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Saturday, December 13, 2025
Meeting the Moment:
''Nazism is born in silence.'
Volodymyr Zelenskyy, 2022
I'm not sure there has ever been a world leader meeting the moment stronger than the President of Ukraine. Although like all politicians, he's not perfect, but Volodymyr Zelenskyy is certainly the man needed at this time. The war in Ukraine has been going on for over a decade, starting with Russia's invasion and annexation of Crimea, The fighting broadened into a full-scale invasion on February 24, 2022, marking a major escalation with widespread attacks across the country.
Zelenskyy with his personal trainer
This February will mark the 4th year since Russia began the escalated war. I can't even imagine the pressure on Ukraine, it's people, and especially Zelenskyy. Four years of leading a fight he never wanted. Four years of worrying about his safety, and the safety of his family and the people he represents. Four years of dealing with the responsibility of the men and women fighting the good fight.
Although his family wasn't particularly religions when he was growing up, Zelenskyy's, he's stated that most Jewish families in the Soviet Union were not especially religious. Yet, his heritage and religion play a strong role in the man he is, and and the stamina it takes to do his job. It's also a part of the core motivation for his passion to continue to fight for his country and it's people.
'The Ukrainian and Jewish communities have always been and, I am sure, will be very intertwined, very close. They will always live side by side. And they will feel both joy and pain together.'
Speech to the Knesset, March 2022.
Omer Halabi: FaVorites
עומר חלבי | גוף המאה
Omer Halabi | Body of the Century
when 22 year-old Omer Halabi was first contacted by organizers of the Mister Universe contest, he hadn't even heard of the competition. At the time, Halabi was getting read for his third bodybuilding competition. The young stunner had just recently completed his mandatory military service, and his time working as a paratrooper. The organizers reached out after seeing Halabi's images on his Instagram page.
'Given I'd not heard of the competition, at first I did not understand what they wanted from me....'
It's easy to see why the contest's organizers were so taken by Halabi's look and images. On top of having an incredible physique, Halabi also has a beautiful face and eyes, that could beckon most to do almost anything... Although excited about the opportunity, Halabi quickly began confronting an antisemitic backlash, with hateful responses after he posted the news on his social media pages. Although he received many positive responses, they were mixed with a wave of antisemitic and anti-Israel responses. Then there were also the threats which he received through private DMs.
'It saddens me that there are such ignorant people who simply follow the herd I simply ignore them.'
Still, given the threats, Halabi will be joined on his trip to California for the competition with plenty of support, as well as security. Halabi is well aware he's making history representing Israel at the international competition, and he feels the heavy responsibilities that go along with it. He also feels his passion has been fueled, not just represent his own personal looks and beauty, but the beauty of his country and the values he grew up with.
Some of Omer's quotes via JNS News
Ain't No Party Like A Hebro Party!
'Producing events for gays of Jewish experience.'
I already mentioned my struggle to find hot Hanukkah imagery. Over the last few years however, in addition to a few creative photographers, I also found a few sites with a focus on the holiday, and the male form. One, Naughty Jewish Boys, produced a yearly calendar, both a regular version and a naughty version as well. Sadly, it appears that the 2025 edition was the last year they produced the product.
Late last year, I also discovered the Facebook page for Hebro, a company that produces parties and events for the Jewish gay community. When one thinks of Hanukkah, one doesn't always connect the holiday to scantily clad men, strippers, drag queens and loud, thumping dance music. Thankfully, Hebro does! The New York based company throw parties that bring the community together, whether on a High Holiday, or just a random third Tuesday of the month.
I remember when I was school, watching how the Jewish students were left out of so much over the Christmas season. Everything was geared towards the Christmas holiday and the world seemed to shut down. I always empathized with how they must feel, especially when they were left back in class to 'read' while the rest of us went to practice for the Christmas concert. Thankfully, public schools have gotten more inclusive, at least they should have, given they serve the entire public, not just one group.
Hebro started back in 2007 when a small group of friends were looking for something fun to do on Christmas Eve. While every store, club and restaurant were closing, they decided that Christmas Eve would be the perfect time to plan a Hebro party. This lead to Hebro hosting legendary parties like their Christmas Eve Jewbilee, High Homodays, Homotashen, and Sederlicious.
'Our events attract gay Jews, (and the bagel chasers that love us) from all over the world who want to connect, celebrate, and have a damn good time. Come for the cocktails, stay for the community... and don’t forget to call your mother.'
Many of images featured by Photographer Andrew Werner
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