![Is Derek Penslar the Wrong Kind of Jew for Harvard?](https://www.thenation.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Penslar.jpg)
Is Derek Penslar the Wrong Kind of Jew for Harvard? Is Derek Penslar the Wrong Kind of Jew for Harvard?
He’s a distinguished scholar, director of Harvard’s Center for Jewish Studies, and former president of the American Academy for Jewish Research. But Bill Ackman doesn’t like him.
Feb 2, 2024 / Eric Alterman
![Conservative Jews Made a Terrible Bargain With Trump and the Right Over Israel](https://www.thenation.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/TrumpWallIsraelVisitGetty.jpg)
Conservative Jews Made a Terrible Bargain With Trump and the Right Over Israel Conservative Jews Made a Terrible Bargain With Trump and the Right Over Israel
American Jewish leaders have spent so long genuflecting before the Christian right that even the most blatant anti-Semitism finds them unable to stand up or speak out.
Dec 21, 2022 / Eric Alterman
![A man with a beard and glasses looks into the distance. His hands are clasped below his chin.](https://www.thenation.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/gitlin-at-atkinson-getty-img.jpg)
Todd Gitlin Told His Truth Everywhere He Went Todd Gitlin Told His Truth Everywhere He Went
The writer and activist combined intellectual complexity and honesty with a lifelong commitment to liberal humanist values.
Feb 8, 2022 / Back Page / Eric Alterman
![Political Turmoil in Nicaragua](https://www.thenation.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/GettyImages-1233691827-1.jpg)
Why the Media No Longer Cares About Nicaragua Why the Media No Longer Cares About Nicaragua
Elite fixations often determine press coverage, and no one in power wants to talk about Daniel Ortega anymore.
Sep 28, 2021 / Eric Alterman
![Israel Palestine Apartheid](https://www.thenation.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/israel-apartheid-img.jpg)
Yes, Israel Is Obviously an Apartheid State Yes, Israel Is Obviously an Apartheid State
The Human Rights Watch report is a valuable, sober, and deliberately uninflammatory piece of scholarship—which won’t make a damn bit of difference.
May 5, 2021 / Eric Alterman
![Walter LaFeber](https://www.thenation.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/WalterLaFeber.jpg)
The Remarkable Influence of Walter LaFeber The Remarkable Influence of Walter LaFeber
The Cornell University diplomatic historian inspired generations of students—including me.
Mar 17, 2021 / Eric Alterman
![Even in Death, Sheldon Adelson Will Keep Undermining Democracy](https://www.thenation.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Sheldon_Adelson-getty_img.jpg)
Even in Death, Sheldon Adelson Will Keep Undermining Democracy Even in Death, Sheldon Adelson Will Keep Undermining Democracy
Wherever the casino magnate went, corruption—be it moral, legal, political, or cultural—was never far behind.
Feb 8, 2021 / Editorial / Eric Alterman
![media scrum Trump](https://www.thenation.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/GettyImages-media-frenzy.jpg)
Look Beyond the Media Frenzy and Focus on the Fundamentals Look Beyond the Media Frenzy and Focus on the Fundamentals
In my last column, I’d like to leave you with what I’ve learned covering the media for more nearly 25 years.
Dec 30, 2020 / Column / Eric Alterman
![Donald Trump](https://www.thenation.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/trumpbefuddled_shutterstock.jpg)
Unchecked Republican Lies Opened the Door for Trump Unchecked Republican Lies Opened the Door for Trump
Network executives need to decide which side they are on: democracy or fascist rebellion.
Dec 18, 2020 / The Liberal Media / Eric Alterman
![The Last Few Years Have Spelled a Resounding End to the ‘Jewish Vote’](https://www.thenation.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/sheldon-adelson-maga-hat-gty-img.jpg)
The Last Few Years Have Spelled a Resounding End to the ‘Jewish Vote’ The Last Few Years Have Spelled a Resounding End to the ‘Jewish Vote’
There is no longer just one Jewish community. There are several, and they are increasingly at loggerheads.
Nov 30, 2020 / Column / Eric Alterman