Steve Kramer
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Articles by Steve Kramer
Betrayal of the Jews
I highly recommend the following concise (38 minutes) video history of the Jews’ late 19th and 20th century effort to obtain statehood in their homeland in what was then called, “Palestine”. The betrayal mentioned in the video’s title alludes to the breaking of stipulations that the authors of the British Mandate for Palestine (1922) promised to the Jewish people.
The Blogs: Why Do Jewish?
Exploring the question of why Jews practice their faith and traditions is central to understanding Jewish identity. In his book, Why Do Jewish?, Zack Bodner examines the motivations behind living a Jewish life, considering both cultural and religious aspects. He highlights how different expressions of Judaism—whether Reform, Conservative, or Orthodox—offer unique paths for connection, purpose, and meaning.
San Diego Jewish World
By Steve Kramer in Kfar Saba, Israel Steve Kramer Exploring the question of why Jews practice their faith and traditions is central to understanding Jewish identity. In his book, Why Do Jewish?, Zack Bodner examines the motivations behind living a Jewish life, considering both cultural and religious aspects. He highlights how different expressions of Judaism—whether Reform, Conservative, or Orthodox—offer unique paths for connection, purpose, and meaning.
Jew-Hatred and Anti-Zionism are identical
Steve Kramer By Steve Kramer in Kfar Saba, Israel What message is constantly being broadcast by certain entertainers, podcasters, students, politicians, journalists, and pundits? “I just object to Netanyahu/Israel/Israeli ministers/etc. I’m not an antisemite.” The demonstrators carry signs and banners declaring, “Abolish Zionism.” What do they think these words mean?
UK government shoots itself in the foot
Ed Miliband is Britain’s Foreign Secretary, a leader in the Labour Party. His brother, David Miliband, was the Foreign Secretary more than a decade ago. Miliband’s parents, both Holocaust-survivors, fled Nazi Europe for Britain during WW2. They retained their long-held affinity towards Marxist ideology and evidently imparted much of it to their two sons. Ed describes himself as a “proud British Jew” although he is an atheist with an ambiguous relationship to Israel.
Miliband’s actions belie his self-description as a ‘proud Jew’
By Steve Kramer in Kfar Saba, Israel Steve Kramer Ed Miliband is Britain’s Foreign Secretary, a leader in the Labour Party. His brother, David Miliband, was the Foreign Secretary more than a decade ago. Miliband’s parents, both Holocaust-survivors, fled Nazi Europe for Britain during WW2. They retained their long-held affinity towards Marxist ideology and evidently imparted much of it to their two sons.
Most Payment Calls Aren't Service Requests, They're Self-Service Failures
A while back, the head of customer experience at a consumer lender told us he thought his lender's phone system had broken because call center volume had dropped to practically zero. Nothing was broken. The business fixed its payment experience and the phones stopped ringing. This real-life scenario exposes the distinction between the calls your customers need to make and the avoidable calls they are forced to make when they can't successfully self-pay.
Democracies proscribe weapons sales to Israel
In 1947 and 1948, in advance of Israel declaring its independence, Israel found itself at a disadvantage militarily and demographically to its Arab neighbors. With only about 600,000 Jews residing in Mandatory Palestine, living under British rule since the early 1920s, the Jews were threatened by Arabs who had lived in Palestine for generations.
Democracies proscribe weapons sales to Israel
In 1947 and 1948, in advance of Israel declaring its independence, Israel found itself at a disadvantage militarily and demographically to its Arab neighbors. With only about 600,000 Jews residing in Mandatory Palestine, living under British rule since the early 1920s, the Jews were threatened by Arabs who had lived in Palestine for generations.
From OCR to VLM: A Survey and Position on Document Understanding Architectures
You are already at the latest version The evolution from optical character recognition (OCR) to modern vision-language models (VLMs) represents a fundamental shift in how machines understand documents. This paper surveys the architectural landscape and argues that the field's divergence into two evolutionary paths—one optimizing for pixel-level precision, another for semantic reasoning—reflects fundamental and persistent tradeoffs, not transient limitations awaiting a unified solution.
Jew hatred in colleges escalates
Unsafe at MIT – A Chronicle of a Campus War on the Jews was written by Yossi Sheffi, professor of engineering at MIT, one of America’s most highly-ranked universities. After reading his account of MIT campus hostility towards Jewish students, especially after October 7, 2023 you will understand what college life is like today for many Jewish students. Sheffi groups his subjects as The Reckoning, The Fight, and The Fallout.
