Exactly, Thank You Rashida

Exactly, Thank You Rashida

Turd on Display

Turd on Display

Red and Blue Flowers

(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)

Red and Blue Flowers

Israel Alive

(Photo via Facebook)

Israel Alive

U.S. Secret Service Circles The Wagons

 
Please see my new article in The Times of Israel called "U.S. Secret Service Circles The Wagons."

Last week was a devastating disappointment for me (and presumably for the vast majority of our country) when a 20-year-old, high school graduate attempted to assassinate the former (and likely future) president, Donald Trump. I was shocked not only by the obvious failures of today's Secret Service but even more so by the reaction of their leadership.

Aside from Trump who was almost assassinated, and the innocent civilians killed and wounded, and our heart and prayers go out to all of them, I cannot help but wonder what damage all this has done to the trust and respectability of our nation in the eyes of our allies and the fear and deterrence before the ongoing threats from our adversaries.

(AI generated image via Designer)

U.S. Secret Service Circles The Wagons

Prayer for the Brave Soldiers of the IDF!

Prayer for the Brave Soldiers of the IDF!

Secure Elevator

(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)

Secure Elevator

Soy Sauce

(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)

Soy Sauce

Blue Motorcycle

(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)

Blue Motorcycle

Japanese Art

(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)

Japanese Art

More Than "Just" a Magen David

Please see my new article in The Times of Israel called "More Than 'Just' a Magen David." 

Our response to antiSemitism and hate should be to embrace our Jewish identity all the more. In the words of the singer Benny Friedman:

I'm a Jew and I'm proud
And I'll sing it out loud
'Cuz forever
And ever
That's what I'll be
I'm a Jew and I'm proud
And without a doubt
Hashem is always watching over me

We are truly in the middle of a global attack on the Jewish people, and we cannot give up even one centimeter in our quest for freedom, peace, and security.

(Credit Photo: Virginia Humanities via https://www.flickr.com/photos/vfh/46913689764)

More Than "Just" a Magen David

Burger King Monster

Note: Not Kosher.

(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)

Burger King Monster

Hand-Carved Wood Ferrari

(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)

Hand-Carved Wood Ferrari

Against The Evil Eye

(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)

Against The Evil Eye

Dog Face

(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)

Dog Face

Bike and Flower

(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)

Bike and Flower

They Are the Racists

 

Please see my new article in The Times of Israel called "They Are the Racists."

This past Independence Day, a disgraceful, vile shadow fell over our celebrations. We witnessed so-called "protests" erupt again in violence, filled with smoke bombs, flag burning, and calls for intifada, "death to America," and violent jihad "by any means necessary." These weren't demonstrations for change; they were hateful displays demanding the overthrow of our nation and its core values.

We are a nation built on inclusion and respect for diverse opinions. But tolerance has its limits. When our communities, campuses, and cities are overrun by those who seek to tear down everything we've built, we must act.

Those who are here illegally or are on visas and cannot live peacefully forfeit the right to remain here. Deportation is a necessary conversation, a way to protect our nation from those who threaten its very core.

(AI generated image via Designer)

They Are the Racists

Lady Bag

(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)

Lady Bag

Taped to a Hand Truck

(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)

Taped to a Hand Truck

Sitting Zombie

(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)

Sitting Zombie

Go Kart Racetrack

(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)

Go Kart Racetrack

Moroccan Chandelier

(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
 

Moroccan Chandelier

Axis of Jihad

Please see my new article in The Times of Israel called "Axis of Jihad."

Deport the terrorists, halt their vile ways,
Before darkness consumes our brightest days.
Iran’s threat looms large, Yemen’s shore cries,
The Axis of Evil seeks its prize.

Russia, China, and Iran—psyops behind it all,
Undermining the West with terror and chaos, oh the gall!
Their geopolitical dance, a cunning ballet,
While the world trembles, caught in their dangerous strategic sway.

 (AI generated image via Designer)

Axis of Jihad

D.C. Metro

(Credit Photo: Minna Blumenthal)

D.C. Metro

Grab Some Coffee

(Credit Photo: Minna Blumenthal)

Grab Some Coffee

Ferris Wheel

(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)

Ferris Wheel

Hot Chocolate with Whipped Cream

(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)

Hot Chocolate with Whipped Cream

Butterfly Bench

(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)

Butterfly Bench

Israel Victory: A Marathon, Not a Sprint

Please see my new article in The Times of Israel called "Israel Victory: A Marathon, Not a Sprint."

We've been going on almost 9 months since October 7, and exhaustion is setting in. Many of us are wondering when the war will be won and the hostages will be home so that life can return to normal. However, what many of us aren't seeing is that the terrorists are playing a much longer game. They are willing to endure near-endless suffering and loss of life to achieve the goal of not only a "Palestine" but also a much broader terrorist caliphate. And to that end, they have interwoven a series of intricate false narratives and victimhood.

For us to succeed, we need to dig in our heels and embrace the kind of long-term commitment and unyielding dedication not only to defeating Hamas today but also to the terrorist threat in the long term. Our enemies have a vision of dominion over the West, and we must be committed and united to do whatever it takes for as long as it takes to ensure they are completely and utterly defeated and that we are safe and secure forever.

