Jonathan Freedland

Latest from Jonathan Freedland

Speaking publicly about the Shoah was an eye-opener

The intensity of the reaction to my new book has surprised me, as have the different responses depending on where I’ve been speaking – but it tells us much about ourselves

4 min read

Speaking publicly about the Shoah was an eye-opener

The 55th anniversary of the Six Day War merits no celebration

3 min read

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky gestures as he speaks during a press conference in Kyiv on March 3, 2022. - Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky called on the West on March 3, 2022, to increase military aid to Ukraine, saying Russia would advance on the rest of Europe otherwise. "If you do not have the power to close the skies, then give me planes!" Zelensky said at a press conference. "If we are no more then, God forbid, Latvia, Lithuania, Estonia will be next," he said, adding: "Believe me." (Photo by Sergei SUPINSKY / AFP) (Photo by SERGEI SUPINSKY/AFP via Getty Images)

Zelensky loves Israel and wants Israel to love Ukraine back

3 min read

Pretending the Kindertransport was a part of a 'noble tradition' is ignorant of history

3 min read

It’s a musical about the Holocaust and an unexpected cause for celebration

The new West End production of Cabaret restores the Jewish sub-plot which was excised from the famous film, and in doing so gives it pathos, tenderness and a moral heart

3 min read

February 17, 2022 10:13

It’s a musical about the Holocaust and an unexpected cause for celebration

Does Donald Trump support Israel while despising the Jews?

His recent comments to Barak Ravid surely leave no room for doubt that Trump is just the latest figure whose ‘pro-Israel’ stance should not be used as cover for being an antisemite

3 min read

December 30, 2021 14:31

Does Donald Trump support Israel while despising the Jews?

A ‘Jewish antisemite’ is fast becoming the new threat in France

Eric Zemmour may be Jewish, but the country’s chief rabbi accurately labelled the presidential contender, who says Dreyfus may have been guilty and defends Vichy France

3 min read

November 11, 2021 10:23

A ‘Jewish antisemite’ is fast becoming the new threat in France

Jews from Mars need to start talking with the Jews from Venus

A chasm is opening between Israel and the diaspora that will only widen if we don’t start understanding each other’s perspectives. My podcast is a small step in the right direction

3 min read

September 23, 2021 16:41

Channel 2 TV news anouncers Gadi Sukenik and Yonit Levi, during the last TV newscast Gadi Sukenik presents, August 01, 2007. Photo by Michal Fattal/Flash90.

Ben & Jerry’s is not being antisemitic – it’s being principled

It’s not just wrong to accuse the ice-cream makers of antisemitism, it’s counter-productive — it implies there is no difference between loathing Israel and loathing the occupation

3 min read

August 5, 2021 10:31

DC755C Ben & Jerry's ice cream packaging.

My late father’s voice opens a window to a vanished Jewish life

Fifty episodes of the iconic You Don't Have To Be Jewish are now on BBC Sounds

3 min read

May 24, 2021 09:09

My late father’s voice opens a window to a vanished Jewish life

Fifteen seconds of shame from inside Jerusalem’s Old City

In a piece written and originally published before the tragic deaths at Mount Meron, Jonathan Freedland considers the events of last week in Jerusalem

3 min read

April 30, 2021 13:11

A Palestinian youth burns tires in the city center of the occupied West Bank town of Hebron on April 25, 2021, following a protest in support of Palestinian demonstration in Israeli-annexed east Jerusalem. - Israeli police allowed Palestinians to access a promenade around Jerusalem's Israeli-annexed Old City, an AFP reporter said, in a move apparently aimed at easing tensions after days of clashes. A few hundred Palestinians held a rally at the Damascus gate and police allowed them to remove barricades blocking access to the promenade, an AFP correspondent said. Police used a bullhorn to announce the area was open to all. (Photo by HAZEM BADER / AFP) (Photo by HAZEM BADER/AFP via Getty Images)

Bibi, the forever PM?

Netanyahu has been dominant for so long that superstition may be the only way to imagine his departure — but those who want him gone should be careful what they wish for, writes Jonathan Freedland

3 min read

March 11, 2021 15:58