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Melanie Takefman

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Apr 5, 2024, 1:05 PM

I accompanied hostages’ families to the Knesset. It shook my soul

October 7 paralyzed me. For half a year, the excruciating grief and the necessity to function for my kids and my job have forced me into a mechanical existence in which I go through the motions of life. Writing has...

May 16, 2021, 11:51 AM

Coexistence can be uncomfortable

I’m outraged – but not surprised – by Israel’s internal combustion. I won’t try to tackle everything about the current spike in the Israeli-Arab conflict, or who's to blame. But there a few things burning me up inside - based...

Mar 7, 2018, 9:52 PM

Walking wombs: How Israel’s cult of childbirth subjugates women

Illustrative: Newborn babies in a Jerusalem hospital. (Flash90)

Are women no more than walking wombs, who can only redeem themselves through procreation? (Int'l Women's Day)

Jun 27, 2017, 8:43 AM

Because it’s 2017: child soldiers, elderly warriors

The year is 2017, but the gender stereotypes are medieval

Apr 30, 2017, 10:09 AM

Don’t hijack my flag!

I love this time of year. The country is festive, bedecked with flags. Despite our plentiful problems, Independence Day somehow brings out the best in people. This year, like every year, my family and I hung a flag on our...

Feb 20, 2017, 4:36 PM

I’m a Zionist, and I’m not your punching bag

A proud McGill alum on her alma mater's new oppressive student culture inhibiting open discussion, and what to do about it

Dec 25, 2016, 3:23 PM

Hanukkah at the end of the world

It's not politically correct to say that Bolivia is the end of the world. But for me, in the fall of 2001, it was. It was also an unlikely place for me to come to terms with my Jewish identity. This is...

Nov 10, 2016, 9:53 PM

Hillary lost but women have won

I started writing this piece under the premise that Hillary would win. I even had a snappy headline: "She made history. Now let's rewrite it." Now, as we pick up the pieces in what feels like a bad hangover, I...

Oct 27, 2016, 9:59 AM

Forced to air our dirty laundry

The attack on B'Tselem's Hagai El-Ad for his anti-occupation speech at the UN Security Council highlights a grueling dilemma for Israeli human rights activists. How do you reconcile patriotism with disdain for your country's actions? How can you communicate effectively with...

Sep 18, 2016, 5:13 PM

Don’t rush to embrace the burkini

Men and women of all stripes and backgrounds have condemned the French burkini ban. It's true: women should dress as they please. But before we run to embrace the burkini, let's not forget why it exists. Men are responsible for the burka,...

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About Me

Born in Canada and living in Israel since 2003, Melanie Takefman writes about life in Israel, herstory and cross-cultural identity. She is currently working on a book about women and migration.

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