Yael Eckstein

Yael Eckstein

Voices Contributor

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  • Why Israelis wish America happy Independence Day

    Why Israelis wish America happy Independence Day

    Everyone spoke Hebrew around me. But I remember as soon as I started speaking English, instead of feeling out of place, I was met with appreciation. People would say things, like “Wow, you're American and you moved to Israel! The U.S. is our greatest ally and greatest friend,” and “America is our example of how to build a land of freedom and diversity.”

  • World Refugee Day: Praying the wanderers can say 'We are home'

    World Refugee Day: Praying the wanderers can say 'We are home'

    As Israel celebrates its 75th anniversary this year, we celebrate the fact that so many people who either began their lives as refugees, or became refugees later in life, have found their home.

  • Thinking about the first Passover: Learning from the past to embrace the present

    Thinking about the first Passover: Learning from the past to embrace the present

    As I celebrate Passover this year with my children, I’ll teach them of the Exodus story of the Bible, but I’ll also tell them the stories of Jewish people today — Jewish families like Svitlana’s—who teach us that God’s people can always turn to Him for rescue.

  • Ukraine people — do they know it’s Christmas?

    Ukraine people — do they know it’s Christmas?

    The war raging in Ukraine doesn’t take a break for celebrations of Hanukkah and Christmas. Many Ukrainians are living in dire conditions, including no power, no clean water, no roof over their heads, and with food sources running out. Most are focused on survival, not celebration.

  • Remember the mothers fleeing a war zone this Mother's Day

    Remember the mothers fleeing a war zone this Mother's Day

    Let’s celebrate the heroism of mothers this Sunday, particularly the ones trying to get their family out of a war zone. Thank God he made mothers, who are some of the strongest human beings on earth.

  • The war in Ukraine reminds us that the founding of Israel was essential

    The war in Ukraine reminds us that the founding of Israel was essential

    Israel’s independence is a miracle that’s blessing Jews fleeing Ukraine at this very moment. I’m confident it will continue to be a blessing for people around the world for generations to come.

  • This Passover, remember the Jewish communities with little to celebrate

    This Passover, remember the Jewish communities with little to celebrate

    As the season of Passover approaches, a time similar to the very first Passover is taking place in Ukraine. Tens of thousands of Jews, including some Holocaust survivors, are fleeing oppression and praying for God’s miraculous deliverance.

  • Jewish holiday of Purim and the war in Ukraine reminds us of our need for modern-day Esthers

    Jewish holiday of Purim and the war in Ukraine reminds us of our need for modern-day Esthers

    In our world most people look out first for their own interests. Self-preservation is deeply ingrained in our human psyche. At times this is beneficial as it helps us avoid danger, but it too can tempt us to survive at the expense of others.

  • As a Jew, this is why I celebrate Black History Month

    As a Jew, this is why I celebrate Black History Month

    When the world largely ignores the suffering of those in distress, we must pay attention, step up and take action to alleviate that suffering in whatever way we can.

  • Don’t skip this important part of our holiday traditions

    Don’t skip this important part of our holiday traditions

    This is a season when a spirit of generosity ignites us and highlights the best of humanity. For those of us in the Jewish community, we have celebrated Hanukkah, lighting the Menorah and giving gifts. Now, my Christian friends are celebrating Christmas by lighting trees and giving gifts of their own.

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