The Blogs   >   Richard Friedman

December 11, 2016
3:12 am

I failed when it came to fake news

It was a couple of years ago. I got an email from a friend, someone I liked and respected. Mine was one of about 15 names listed as CC's. The......

 

September 24, 2016
12:51 am

“Freaked Out” Saudi Arabian Friend Turns to Jewish Federation for Help

It wasn’t your typical email. The subject line said, “I need your help please.” It was from a young Saudi Arabian doctor who I got to know a few......

 

August 23, 2016
11:24 pm

My new Saudi friend

I was absolutely convinced the young woman was Hispanic. Her dark eyes were warm and friendly, her hair was fiery black and pulled back stylishly, her skin had a......

 

August 22, 2016
10:50 pm

Born In New Jersey, Living In Alabama: Anti-BDS Measures Make Me Proud

There are two states that I am very attached to and interested in -- New Jersey, my home state, and Alabama, my adopted state. And having  lived a......

 

July 16, 2016
12:23 am

Christian Teacher’s AP Course Frames The Jewish Saga

I was talking to a friend who’s getting ready to teach an Advanced Placement (AP) English class at a high school here in Alabama. She said that one of......

 

March 18, 2016
5:48 pm

An American Lamentation

Over the horizon, in a distant and sad voice, I hear America calling. It is my country's turn, again, to be messy, divided, angry. We are a society in......

 

March 1, 2016
6:19 pm

Every Jew Should See The Jesse Owens Movie

Every Jew should see the Jesse Owens movie.  This outstanding film, titled “Race,” is currently playing in theaters. It tells the story of Owens’ ascendancy, challenges and fame......

 

February 10, 2016
4:50 am

Alabama Christian Leader Goes To Bat For Israel Big-Time

He’s about as stately a guy as you’ll meet:  Tall, trim and courtly, with a full head of white hair even though he’s nearing 80; and with a soft......

 

January 19, 2016
7:47 am

“Netanyahu at War” Powerful Teaching Tool for Jewish Day School Students

It was powerful. Which was exactly the idea. I had decided to show the recent PBS documentary "Netanyahu at War" to the Israeli history class I teach weekly for seventh and......

 

August 10, 2015
5:28 pm

Why Our Jewish Federation Opposes The Iran Deal

BIRMINGHAM, ALABAMA -- At a somber, well-attended Birmingham Jewish Federation Board of Directors meeting August 6, members of the board unanimously passed a resolution opposing the Iran agreement, amid......

 

May 13, 2015
1:07 am

Ghetto Jews Of Rome Should Inspire All Of Us

I am writing this from somewhere over the Atlantic Ocean. My wife and I are on our way home to the US after two great weeks in Italy. I haven't......

 

April 22, 2015
7:54 pm

Reagan, Shultz, Obama & Kerry: a first-hand account

Sometime around the early part of 1987, other Jewish Federation directors from throughout the country and I were invited to the US State Department to meet with Secretary of......

 

April 12, 2015
10:28 pm

‘Woman In Gold’ movie has lessons for today

Make sure you see the current film "Woman In Gold." It is riveting at times, well done, highly instructive and especially relevant. It is the story of the successful......

 

April 12, 2015
7:53 am

‘Woman In Gold’ film has important teaching moments

Make sure you see the current film "Woman In Gold." It is riveting at times, well done, highly instructive and, most important, especially relevant. It is the story of......

 

February 17, 2015
5:12 pm

Convinced McGovern Would Beat Nixon: Lessons For Today’s Anti-Semitism

It was Election Day, November of 1972. I was absolutely convinced that George McGovern, a hero then to many of us 20-somethings, was going to defeat incumbent Richard Nixon......