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Geoffrey Clarfield

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Jun 12, 2026, 5:21 AM

The Blood Libel and the Search for the Origins of the Nile

Indian Ocean, north of Zanzibar-photo courtesy of Geoffrey Clarfield During the 19th century the search for the origin of the Nile River was to Victorian England (and the rest of the Western world) what the space race and putting a...

Jun 5, 2026, 9:02 AM

The Ecstasy of the Piyyut

After the fall of the Second Temple (70 CE) the Jews were still a majority in the Land of Israel. First, they lived under the authority of the pagan Romans. When the Romans then converted to Christianity, these same...

Feb 12, 2026, 10:13 PM

Did German Anthropology Cause the Holocaust?

As a Canadian Jewish anthropologist and film producer, born and raised in Toronto, every November I honor Neuberger Holocaust Education Week. In addition to following films, lectures and seminars that take place in and around Toronto, I set myself a...

Feb 6, 2026, 7:09 PM

‘A Welcome Guest’ – Corresponding with Victor Satya, Kenyan Friend of Israel

Kenya was my home for ten years, from 1985 to 1995. I was sent there as an anthropological researcher for McGill University in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. I was tasked with chronicling and understanding social change among a non-literate, non-industrialized...

Feb 1, 2026, 4:55 AM

“God and the Grass Roots”- Getting to Know Silan, a New Musical Ensemble

Silan on Stage in JerusalemHe put a new song in my mouth, a song of praise… Psalm 49 I have met young Israeli musician and song writer Gal Amar a number of times during the last two years. Most of...

Jan 10, 2026, 7:13 PM

Dinner with Eli and Batya – Thoughts on the Bible Lands Museum, Jerusalem

Canaanite Sculpture-Israel Museum, Jerusalem (photo by Geoffrey Clarfield)

Every year, I spend time in Israel. This year, I am here as a film producer and writer for two documentary films and two books that will be based on these documentaries, all on Jewish themes of one sort...

Dec 28, 2025, 4:46 PM

One Historical Reason the Haredim Should Fight in the IDF

The secular men and women, and the modern Orthodox soldiers of the IDF deserve our gratitude and praise. They have fought and continue to fight an on and off war on seven fronts, against implacable enemies of the Jewish...

Nov 21, 2025, 11:44 PM

The Art of Living-Israel 2025

Israelis shopping in Mahanei Yehuda Market, Jerusalem

I once used to live and work in Israel. Since that time I have come back for regular visits. Of course, close family and friends draw me back. But I also come just to watch and absorb what is...

Nov 18, 2025, 10:48 AM

Emperor Julian and the Western Wall

I first set foot in Jerusalem in 1971. I was an agricultural volunteer on a kibbutz and with my modest pay, took a bus to Jerusalem, stayed in a youth hostel, and toured the new city and the old...

Aug 27, 2025, 1:56 AM

The Articulate Asik

Anatolian saz-photo by Geoffrey Clarfield The Asiks (minstrels) are one of the most distinguished and brilliant communities of performers encountered within the realm of Turkish culture. Generally coming up singing lyrics and poetry to the accompaniment of the saz,...

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About Me

Geoffrey Clarfield is Canada's only conservative anthropologist.