Posts by Ari (Ballaban) Jun

A Society Desensitized to Violence

In recent weeks, we have seen signs of how greatly many people have become desensitized to violence. Just two days ago, Israel killed Ismail Haniyeh, Hamas’ political chief, while he was in Tehran to attend the inauguration of Iran’s new president, Masoud Pezeshkian. Following a rocket a…

An Exercise in Endurance

The last nine months have been an exercise in endurance. Aside from great waves of antisemitism, most Jews have also struggled with feelings of alienation from longstanding allies—particularly in interfaith spaces.

That’s why I found an event I attended yesterday evening so nourishing. …

The Struggle for America to Keep Her Promise

In a year of long weeks, this has been a long week. The recent vandalism at local Jewish cemeteries has not only kept us all busy, but it’s been emotionally draining. Walking through row after row of toppled graves, seeing names I know, and consoling friends in this moment has all been qu…