(AI generated image via Designer)

Israel Victory: A Marathon, Not a Sprint

Cool To Be Jewish

Cool To Be Jewish

Empathy!

(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)

Empathy!

Skylon Tower

(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)

Skylon Tower

Toronto Skyline

(Credit Photo: AndyBlumenthal)

Toronto Skyline

@Niagara Falls

(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)

@Niagara Falls

Israel's Allies Must Speak Out

Please see my new article in The Times of Israel called "Israel's Allies Must Speak Out."

It seems like the world has turned on Israel, but they are truly not alone, and good people from around the world stand with Israel despite the actions and rhetoric of the vile extremists that support terrorism.

Israel's allies rely on her to fight terror while they keep a "good face" on relations with the Arab community at large. But quiet support is no longer enough. Those who oppose terror must be bold.

(AI generated image via Designer) 

Israel's Allies Must Speak Out

Take It for a Spin

(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
 

Take It for a Spin

Big Wheels

(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)

Big Wheels

Fish Mish

(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)

Fish Mish

@National Arboretum

(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)

@National Arboretum

Bonsai Right and Left

 

(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)

Bonsai Right and Left

A Poem for Noa Argamani

Please see my new article in The Times of Israel called "A Poem for Noa Argamani."

Noa Argamani, a name etched in our hearts,
Two hundred forty-six days, a story that tears us apart.
Held captive by darkness, by terror’s cruel hand,
Yet hope, a flickering flame, held strong in the sand.

October seventh, a memory etched in our soul,
The image of you, a cry, a story yet untold.
Aboard a Hamas bike, a moment of despair,
But courage in your eyes, a strength beyond compare.

We prayed, oh Noa, with fervor and might,
Tehillim whispered, a beacon in the night.
For you and the others, a hundred and twenty more,
Longing for freedom, yearning to reach our shore.

Today, a miracle unfolds, tears of joy we weep,
Rescue’s embrace, a promise you’d keep.
Reunited with your father, on his birthday so grand,
Coca-Cola in hand, a homecoming unplanned.

Your mother, oh Noa, a fragile thread of life,
But you’re back by her side, no more strife.
Comfort and solace in this sacred embrace,
A family reunited, a love no time erases.

Grateful we are, for Hashem’s watchful eye,
His mercy unending, beneath a clear blue sky.
Noa, an inspiration, your spirit so bright,
Resilience your armor, surviving the night.

We never gave up, the world held its breath,
For you and the others, defying the grip of death.
The Jewish people united, in celebration we stand,
A daughter returned, hope restored to the land.

The IDF, the Yamam, heroes bold and strong,
Their courage unwavering, righting a terrible wrong.
Thank you, oh guardians, for your unwavering might
Bringing our loved ones back to the light.

Noa Argamani, your story etched in time,
A testament to courage, a spirit so sublime.
May peace find its footing, may hatred be quelled
And families forever, forever be held.

(A Reimagination of Rescued Hostage Noa Argamani and Her Father Reunited. Photo transformation by Andy Blumenthal)

A Poem for Noa Argamani

Noa Argamani Rescued

Noa was rescued with 3 other hostages from the evil Hamas terrorists.

Thank you Hashem!

(Photo via Twitter)

Noa Argamani Rescued

The Biggest Threat to Western Civilization

Please see my new article in The Times of Israel called "The Biggest Threat to Western Civilization."

In short, radical jihadists are not only using everything from terrorism to the pursuit of nuclear weapons to achieve their goals of domination and a caliphate, but they are also employing a dangerous strategy of subterfuge and subversion of our democratic institutions and society. As long as we continue to focus almost exclusively on threats from China and Russia and attempt to downplay the significant danger of a radical terrorist caliphate, we ignore the "revolution," the ideology of martyrdom, and the pursuit of Jihad that is a threat to freedom and human rights not only to the people in their own countries but to those around the world.

(AI generated image via Designer)

The Biggest Threat to Western Civilization

Milky Way

(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)

Milky Way

Say Bye Bye to Lebanon

(Photo via Twitter)

Say Bye Bye to Lebanon

Rebbe

(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)

Rebbe

They Low, We Chai

(Photo via Twitter)

They Low, We Chai

Don't Be So Humble; You're Not That Great

Please see my new article in The Times of Israel called "Don't Be So Humble; You're Not That Great."

In short, Judaism teaches that our mission in life is to connect to Hashem, the source of all. In connecting to the source, we are supposed to empty ourselves of vanity and materialism so that we can be filled with the Divine holiness.

G-d is the source of everything, and the greatest opportunity for human beings is to connect to the source and fulfill G-d's commandments to make the mundane into the holy and the worldly into the heavenly. Just as G-d is the creator, He created humans so that we have the ability to reach out to the source and perfect ourselves in His image. This is the ultimate good that G-d gives to humanity: the capacity to connect with and be close to the creator through our own choices and actions.

(AI generated image via Designer)

Don't Be So Humble; You're Not That Great

Free Israel

(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)

Free Israel

Bonfire

 
(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)

Bonfire