YOUR DAILY SPIEL FOR FRIDAY, AUGUST 18

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Your Daily Spiel is The CJN’s (almost) daily roundup of trending stories in the Jewish world.


Canada

Saying Goodbye to a Philanthropist: Jack Rabinovitch, a philanthropist and founder of the Giller Prize, died away on Aug. 6. Read former Ontario premier Bob Rae’s tribute to him here.   

United States

Odeh Outbound: The United States has revoked the citizenship of Rasmea Odeh, a Palestinian terrorist who participated in a 1969 supermarket bombing that killed two HebrewU students. Odeh, who will be deported to Jordan, has been popular amongst American progressives, drawing praise from figures like Linda Sarsour.

READ: TO APOLOGIZE FOR NEO-NAZIS IS TO BE ON WRONG SIDE OF HISTORY

Spain

Spanish Scare: Las Ramblas, a popular Barcelona tourist spot, became the site of carnage yesterday after an Islamic State terrorist attack left 14 dead and scores of people wounded. One of the key suspects, Driss Oukabir, is reported to have launched a series of anti-Semitic and anti-Israel tirades on social media just days before the attack.

Arts & Culture

Radio Nowhere: An IDF radio station, Galgalatz, mistakenly played an Arabic song praising Palestinian martyrdom. When asked why the song was played, the DJ said:

“I made a mistake. I don’t speak Arabic, I don’t understand Arabic, and I don’t read Arabic. I chose the song because it fit the vibe of the show.”

Venezuela

Vanishing Venezuelans: Against the backdrop of a government sliding towards authoritarianism, rolling blackouts, and food shortages, Venezuelan Jews are beginning to flee abroad. It’s believed that 9,000 Jews still reside in the country, down from 25,000 in 1999, when economic turmoil encouraged emigration.

Song of the Day

Good Ol’ Galgalatz: In honour of the recent Galgalatz mix-up, check out a playlist from the radio station at its best. Enjoy the weekend!