Chaya Houpt, at The Blogs

Chaya Houpt

Sep 16, 2026, 10:34 PM

Americans in Israel: Don’t forget there’s an election back home

With the holidays in full swing and Israelis already turning their attention to our own upcoming elections, it would be very easy for Americans living here to overlook another election taking place thousands of miles away. The United States holds...

Sep 9, 2026, 2:10 PM

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How we treat people is who we are: A tale of two bus drivers

Illustrative: A Superbus driver waits for passengers at the entrance to Jerusalem, August 1, 2022. (Olivier Fitoussi/Flash90)

It's tempting to let fear spiral into hypervigilance, but I choose love instead, tolerating daily uncertainties for the sake of my sense of self

Jul 31, 2025, 4:26 PM

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When you don’t know what to say, but you can’t say nothing

The needs of the world and my family's needs conflict, which means I sometimes defer my obligations to focus on the endless, aimless, brutal, devastating war

Jun 4, 2025, 4:00 PM

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Waves and waves of love: An Orthodox ally at Pride

With Free Parent Hugs, at Jerusalem's Liberty Bell Park, 2024. (courtesy)

I didn't create the tension between Jewish law and the modern LGBTQ community, and I can't resolve it, but I will do all I can to support those navigating it

Jan 24, 2018, 4:50 PM

What depression really feels like

It’s not easy to speak publicly about my struggle with depression. In my work, I teach and write about the most intimate topics with ease. This is harder. After overwhelming response to a social media post I wrote on...

Dec 21, 2017, 8:42 PM

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Why I interrupted the prime minister at the Bible Quiz

Illustrative: Benjamin Netanyahu (center) with the Bible Quiz winners. (Marc Israel/Flash90)

How wonderful to be allowed to speak out against Israel's involvement in the torment of the Rohingya

Oct 29, 2017, 9:43 AM

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Loving my country means holding it accountable

Rohingya scuffle to get clothes from local volunteers Kutupalong, Bangladesh, Friday, Sept. 8, 2017. (AP Photo/Bernat Armangue)

My government must be held accountable for the export of weapons to a murderous regime

About Me

Chaya Houpt is a writer, sex educator, and activist. She writes about identity and life in Israel at makingthingscomplicated.substack.com. Originally from Arizona, Chaya lives in Jerusalem with her husband and five children. She is the Chair of Democrats Abroad Israel

Contact Me