Luiz Gandelman, at The Blogs

Sep 7, 2024, 10:26 AM

Frustrations from a Distantly Close Friend

I was at my college’s late-night diner preparing to order food when out of boredom, I checked my phone for the first time in a few hours. When I opened Instagram, the sight I had been dreading for months...

Aug 19, 2024, 9:06 AM

Netanyahu: our new Zedekiah

This Tisha B’Av served as a stark reminder of the tragedy befalling the Jewish people and Israel since October 7, with antisemitism peaking, hundreds of Israeli soldiers and thousands of civilians having been murdered by Hamas, and these victims...

Jul 5, 2024, 8:02 AM

Why Israel must recognize Palestine at the UN

WASHINGTON, DC - SEPTEMBER 13: US President Bill Clinton (C) stands between PLO leader Yasser Arafat (R) and Israeli Prime Minister Yitzahk Rabin (L) as they shake hands 13 September 1993 at the White House in Washington DC. Rabin and Arafat shook hands for the first time after Israel and the PLO signed a historic agreement on Palestinian autonomy in the occupied territories. (Photo credit: J. DAVID AKE/AFP/Getty Images)

The horrifying war Israel is currently engaged in, the captivity of the hostages, the international condemnation of Israel, and the diplomatic recognition of Palestine by Ireland, Spain, Norway, and Armenia serve as a stark reminder. The days of Oslo,...

Apr 16, 2024, 4:30 AM

Today, restraint is strength for Israel

Objects in the sky are intercepted after Iran attacked Israel. Amir Cohen/Reuters

I, like millions of Jews and diaspora Israelis around the world watched in horror as the Islamic Republic of Iran launched their offensive on Israel, indiscriminately targeting civilians of all backgrounds and faiths. I was driving to Utica, New...

Jul 6, 2023, 11:10 AM

Understanding Israel’s Judicial Reforms, and why you should oppose them too

With hundreds of thousands of Israelis, Religious and Secular, Arab and Jewish, and Left and Right, all coming together, Israel has been in chaotic political turmoil for the past few months, mainly over one issue: Bibi Netanyahu's proposed Judicial...

Jan 23, 2023, 6:42 AM

Israel: It’s Time For A Wake Up Call

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...

About Me

Luiz Gandelman is a student at Hamilton College in Clinton, New York. Originally from São Paulo, Brazil, he now 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