Sasha Star, at The Blogs

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Nov 4, 2021, 4:29 PM

Ableism is an Issue as Important as Climate Change

I remember one of the first times I travelled from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem. I had been visiting Israel with a friend — her first time; my third — and the capital was naturally a highlight on the bucket list...

May 14, 2021, 12:22 AM

When your heart is 7,000 km from your body

Three years ago, I stood in Kikar Rabin in the early hours of the morning as we all sang and danced because Israel had won Eurovision. We sang and danced together — all Israelis, from all walks of life, all...

Nov 3, 2020, 2:01 AM

Anti-Semitism: The Virus Without a Vaccine

There was a time, at one point during the past eight months, when it felt like, just maybe, humanity was on the same side. There was a common enemy to unite against — a virus, a spawn of nature, a...

May 19, 2019, 11:37 PM

When BDS Wears BDSM

In case you were confused, The Netherlands won Eurovision 2019. Your puzzlement probably stemmed from everyone going on about Iceland instead. They were the three-piece punk rock band who performed an arguably awful song during Saturday night’s final. Decked out in leather...

Mar 24, 2019, 12:22 AM

A Very Sheeran Shabbat

The Johannesburg Jewish community has a reputation for being one of the most welcoming in the world. Dignitaries, diplomats, destitute travellers — all have testified to the approximately 50,000 Yidden in the City of Gold possessing a warmth that is...

Mar 17, 2019, 2:05 PM

The Shot Heard around the World

New Zealand has always minded its own business. In its placid way, the picturesque country at the end of the map does things a few hours ahead of the rest of world and never causes too much commotion. It is known...

Dec 30, 2018, 2:33 PM

Making Your Mark(et)

Some people cross crocodile-infested waters... Others partake in mass protests... Wonder Woman sprinted across a war zone with bullets firing on either side. I braved shuk Machane Yehuda... on a Friday. There is a special energy that envelopes the market Erev Shabbat when...

Oct 28, 2018, 8:59 PM

When the Bubble Bursts

It is not often that I keep Shabbat. It is not often that I spend my Saturday mornings at a synagogue. It isn’t often that my Saturdays are spent having Shabbos lunch with those in my community who turn off their...

May 13, 2018, 7:19 PM

Israel, You Beautiful Creature

I come from a sporting nation. South African blood runs green and gold each time our cricket players are at the wicket, our rugby players are in a stadium, or our soccer team takes to the field. I have twice lived...

Apr 23, 2018, 8:01 PM

Natalie Portman Never Had to Serve in the Israeli Army

Natalie Portman never served in the Israeli army. Despite being born in Jerusalem, holding dual Israeli-American citizenship, being able to speak Hebrew, her real name being the rather Israeli “Neta-Lee Hershlag,” and even being university educated in the country of...

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About Me

Despite hating the sound of her own voice, Sasha Star worked in radio for over 6 years in South Africa, before transitioning into international television and the world of global content creation. Her “driven” personality and love of film, music, literature, and food means that in spite of being in a wheelchair, she is often too busy to sit down.

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