Jew hatred in colleges escalates
Jew hatred in colleges escalates - Steve Kramer
Israel and US Jews in the hot seat
Not for the first time, Israel is the favorite punching bag for left-wingers and the far right. We remember how good it was to be Jewish in the aftermath of WW2. It turns out that it was an aberration. Before the war antagonism against Jews was at a high point, with Americans of German descent at the forefront, especially the German American Bund. On the radio in those pre-television days there were anti-Jewish propagandists like Father Coughlin, who broadcasted antisemitic commentary.
Israel and US Jews in the hot seat
Not for the first time, Israel is the favorite punching bag for left-wingers and the far right. We remember how good it was to be Jewish in the aftermath of WW2. It turns out that it was an aberration. Before the war antagonism against Jews was at a high point, with Americans of German descent at the forefront, especially the German American Bund. On the radio in those pre-television days there were anti-Jewish propagandists likeFather Coughlin, who broadcasted antisemitic commentary. See NOTE below.
Historic Jew-hatred reasserting itself in U.S.
By Steve Kramer in Kfar Saba, Israel Steve Kramer Not for the first time, Israel is the favorite punching bag for left-wingers and the far right. We remember how good it was to be Jewish in the aftermath of WW2. It turns out that it was an aberration. Before the war antagonism against Jews was at a high point, with Americans of German descent at the forefront, especially the German American Bund.
A question of identity
Many American Jews are unwittingly playing a dangerous game. They are much too critical of Israeli policies and Israel’s prime minister, and they are often loud about it. Progressive Jewish politicians take stands against Israel, playing to anti-Israel sentiment among voters including some hyper-critical Jewish ones. “Genocide” is bandied about when no such thing happened in Gaza. Some Americans, including American Jews, believe it did happen.
A question of identity
Many American Jews are unwittingly playing a dangerous game. They are much too critical of Israeli policies and Israel’s prime minister, and they are often loud about it. Progressive Jewish politicians take stands against Israel, playing to anti-Israel sentiment among voters including some hyper-critical Jewish ones. “Genocide” is bandied about when no such thing happened in Gaza. Some Americans, including American Jews, believe it did happen.
Gaza genocide didn’t happen; American public duped by Palestinian propaganda
By Steve Kramer in Kfar Saba, Israel Steve Kramer Many American Jews are unwittingly playing a dangerous game. They are much too critical of Israeli policies and Israel’s prime minister, and they are often loud about it. Progressive Jewish politicians take stands against Israel, playing to anti-Israel sentiment among voters including some hyper-critical Jewish ones. “Genocide” is bandied about when no such thing happened in Gaza. Some Americans, including American Jews, believe it did happen.
Where have the Kramers been lately?
It’s been a year since war started with Iran. At that time we were on a river cruise on the Danube. When the cruise ended several days later, we disembarked in Nuremberg and flew the same day to Athens, not to Tel Aviv as we expected. We were stuck in Athens due to the war and very limited flights to Israel, only returning only after 10 days. Since then we’ve limited ourselves to mini-vacations: Tel Aviv, Herzliya Pituach, and Jerusalem.
Where have the Kramers been lately?
It’s been a year since war started with Iran. At that time we were on a river cruise on the Danube. When the cruise ended several days later, we disembarked in Nuremberg and flew the same day to Athens, not to Tel Aviv as we expected. We were stuck in Athens due to the war and very limited flights to Israel, only returning only after 10 days. Since then we’ve limited ourselves to mini-vacations: Tel Aviv, Herzliya Pituach, and Jerusalem.
Traveling domestically in Israel
Steve Kramer It’s been a year since war started with Iran. At that time we were on a river cruise on the Danube. When the cruise ended, several days later, we disembarked in Nuremberg and flew the same day to Athens, not to Tel Aviv as expected. We were stuck in Athens due to the war and very limited flights to Israel, only returning only after 10 days. Since then we’ve limited ourselves to mini-vacations: Tel Aviv, Herzliya Pituach, and Jerusalem.
Zionism in the Diaspora
An accepted definition of Zionism is the national movement for the return of the Jewish people to their homeland and the resumption of Jewish sovereignty in the Land of Israel. That said, if you believe in Zionism you don’t have to move to Israel. In fact, an old joke about Zionism is that it is a movement for people who donate to Israel so that someone else’s children can move there.
Zionism in the Diaspora
An accepted definition of Zionism is the national movement for the return of the Jewish people to their homeland and the resumption of Jewish sovereignty in the Land of Israel. That said, if you believe in Zionism you don’t have to move to Israel. In fact, an old joke about Zionism is that it is a movement for people who donate to Israel so that someone else’s children can move there.
The Brand Promise That Stops at the Payment Portal
By: Steve Kramer, Vice President, Product at PayNearMe Credit unions market themselves on the strength of their member relationships. For years, that claim was backed by hard data. Credit unions consistently outscored banks on customer satisfaction by wide margins, regularly landing in the mid- to high 80s while banks lagged in the 70s. That advantage has eroded.
