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Check FAQAbout Jacob
Jacob Russell is a freelance writer, photographer and video journalist based in the Middle East. He trained as a press photographer in the UK and then moved to Iraqi Kurdistan to become picture editor and trainer at Metrography, Iraq's first photo agency. There he mentored Iraqi photographers and worked to raise the profile of Iraqi photojournalism on the international stage. As a freelancer Jacob covered the rise and eventual military defeat of the Islamic State in Iraq and the changing fortunes of Iraqi Kurdistan. He is now based in Lebanon from where he continues to cover the Middle East and further afield. He specialises in reporting on the use of cryptocurrency and blockchain in fragile economies. Jacob is also a regular collaborator with Raw Music International, making short films focusing on music in changing places. With RMI he has produced films from Iraq, Myanmar, Ukraine and Mongolia. His work has been published in the Guardian, Le Monde, Der Spiegel, Neon Magazine, Neue Zurcher Zeitung, Die Zeit and CNN, amongst others. His video work has appeared on NBC.com and Time.com and he has also published written work in Der Spiegel, Al Jazeera English and Roads & Kingdoms.
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Pro-Palestinian Protesters Target US Embassy in Beirut
Following a devastating explosion at a Gaza hospital, Hamas accuses Israel, while Israel blames Palestinian Islamic Jihad, who denies the claim. In Lebanon, protesters at the U.S. Embassy in Beirut express their anger towards Israel, holding the United States responsible as Israel's main supporter.
In Lebanon, Packed Restaurants Hide a Deepening Divide
Lebanon is experiencing one of the worst economic crises in recent history, leading to widespread poverty. Despite this, bars and restaurants are bustling as the summer season begins, highlighting a stark contrast between the wealthy and the poor.
A Look at Mel Brooks on His 95th Birthday
Mel Brooks, on his 95th birthday, is celebrated as the last great Hollywood Jew, embodying a unique blend of Jewish indignation and pride. His service in World War II deepened his Jewish identity, and his post-war career in comedy has been marked by an unabashed embrace of Jewish culture. Brooks' work, including the '2000 Year Old Man' with Carl Reiner and films like 'Blazing Saddles' and 'Spaceballs', often features Jewish humor and Yiddish language. His films are seen as gifts to both Jewish and gentile audiences, with moments that are deeply personal and cleansing for Jews. Brooks' relentless Judaization of art is also evident in his remake of 'To Be or Not to Be', which contrasts with the original by emphasizing Jewish characters and themes. Throughout his career, Brooks has used humor as a means of protest against death and a way to elevate Jewish dignity.
Women’s Lacrosse Preview
The Hood College women's lacrosse team is set to play their first game since the cancellation of collegiate athletics due to COVID-19. With a mixed record from previous seasons and many new players yet to play a full season, the team, coached by Laura Fox, is adapting with new strategies and position changes. Sophomore midfielder Lucy Sokoloff highlights the team's readiness and points out fellow midfielder Mackenzie Demaio as a key player. The Blazers are scheduled to host Arcadia University Knights in their season opener.
Lebanon's Economic Spiral Sends Youth Fleeing
Lebanon is facing severe economic challenges and political instability, leading to a mass departure of young people in search of better opportunities abroad. The situation has escalated to the point where the country's most talented individuals are emigrating, which is reported by Jacob Russell from Beirut.
In the hills of Madagascar a joyous ceremony keeps the deceased close to their kin.
The article describes the Famadihana ceremony in Madagascar, a cultural practice where families exhume the bodies of their ancestors for a celebration that includes dancing, drinking, and feasting. The ceremony, which takes place in the highlands, is a way for the living to maintain a connection with the deceased, reinforcing family bonds and love. The author reflects on the contrast between this open acknowledgment of death and the more reserved approach to mourning in Western societies, particularly in middle-class England. The author's personal experience with grief after the loss of a younger brother provides a poignant backdrop to the exploration of Famadihana. The ceremony is depicted as a joyous, communal event that challenges the taboo surrounding death, showing that love and relationships with the deceased continue beyond their physical presence.
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