What's New in the Jewish World this Week

Israel Strikes Iran; Middle East Braces for Conflict

Last night, Israel launched a sweeping wave of missile strikes deep inside Iran—the most direct clash between the two countries in history. Israeli officials said the operation, codenamed “Rising Lion,” was designed to halt Iran’s ability to develop a nuclear weapon. The precision strikes hit multiple targets—including the Natanz uranium-enrichment complex, missile factories, and military bases—sending plumes of fire and smoke into Tehran’s night sky.

Iran’s nuclear program has long been a source of deep concern for the Western world, given the state’s frequent calls to annihilate the state of Israel. Iranian state media has confirmed that many senior commanders were killed in last night’s strikes, including Iran’s highest-ranking military officer, the head of its elite Revolutionary Guards Corps, and a former national security chief. Several prominent nuclear scientists also died in the blasts, though authorities have not released their names.

This strike marks a major escalation in the region, and is the most significant geopolitical event since the 10/7 attacks. Within hours Iran launched more than 100 drones toward Israel; the IDF said most were intercepted before entering its airspace.

U.S. President Donald Trump stressed that Washington was not involved but backed Israel’s “right to self-defense” against a potentially nuclear-armed adversary, while European leaders, Japan, and Russia all urged immediate de-escalation in the region. House Speaker Mike Johnson posted to X today that “Unfortunately, Iran has refused to agree and even declared yesterday its intent to build a new enrichment facility...Israel decided it needed to take action to defend itself…they were clearly within their right to do so. Iran will face grave consequences if it responds by unjustifiably targeting U.S. interests.” However, domestic support for Israel was somewhat split along party lines: Democratic Senator Jack Reed said that Israel’s “reckless escalation” threatens to ignite violence in the region and could jeopardize the safety of Americans stationed in the Middle East.

In Israel, schools are closed, major events—including the Tel Aviv Pride Parade—have been canceled, and residents have crowded supermarkets for supplies. The Israeli government has warned the Israeli people to expect a sustained conflict in the coming days and weeks.

We’d like to share The Jewish Federations of North America statement last night that expressed solidarity with the people of Israel:

As we await further information, Jewish Federations of North America stand in unwavering solidarity with our brothers and sisters in Israel—as we have throughout our shared history—praying for their immediate safety, strength, and well-being, and for the protection of future generations to come as Israel defends itself from Iran’s nuclear and ballistic missile programs, and other threats posed by the Iranian regime.

You can keep up to date on the Israel-Iran conflict at The Times of Israel's liveblog, CNN, The New York Times, and other media outlets, as new developments are sure to happen soon.

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Dorothy Suzi Osher Obituary Announcement