Trump is losing to the mullahs
On June 7 a year ago Israeli fighter jets attacked Iran’s nuclear facilities in a very powerful and On June 7 a year ago Israeli fighter jets attacked Iran’s nuclear facilities in a very powerful and successful way. Subsequently, the US joined Israel in devastating the Iranian regime’s nuclear ambitions. A year later, on June 19, President Trump will sign a loser’s deal with Iran. In many respects the deal leaves Iran in a more powerful position than ever.
Opinion: Trump loses the war with Iran
By Steve Kramer in Kfar Saba, Israel Steve Kramer On June 7 a year ago Israeli fighter jets attacked Iran’s nuclear facilities in a very powerful and successful way. Subsequently, the US joined Israel in devastating the Iranian regime’s nuclear ambitions. A year later, on June 19, President Trump will sign a loser’s deal with Iran. In many respects the deal leaves Iran in a more powerful position than ever.
Israel reducing military aid from America
Israel is diminishing its reliance on American military support, a win-win for both parties.
Israel reducing military aid from America
Israel is diminishing its reliance on American military support, a win-win for both parties.
Israel decides to cut requests to U.S. for foreign aid
By Steve Kramer in Kfar Saba, Israel Steve Kramer Israel is diminishing its reliance on American military support, a win-win for both parties.
Flotilla passengers accuse Ben-Gvir of treating them like terrorists
By Steve Kramer in Kfar Saba, Israel Steve Kramer What is the purpose of the many flotillas which have attempted to break Israel’s blockade of Gaza? (The blockade exists to help prevent Hamas receiving weapons shipments.) Organizations which promote flotillas towards Gaza purport to help the “starving” Gazan population by sending them aid and support. There have been many Gaza flotillas which have attempted to gain entrance to Gaza but none have succeeded.
Israeli minister offends the world
What is the purpose of the many flotillas which have attempted to break Israel’s blockade of Gaza? (The blockade exists to help prevent Hamas receiving weapons shipments.) Organizations which promote flotillas towards Gaza purport to help the “starving” Gazan population by sending them aid and support. There have been many Gaza flotillas which have attempted to gain entrance to Gaza but none have succeeded.
Guest commentary: Why auto loan payment portals need an ‘abandoned cart’ strategy
Ninety-day auto delinquencies are at a 15-year high, according to the Federal Reserve. A portion of your borrowers are struggling and simply can’t pay.
Israeli minister offends the world - Steve Kramer
What is the purpose of the many flotillas which have attempted to break Israel’s blockade of Gaza? (The blockade exists to help prevent Hamas receiving weapons shipments.) Organizations which promote flotillas towards Gaza purport to help the “starving” Gazan population by sending them aid and support. There have been many Gaza flotillas which have attempted to gain entrance to Gaza but none have succeeded.
The tide is turning… fast
I’m sitting comfortably in my apartment in Kfar Saba despite the fact that Israel has been at war against its enemies since October 7, 2023. The resilience of Israelis is well known and it is proven by the fact that our country still functions on a high level even in this period. The Israeli shekel is extremely strong, Israel’s stock market is outpacing the NYSE and Nasdaq, and innovative new companies continue to develop.
The tide is turning… fast - Steve Kramer
I’m sitting comfortably in my apartment in Kfar Saba despite the fact that Israel has been at war against its enemies since October 7, 2023. The resilience of Israelis is well known and it is proven by the fact that our country still functions on a high level even in this period. The Israeli shekel is extremely strong, Israel’s stock market is outpacing the NYSE and Nasdaq, and innovative new companies continue to develop.
Attractiveness of life in U.S., Israel compared
By Steve Kramer in Kfar Saba, Israel Steve Kramer I’m sitting comfortably in my apartment in this city in central Israel despite the fact that Israel has been at war against its enemies since October 7, 2023. The resilience of Israelis is well known, and it is proven by the fact that our country still functions on a high level even in this period. The Israeli shekel is extremely strong, Israel’s stock market is outpacing the NYSE and Nasdaq, and innovative new companies continue to develop.
Why Silence Is the New Signal of Success in Payments
You hear it when inbound calls spike, in billing disputes and in your team’s scramble to reconcile exceptions at the end of the day. What starts as a small point of friction can quickly echo across customer support, finance and operations. That’s why the best payment experience isn’t just about having the fastest or the sleekest interface—it’s the one you never hear about. To truly measure success, start with your support queue.
Is killing your enemy genocide?
Genocide doesn’t occur in the normal course of a war, when civilians are being killed. Genocide is different; it is the systematic killing of a racial or cultural group. The perfect example is the Nazi genocide of Jews during WW2, when 6 million Jews were purposely slaughtered.
