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Cliff Churgin

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Apr 7, 2026, 5:43 PM

Tehran Troubles

In June 1941, the German Wehrmacht launched Operation Barbarossa, an invasion of the USSR that Hitler was convinced would last only a few months. Hitler believed that after the officer purges, the Holodomor in Ukraine, and Stalin’s general shredding...

Nov 1, 2023, 5:15 AM

Hasbara, Shmasbara

(Note: Hasbara is a Hebrew word that is a little difficult to translate. The best translation I've seen is "public diplomacy.") Whether working as a tour guide or hosting Friday night dinners, countless people have asked me, "How can Israel...

Oct 26, 2023, 1:49 AM

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu gives a primetime address, October 25, 2023. (GPO/Screenshot)

Netanyahu will eventually have to answer for abandoning those living near Gaza – he's already taking steps to insulate himself

Sep 25, 2016, 7:04 PM

Perhaps one of the most annoying tropes of this campaign season has been that of the so called ``liberal media.” For decades now the right has very successfully pushed the idea that the mainstream media is prejudiced against conservatives...

May 1, 2012, 5:25 PM

Zippori – Out and About with Cliff

The period between 70 CE and 220 CE were among the most crucial in Jewish history. In this period, between the destruction of the Temple and the compilation of the Mishnah Jewish leaders had to answer the question, “How...

Apr 27, 2012, 8:40 AM

Iran – Rational?

In an interview in Wednesday’s Haaretz magazine IDF Chief of Staff Benny Gantz said that Iran’s leadership was rational a description that has raised controversy before. Well, is Iran a rational actor? At the risk of offending a great...

Apr 26, 2012, 3:44 PM

75 year-old weapons cache uncovered

Archaeologists in Israel not are not only busy with finds from ancient history, but also deal with more modern events. During the British mandate, Jews not in the British security services were forbidden from holding arms so the underground...

Apr 25, 2012, 2:15 PM

Be a Patriot, Drink Wine

The other day I was discussing the subject of wine tours and wineries with a colleague. She mentioned that when they have tried to encourage tourists to visit wineries the reaction has usually been negative (to the concept not...

Apr 22, 2012, 11:39 AM

Out and About with Cliff – Tel Lachish

Welcome to “Out and About with Cliff” a blog about travels and activities all over Israel. Today’s item is about Tel Lachish, a place of great historical importance but that is often overlooked. Please note that the site is...

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About Me

Cliff Churgin is a technical writer living in Jerusalem. He made Aliyah in 1983 and is married with four children.