomi, 50, and her daughter Liel, 23, he didn’t demand to know why they’d caused an international search operation. Nor did he lecture them about the resources that had been expended trying to locate them. Instead, he introduced himself and told them, politely, that everyone had been very worried about them.
Is Iran’s regime beginning to crack?
(Aug. 13, 2026 / JNS) “Israel Undiplomatic” brings sharp insight and spirited debate to the stories shaping Israel and the Middle East. Hosted by JNS senior contributing editor Ruthie Blum and former ambassador Mark Regev, both former advisers to the Prime Minister’s Office, the show goes beyond talking points to tackle Israel’s toughest political, diplomatic and security dilemmas head-on.
What’s the right way to beat the left?
(Aug. 10, 2026 / JNS) In his Aug. 6 newsletter, Commentary magazine executive editor Abe Greenwald described that morning’s daily podcast, which featured National Review senior writer Noah Rothman discussing the victory of Dr. Abdul El-Sayed in the Michigan Democratic Party primary for the Senate. The panel—hosted by Commentary editor-in-chief John Podhoretz and including senior editor Seth Mandel—talked about how Republican Sen. Mike Rogers would be able to defeat El-Sayed in the Nov.
Is the world making the same mistake with Hamas? Original
(Aug. 6, 2026 / JNS) “Israel Undiplomatic” brings sharp insight and spirited debate to the stories shaping Israel and the Middle East. Hosted by JNS senior contributing editor Ruthie Blum and former ambassador Mark Regev, both former advisers to the Prime Minister’s Office, the show goes beyond talking points to tackle Israel’s toughest political, diplomatic and security dilemmas head-on.
A tale of three ‘anybody but Bibi’ stooges
(Aug. 3, 2026 / JNS) One the issues that puzzles those people abroad who consider Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin “Bibi” Netanyahu a great leader is what appears to be the widespread, deep-seated hatred for him at home. It’s a relevant question, given the fact that he’s the longest-serving premier in the history of the Jewish state—which means that he’s actually popular among voters.
What are Trump and Netanyahu planning on Iran?
(July 30, 2026 / JNS) “Israel Undiplomatic” brings sharp insight and spirited debate to the stories shaping Israel and the Middle East. Hosted by JNS senior contributing editor Ruthie Blum and former ambassador Mark Regev, both former advisers to the Prime Minister’s Office, the show goes beyond talking points to tackle Israel’s toughest political, diplomatic and security dilemmas head-on.
Most US voters oppose military action against Iran, per Quinnipiac poll Original
(July 29, 2026 / JNS) Six in 10 U.S. voters oppose the ongoing U.S. military action against Iran, with opposition reaching its highest level since the conflict began, according to a Quinnipiac University poll released on Wednesday. The poll, conducted July 23-27 among 963 registered voters, found that 60% of voters oppose the war, while 34% support it, marking the lowest level of support in Quinnipiac polling. Opposition includes nearly one in five Republicans and nearly seven in 10 independents.
For whom the bell polls
(July 26, 2026 / JNS) A few weeks ago, I received a call from Midgam, a leading Israeli commercial polling and market-research firm. The woman on the line requested that I participate in a survey. The topic turned out to be “settler violence,” though she didn’t introduce it that way. You know, so that I wouldn’t hang up on her.
Is anti-Israel politics becoming mainstream in America?
(July 23, 2026 / JNS) “Israel Undiplomatic” brings sharp insight and spirited debate to the stories shaping Israel and the Middle East. Hosted by JNS senior contributing editor Ruthie Blum and former ambassador Mark Regev, both former advisers to the Prime Minister’s Office, the show goes beyond talking points to tackle Israel’s toughest political, diplomatic and security dilemmas head-on.
Appeals court overturns release order of Columbia anti-Israel activist Original
(July 21, 2026 / JNS) A federal appeals court vacated a lower court order on Tuesday releasing former Columbia University graduate student and anti-Israel activist Mohsen Mahdawi from immigration detention, ruling that the district court lacked jurisdiction because his claims must be litigated through the immigration system. The decision clears the way for Mahdawi’s possible re-arrest as the Trump administration continues its effort to deport him.
Harvard donor Les Wexner gave university more than $142 million over 35 years, records show Original
(July 20, 2026 / JNS) Billionaire philanthropist Les Wexner gave Harvard University more than $142 million from December 1989 through September 2024, about $100 million more than previously reported, according to records reviewed by The Harvard Crimson, a student publication.
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