Josh Jury, at The Blogs

Josh Jury

Jun 25, 2025, 11:42 PM

I couldn’t help but contemplate what my next trip to Jerusalem would entail. Of course, I’d spend time in the Jewish Quarter of the Old City, I’d go to the Kotel with my Bar Mitzvah Tallit, walk through the...

Jan 18, 2025, 11:02 PM

Sun Before the Storm

Masada National Park, Israel photographed by author (Josh Jury) on September 21, 2023.

I last stood on Israeli soil during a high school semester. October 11, 2023 followed seven weeks of sun and blue skies. This day was different, though. It was dark, cloudy, and chaotic. On that day, my classmates and I...

Sep 25, 2024, 10:07 PM

Jewish Summer Camp; A Diaspora Utopia

Josh Jury (author), standing in front of the Chalutzim program at URJ Olin-Sang-Ruby Union Institute on June 10, 2024.

Summer camp is song sessions, arts & crafts, and sailing on the lake, but in the Jewish American community, it’s also a diaspora utopia. For many Jewish kids across the States, summer camp is the one place where they...

May 3, 2024, 12:11 AM

American Universities Must Invest in an ‘Iron Dome’

‘As a student, would I feel safer on a US college campus or in an active war zone?’ This seemingly ridiculous question is one I never thought I’d be asking. And yet, these past several weeks I’ve pondered the...

Mar 15, 2024, 7:32 AM

Pekudei: A Reminder of Community Activism in Ancient and Modern Israel

AMHSI students packaged 1,500 bags of food, toiletries, and notes. Picture shows these packages on their way to families and soldiers effected by the war. Photo taken on October 9, 2023 by author (Josh Jury).

This week's Torah portion, Pekudei, is the last in Exodus, and it signifies the beginning of the Jewish people’s transformation from a family into a nation. This portion also serves as a testament to the Jewish State today, and...

Mar 8, 2024, 5:27 PM

Israel Must Utilize Social Media to Gain Gen Z Solidarity in Times of War

In 2024 wars are being fought on battlefields, but they’re also being fought through a different medium - social media. In this age of technology, one doesn’t need to be physically on the ground in places of combat or...

Feb 2, 2024, 9:26 AM

Undeniable truth is under attack

"Undeniable Truth" pin given out by US Holocaust Memorial Museum photographed by author (Josh Jury)

According to a recent and alarming poll done by The Economist/YouGov, one in five US citizens aged 18-29 believe that the Holocaust is a myth. Gen Z and Millennial Americans, at a dangerously high rate, are falling victim to...

Jan 18, 2024, 2:16 AM

Gen Z Jews Have the Agency to Become Changemakers Amidst War in Israel

Tzfat, Israel Photographed By Josh on October 5, 2023

The October 7th attacks on Israel have been prominent and monumental in their effects on the Jewish community in Israel, but also across the world. According to the ADL, antisemitism has soared over 360% since the war began. For...

About Me

Josh Jury expedited his high school graduation following a semester at Heller High School in Israel that was cut short by the October 7 attacks and ensuing war. He writes about Israel with a focus on the role of Gen Z, believing that meaningful dialogue can foster greater empathy, nuance, and a commitment to coexistence and peace in the Middle East. Josh is an alumnus of the URJ Teen Israel Organizing Fellowship and was recognized as one of JUF’s 18 Under 18 for his work representing Israel.

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