Two violent anti-Semitic incidents that took place in Kiev, Ukraine, over the course of a week have alarmed the Ukrainian Jewish community. Some experts speculate that the events could be related to the political conflict that has engulfed the country since November 2013. more

For American Jews, the birthday of the late Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. is an occasion to recall the impressive Jewish contributions to the movement for African-American civil rights—from Jewish Freedom Riders such as Schwerner and Goodman, to the rabbis who marched with Dr. King, to the Jewish attorneys who spearheaded the NAACP’s legal battles against discrimination. It may surprise some to learn that one of the earliest Jewish protests against racism in America was lodged more than half a century before Rosa Parks and Bull Connor—by the militant Zionist leader Vladimir Ze’ev Jabotinsky. more

THURSDAY JAN. 23 LUNCH & LEARN with Rabbi Shalom Axelrod of YI Woodmere. Traditions Restaurant, 302 Central Ave., Lawrence. 12:30-1:30 pm. Buy a great $12 lunch, eat and learn. Alan Stern 516-398-3094. more

When the economic crisis hit Bulgaria in 2011, Yana, a Jewish mother of three, was one of the first casualties. She lost her job as an optician and suddenly her family had to survive on her husband’s meager salary of $500 a month. Bills piled up quickly, and soon they were $8,000 in debt. Struggles like that of Yana’s family are sadly common among some European Jews today. more

The Orthodox Union Advocacy Center lauded sections of the just released NYS Executive budget for its increased education funding that will in turn benefit New York Jewish day schools. more

“I realize how close I could have come to not existing; I’m here because of the grace of one man’s kindness and efforts.” The only child of two Holocaust survivors, Robert Koppel told The Jewish Star that he shoulders the “responsibility to maintain and ensure that the traditions of his family go on.” more

The Jewish Star has immediate openings for full-time and part-time staff to sell advertising and marketing opportunities to businesses and institutions in our communities. more

THURSDAY JAN. 16 LUNCH & LEARN with Rabbi Shalom Axelrod of YI Woodmere. Traditions Restaurant, 302 Central Ave., Lawrence. 12:30-1:30 pm. Buy a great $12 lunch, eat and learn. Alan Stern 516-398-3094. more

Although Ariel Sharon will be remembered primarily for his achievements on the battlefield and his decisions as an Israeli political leader, an often-overlooked aspect of his legacy was his impact on the American Jewish community. In March 1980, Sharon arrived in the United States in the midst of an uproar over the Carter administration’s support of a United Nations resolution branding Jerusalem “occupied Arab territory.” Sharon, as a member of Prime Minister Menachem Begin’s cabinet, was invited to address an urgent meeting of the Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations, in New York City. In his remarks, Sharon criticized U.S. Jewish leaders for not responding more vigorously to the Carter administration’s action. more

The funeral for Ariel Sharon, 11th prime minster of the State of Israel, took place on Monday, with dignitaries from 19 countries coming to pay their last respects. Sharon served as prime minster from 2001 until 2006, when a massive stroke left him in a comatose state until his death on Jan. 11. Sharon is remembered as an enigmatic figure, both as one of Israel’s greatest generals and field commanders, and later as a government minister and prime minister. more