Luiz Gandelman, at The Blogs

Jan 23, 2023, 6:42 AM

Likud Head MK Benjamin Netanyahu surrounded by MKs after a vote for the new Knesset speaker at the assembly hall of the Knesset, the Israeli parliament in Jerusalem, on December 13, 2022. (Yonatan Sindel/Flash90)

The most recent election in Israel is bad news for millions around the world, but it is anything but shocking. Benjamin Netanyahu and his cult-like following, alongside a mildly chaotic opposition, made this election a somewhat smooth one for...

Dec 22, 2022, 1:49 PM

Visiting Israel’s Circassian Community

My father and I at the Circassian Heritage Center in Kfar Kama, Israel in April 2022. (Luiz Gandelman)

Almost anyone can tell you that Israel is a Jewish state. As a matter of fact, roughly 75% of Israel’s population is Jewish. The next largest group is Arabs, both Muslim and Christian, followed by Druze Israelis. One group...

Sep 24, 2022, 11:59 PM

10 Israelis Making an Impact in Israel and Abroad

It is no surprise that Israelis are changing the world. Israeli inventions like Waze have revolutionized technology, and celebrities like Gal Gadot have made waves in the global entertainment world. Many Israelis make a heavy impact worldwide, but many...

Aug 5, 2022, 6:13 AM

How We Can Learn From Criticism of Israel

Israel is perhaps one of the most complicated countries on earth. After all, how many countries have their mere right to existence questioned? Besides Kosovo and Taiwan, among other small nations that may not receive recognition from other nations,...

Jun 29, 2022, 7:35 PM

Gadna: 3.5 Days in the IDF

In uniform at Gadna in April 2022. Gadna is the IDF's 3.5 day experience for Israeli and other youth to be exposed to the concepts and practicalities of the Israel Defense Forces. (Luiz Gandelman)

Gadna is the Israel Defense Forces' program for Israeli High Schoolers to be exposed to the workings of the IDF and to become prepared for their soon-to-come army service. Numerous youth from other countries like myself, however, take part...

Mar 3, 2022, 5:34 PM

Meeting a Palestinian Man From Hebron

Me with the Palestinian man I met from Hebron in the Jerusalem Rooftops on February 24, 2022. The Old City and Dome of the Rock are visible in the background. (Credit: Luiz Gandelman)

I am a Brazilian-Israeli living in the United States, and currently doing a semester of High School in Israel. I have always been Israeli, but this experience of living in Israel for an extended period of time is completely...

Feb 24, 2022, 12:21 AM

Traveling to Dubai as an Israeli

For winter break of 2021, I got the chance to visit Dubai, in the United Arab Emirates. I am an Israeli citizen, meaning that until 2020, I was not allowed to even enter the UAE, making a vacation to...

Feb 10, 2022, 5:46 AM

How Judaism and Zionism Helped Me Find Myself

I have always grown up in a Jewish household. My entire family and extended family is Jewish. Growing up in São Paulo, Brazil while being Jewish is an interesting experience. The tight knit São Paulo Jewish community made it...

About Me

Luiz Gandelman is a 17 year old student originally from São Paulo, Brazil, who lives in Miami, Florida. He is involved with multiple Jewish and secular youth groups and political organizations. Luiz is a big basketball and Star Wars fan and an avid scuba diver. He is also a fan of geography, politics, history, and anything of the sort. Most importantly, he is a proud Jew.

Contact Me