Is killing your enemy genocide? - Steve Kramer
Genocide doesn’t occur in the normal course of a war, when civilians are being killed. Genocide is different; it is the systematic killing of a racial or cultural group. The perfect example is the Nazi genocide of Jews during WW2, when 6 million Jews were purposely slaughtered.
Israel is the intended victim, not the perpetrator, of genocide
Steve Kramer Genocide doesn’t occur in the normal course of a war, when civilians are being killed. Genocide is different, It is the systematic killing of a racial or cultural group. The perfect example is the Nazi genocide of Jews during WW2, when 6 million Jews were purposely slaughtered. During an interview on MSNBC’s “The Weekend,” last October, U.S. presidential candidate Kamala Harris was asked if Israel committed genocide against the Palestinian Arabs.
An unpopular war – except in Israel
Israel has often fought wars “with one hand tied behind its back.” It’s not alone. The US also shares that handicap in our joint war with Iran. We are civilized countries fighting a barbaric regime.
An unpopular war – except in Israel
By Steve Kramer in Kfar Saba, Israel Steve Kramer Israel has often fought wars “with one hand tied behind its back.” It’s not alone. The US also shares that handicap in our joint war with Iran. We are civilized countries fighting a barbaric regime.
The Blogs: America’s greatest ally
Which country is the staunchest ally of the US? Is it Britain, Canada, or Australia? No, it’s Israel! First of all, none of those three English-speaking countries have a strong military, especially the latter two. Britain, which was America’s greatest ally during WW2, has diminished itself by its immigration policies.
U.S. has its reasons for opposing Iranian hegemony in Middle East
By Steve Kramer in Kfar Saba, Israel Steve Kramer Which country is the staunchest ally of the US? Is it Britain, Canada, or Australia? No, it’s Israel! First of all, none of those three English-speaking countries have a strong military, especially the latter two. Britain, which was America’s greatest ally during WW2, has diminished itself by its immigration policies.
Israel battles its jihadi opponents with US help
I can only wonder where a statistic quoted in the Jerusalem Post of 3/11/26 comes from: “Iran’s missile fire rate has collapsed by 92%.” This week in Kfar Saba we have hurried to our in-apartment shelter perhaps the most times since the war began. I don’t remember how many times the sirens sounded (shortly after mobile phone warnings) during the day – probably four or five times.
More ‘Red Alerts’ in Kfar Saba than ever before
By Steve Kramer in Kfar Saba, Israel Steve Kramer I can only wonder where a statistic quoted in the Jerusalem Post of 3/11/26 comes from: “Iran’s missile fire rate has collapsed by 92%.” This week in Kfar Saba we have hurried to our in-apartment shelter perhaps the most times since the war began. I don’t remember how many times the sirens sounded (shortly after mobile phone warnings) during the day – probably four or five times.
The Blogs: Purim: Persians again – 2026
The story of Purim in the Scroll of Ester takes place about 2,400 years ago. At that time the Persian Empire was the greatest empire in the world, comprising 127 provinces from India to Europe and Africa. It was ruled by the Persian Emperor, Xerxes the Great, aka King Ahasuerus. Ahasuerus holds a significant place in Jewish history because of his role in the Purim story.
Purim story recalled in Israeli-U.S. fight against Iran
By Steve Kramer in Kfar Saba, Israel Steve Kramer The story of Purim in the Scroll of Ester takes place about 2,400 years ago. At that time the Persian Empire was the greatest empire in the world, comprising 127 provinces from India to Europe and Africa. It was ruled by the Persian Emperor, Xerxes the Great, aka King Ahasuerus. Ahasuerus holds a significant place in Jewish history because of his role in the Purim story.
Opinion: U.S. should stop dithering with Iran
By Steve Kramer in Kfar Saba, Israel Steve Kramer Generally, Westerners are clueless about the overarching goal of the Islamists, chiefly the Iranian mullahs. The Islamists’ objective is the spread of Islam over the entire globe, pure and simple. Iran already sees great progress in Western Europe, where Muslim immigrants were welcomed into countries like France, Germany, and Spain. The Eastern European countries were much more astute in NOT inviting anti-Western elements into their countries.
OpEd: Background explained for Israel extending sovereignty over part of Judea and Samaria
Steve Kramer Is the Israeli government “annexing” land in the “West Bank”? Or is Israel just extending its sovereignty to parts of Judea and Samaria? What’s the difference between annexation and sovereignty? Annexing implies something is being taken from an established territory belonging to someone else. Sovereignty means extending authority over a region. Jews are the indigenous people of Israel. The Jews’ property rights extend far back into history, to the time of Abraham, approximately 2,000 BCE.
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