July 3, 2025

The Jewish Community Alliance of Southern Maine (JCA) announced today that following the passing of Suzi Osher, a long-time Maine resident and philanthropist, on Saturday, June 28th, the organization will be receiving a transformative gift from an Alfred Osher trust. The gift, to be received in the newly-established Alfred and Dorothy Suzi Osher Charitable Fund, will be held in a new entity under the auspices of the JCA. The fund is to be used explicitly for Jewish education, Jewish social and welfare programs, and outreach programs to promote Jewish traditions and values. According to Leslie Kirby, the JCA’s Chief Executive Officer: “This gift, the largest donation in our organization’s history, will make possible incredible growth throughout our community and region. We are fortunate that Dr. and Mrs. Osher made their Estate intentions clear to the JCA in a way that allowed us to anticipate this transformational moment over the course of time. More information regarding the specifics of the bequest will be shared within the coming months.” This is not the first time the Oshers have extended their generosity to the JCA. Mrs. Osher was the lead benefactor of a 2015 capital campaign, which allowed the organization to build its state-of-the-art center on Congress Street in Portland. In gratitude, the facility, which opened in 2017, is known as the Alfred and Suzi Osher Campus of the Jewish Community Alliance of Southern Maine. This gift is in furtherance of the spirit of philanthropy both within and beyond the Jewish community that animated the Oshers’ lifetime of giving. The couple’s philanthropic endeavors have benefited numerous educational and healthcare institutions, including Maine Medical Center, the Children’s Museum and Theatre of Maine, the YMCA, the Dr. Alfred and D. Suzi Osher School of Music at the University of Southern Maine, and Tufts Dental School. Long-standing JCA Board of Directors member Rachael Alfond has been selected by the board to chair the committee overseeing the formation and management of the Fund. “An opportunity like this only presents itself once in a lifetime,” Alfond said. “I am honored to carry on the legacy of the Oshers and their mitzvot - good deeds - that will have a ripple effect for generations.” Dr. Osher, who passed away in 1999, was an oral surgeon and orthodontist who practiced in Biddeford, Maine. Supporting their community was always top of mind. In Suzi’s words: “When I make a gift, I always follow it.” Suzi established the Dr. Alfred Osher and D. Suzi Osher Scholarship at Tufts University School of Dental Medicine to honor her late husband, a long-term clinical faculty member. Suzi Osher was the daughter of French-Canadian immigrants, who faced substantial hardships weathering the Depression as a child in Biddeford, Maine. Mrs. Osher learned to value education and hard work. “My first job was playing the piano at a local music store when I was just 10,” she once recalled. “At 15, I was working for the government Census Bureau.” After high school, she worked as a bookkeeper for Alfred Osher, a local oral surgeon. Several years later, she completed a course in anesthesiology at Boston City Hospital and began assisting with procedures. In 1962, Dr. Osher completed the Tufts postgraduate program in orthodontics and became the first board-certified orthodontist in Maine. After the couple married, Suzi Osher pursued her interests in business and fashion, opening a specialty clothing store in Biddeford, a venture she called “my real career.” Even as she managed her own successful business, she stayed involved in her husband’s growing dental practice. “We were one of those rare couples who enjoyed working together,” she said. The JCA is honored to have been chosen and entrusted with this ultimate act of generosity from the Oshers, and we look forward to facilitating its continued impact over the coming years. For more information about Mrs. Osher’s life and philanthropy, please read her official obituary . Rooted in Jewish values, history, and our connection to Israel, the JCA cultivates and sustains a welcoming and thriving Jewish community in Maine, and strives to build a better world for all. Formed in 2000, the JCA is the result of a merger of three institutions: the Jewish Community Center, the Jewish Federation of Southern Maine, and Jewish Family Services, which combined the programming and fundraising arms of the Jewish community.

Community Study: Connection to Israel & Antisemitism

June 30, 2025

What's New in Jewish News This Week

June 27, 2025

Washington, DC — Pentagon leaders pulled back the curtain on “Operation Midnight Hammer,” confirming that six B-2s dropped 30-ton bunker-busters on Iran’s Fordow and Natanz enrichment sites last weekend, while a seventh bomber struck backup targets. Officials hailed the raid as a “historic success,” yet acknowledged early intelligence shows Iran’s program may be set back only months, not years. Tehran answered with ballistic missiles aimed at a U.S. base in Qatar and fresh salvos on Israel, even as President Trump and Iranian diplomats traded signals about a phased cease-fire. Read more at The Washington Post . Buenos Aires, Argentina — Three decades after the AMIA Jewish-center bombing, an Argentine federal judge invoked a new “trial-in-absentia” law to prosecute seven Iranians and three Lebanese suspects linked to the Hezbollah-planned attack that killed 85 and wounded 300. Judge Daniel Rafecas said the unprecedented move seeks “truth and justice” despite the fugitives’ absence, and reflects backing from President Javier Milei, the United States and Israel. Families of the victims welcomed the step, while Tehran again denied involvement. Read more at The Times of Israel . Jerusalem, Israel — Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is weighing snap elections to capitalize on a post-Iran-offensive polling bump. Allies say a fall ballot could let him campaign on closer ties with Saudi Arabia and opposition to a Palestinian state, before coalition rifts over the budget and Haredi draft exemptions resurface. Polls last week showed Likud regaining the top spot with 27 seats after months of trailing rivals. Read more at The Times of Israel . Pittsburgh, PA — At the American Jewish Press Association’s annual conference, 70 Faces Media—parent of JTA, Kveller, My Jewish Learning and others—captured 18 Simon Rockower Awards , including 11 first-place honors for reporting and commentary published in 2024. Winning entries ranged from investigative coverage of antisemitism to a podcast on Iranian-Jewish music, underscoring the group’s breadth amid a turbulent news year. The accolades come as Jewish journalism faces both booming readership and financial headwinds. Read more at The Jewish Telegraphic Agency.