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Ryan Aviv Fagan

A Midwestern Jewish Politico

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May 20, 2026, 9:21 PM

May Golan Is Picking the Wrong Fight

At a time when Jews around the world are dealing with rising antisemitism, increased security concerns, harassment on college campuses, and an explosion of anti-Jewish rhetoric online, Israeli minister May Golan apparently decided that one of her priorities should...

May 19, 2026, 4:15 AM

“I’m Around Palestinians and I’m Fine” Is Not the Profound Point Some Think

There’s a certain genre of social media video right now that has become incredibly predictable: an anti-Zionist Jewish creator stands in a Palestinian neighborhood, at a protest, or around Palestinian activists and basically says, “Look. I’m Jewish and nothing...

May 10, 2026, 6:40 AM

Still Liberal. Still Jewish. Still Believe Israel Should Exist.

Somewhere along the way, parts of the internet decided that being a liberal and supporting Israel’s right to exist are mutually exclusive positions. As if the moment a Jewish person believes in universal healthcare, labor rights, LGBTQ equality, reproductive...

Apr 9, 2026, 10:07 PM

The Problem with Ignoring Antisemitism in Progressive Spaces

There’s a narrative floating around right now that if you’re progressive, you have to fall in line with every voice that claims to speak for justice. I’ve never bought that. And as a Jewish person who holds broadly progressive...

Mar 19, 2026, 6:29 AM

A War Without an Endgame Is Not Strength

There is a difference between using force and having a strategy. Israel and the United States may be very good at the first. Right now they are doing a miserable job of proving they have the second. Let us get...

Mar 9, 2026, 10:36 PM

Crypto will not rebuild Gaza

Bitcoins flying over Eastern Gaza City, six months after 2014's Operation Protective Edge (Gaza photo: Aaed Tayeh/ Flash90; composite by The Times of Israel)

Because when you think of rebuilding a shattered territory with barely functioning internet, naturally the first word that comes to mind is… blockchain

Mar 3, 2026, 6:01 PM

Trump Blew Up the Deal in 2018. Now We’re at War

On Monday, Steve Witkoff went on Fox News and said that during negotiations last week, Iranian officials didn’t just admit they had enough enriched uranium for eleven nuclear bombs… They bragged about it. They bragged. That is not the language of...

Feb 5, 2026, 10:34 PM

The Analogy Fits ICE Far More Than COVID-Era Public Health Policy

Speaking this morning at the National Prayer Breakfast in Washington, Donald Trump once again invoked one of the most loaded analogies in modern political rhetoric. Recounting COVID-era restrictions on religious gatherings, Trump claimed Democrats behaved “like the Gestapo,” arresting...

Jan 21, 2026, 1:29 AM

This Is How Conflicts Are Prolonged

There is a particular kind of political vandalism that doesn’t just destroy buildings. It corrodes credibility. Israel’s decision to demolish the UNRWA office in East Jerusalem falls squarely into that category. It is provocative, unnecessary, and deeply self-defeating. And...

Jan 14, 2026, 3:44 AM

The Danger of Getting Iran Wrong

There is a particular temptation in American foreign policy that feels especially strong during moments of visible repression. When people are in the streets, when the violence is undeniable, when the moral lines seem clear, the urge to declare...

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About Me

Reform Jew. Husband. Father. Political Junkie. Failed Political Candidate. Marketing Guy. Time Magazine 2006 Person of the Year. Minnesotan.

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