feature writing
Suckers, trash fish, and the fight over food traditions in Oregon’s Klamath Basin
The Guardian - August 26, 2021
The fight to save two endangered fish tells an embattled history of how European food biases clashed with tribal systems, shaping what species we choose to protect.
Yurok people see victory in decades-long effort to revive language
The Guardian - October 10, 2021
In the name Sue-meg lies a story about breathing new life into an Indigenous language and the sometimes contentious process of relying on western phonetics to capture the nuance and worldview of the Yurok people.
Israel's new right-wing leader has progressive Bay Area roots he seldom talks about
SFGATE - June 23, 2021
A-Listers Fearing the Worst Are Flocking to See Hollywood’s Go-To Gun Guy
Los Angeles Magazine - May 5, 2020
Banks and Big Security Companies Won’t Touch Cannabis Cash—That’s Where the Soldiers Come In
Los Angeles Magazine - October 8, 2019
Military veterans have found a niche guarding millions in pot and profits for California’s cannabis kings
The fight for a flower
Roads & Kingdoms - April 23, 2018
Some say Gundelia was part of Jesus’ crown of thorns. Now Israelis and Palestinians are fighting over the plant in the West Bank.
Self defense, King David-style
Roads & Kingdoms - December 11, 2015 (also in Slate and The Times of Israel)
Yehoshua Sofer claims to be the sole teacher of an ancient Hebrew martial art that was practiced by King David himself.
Dueling Lawsuits Between Malibu Rehab Centers Expose the Shady Side of the Recovery Industry
Los Angeles Magazine - February 12, 2020
Caught between Israel and Syria, Golan Druze face election conundrum
dpa International - October 24, 2018
For the first time since Israel captured the Golan Heights from Syria 51 years ago, the Druze will have the opportunity to vote in Israeli municipal elections. But Tuesday's elections have sparked outrage from many Druze who remain loyal to the Syrian government.
In Jerusalem, Muslim and Jewish neighbors spar over Ramadan singers
dpa International - May 31, 2018
In Jerusalem's Old City, a group of young Palestinians are marching through the streets singing and drumming at 3 in the morning. They are carrying on a generations-old Ramadan tradition, to the dismay of their sleeping Jewish neighbors, but now police are cracking down.
Israeli handyman becomes unlikely hero of anti-Netanyahu protests
dpa International - August 22, 2017
Meni Naftali once oversaw the logistics of the Netanyahu home in Jerusalem, from visiting foreign dignitaries to stocking the fridge. Now he's the public face of protests against the prime minister.
Fledgling Palestinian tech faces obstacles, but optimists persist
dpa International - February 3, 2018
While Israel's tech industry has flourished, Palestinian tech has floundered. But despite occupation and conflict, entrepreneurs are optimistic that the future could see a thriving Palestinian tech sector - even with Israeli help.
Israel begins clearing mines from Jesus baptism site in West Bank
dpa International - March 20, 2018
Qasr al-Yahud, located in the West Bank on the Jordan River, is the spot where the New Testament says John the Baptist baptized Jesus. But for years the site has been littered with mines from a decades-old war.