Welcome to my profile on Global Voices Online. I love reading, writing, traveling, and hearing people's stories, especially those whose lives are different than my own. Professionally, I work with indigenous and minority communities with an emphasis on Arab-Jewish and Israeli-Palestinian relations.
Connect on Twitter – and say hello: http://twitter.com/MayaNorton.
My original blog can be seen here: http://TheNewJew.wordpress.com. It was the first Jewish philanthropy blog on the internet and a true act of love.
Latest posts by Maya Norton
Israelis React With Outpouring of Support for LGBTQ Community After Orlando Massacre
"It doesn’t matter exactly which religion made him hate us to death...It’s always the fear of those who are different, those who challenge the existing order."
Pope Francis Announces: World's Best Teacher Is a Palestinian
“If children who suffer from violence are not given the assistance and support they need, they will be lost," says the World's Best Teacher Palestinian Hanan Al Hroub.
Gaza's ‘Colorful Neighborhood’ Brings Hope and Healing in Palestine
Gaza's Al Zaytoun is called "the colorful neighborhood" for its brightly painted streets and decorated walls, an urban renewal effort following 2014's Israel-Gaza war.
Young Israeli Fashion Designer Prints World's First 3D Collection
Fashion designer and innovator Danit Peleg, 27, is giving the world something to talk about. The creator of the world's first 3D printed clothing collection, Peleg explains: My goal was...
Israel's Business Style: Drop the Niceties, Speak Your Mind
Intel's guidebook on working with Israelis highlights Israel's workplace norms, which value direct communication and action, things that can be interpreted as rude in other cultures.
Israeli Chef Cooks Pizza in a Car to Demonstrate Child Safety
Sixteen children have died in Israel since 2008 as a result of being accidentally left in closed cars. One chef drives the message home by cooking pizza in a car.
Arab-American Journalist Detained by Israeli Security for ‘Flying While Muslim’
Palestinian-American journalist Noor Wazwaz shares her experience of "Flying While Muslim" into Tel Aviv, saying the humiliation will not deter her from returning again.
Israeli Professor Shows the World: ‘This Is What a Feminist Looks Like’
Hebrew University of Jerusalem professor Dr Sydney Engelberg shot to internet stardom after his photograph comforting a fussy baby while continuing to teach went viral, reports Maya Norton
Israel’s Elections: ‘It’s Us or Them’, ‘Anyone but Bibi’ and Everything in Between
Israelis head to the polls today. While major candidates for prime minister are still making game-changing announcements, a significant portion of voters are still undecided.
Israel's Arab Sector on Strike Over Alleged Police Brutality
The "unintentional" deaths of two men from the Bedouin city of Rahat has brought to the fore tensions over "the conduct of the police in confronting Arab citizens."
Outspoken ‘Israeli Zionist Arab Muslim’ Teen Emerges from Hiding in the US
"I had to leave Israel...for trying to show the world the real face of regular Arabs and Muslims who're simply sick of their leaders' corruption and unlimited hate..."
Twitter Mocks Anti-Muslim Comments with #FoxNewsFacts after ‘Expert’ Says Birmingham, England is ‘Totally Muslim’
Twitter users quickly got into the game, trending #FoxNewsFacts globally. Social search engine Topsy reports that the tag has been tweeted more than 400,000 times this week.
Lovers of the Middle East, Unite!
Two lovers have started collecting 100 love stories from around the Middle East to show the world that the Arab Uprisings brought about unique social change.
Poetry Project Bridges Language and Cultural Barriers between Arabic and Hebrew Speakers in Israel
The Two Project is a new collaboration between Israeli Jews and Arabs to connect the two cultures through the language of poetry.
An American Muslim Reflects on Religion and Politics at the Temple Mount, Jerusalem
“It's sad some people demonize others only because they don't share the same belief. Yehuda Glick suffered from two assassination trials, once in real life and second on media.”
Tensions High as Holy Site Reopens Following Targeted Assassination Attempt of Jewish Activist in Jerusalem
The targeted assassination attempt of Rabbi Yehuda Glick is being called a "dangerous escalation" in Israeli-Palestinian relations, leaving many concerned the region is on the brink of a third intifada.
With Homes and Infrastructure Destroyed, a Tough Winter Lies Ahead for Gaza
The people of Gaza are doing what they can to prepare for the winter in the wake of war, which left an estimated 100,000 homeless.
Israel/Palestine: “We Want Peace”
What happens when a Palestinian is “discovered” on a train in Israel? They send him back home with the message, “Go to your people and tell them that we want...
Palestinian Pick-Up Lines
Humor, especially dark humor, is a culturally acquired taste – especially in a war zone. The hashtag #PalestinianPickUpLines has recently been trending on Twitter, garnering tens of additions in the past few days.
Israel: World Cup Bonanza – Back to the Game
Maya Norton's attempts to find World Cup reactions in Israeli blogs are being foiled by a minor dilemma - it seems that most Israeli World Cup fans are too busy watching the games to blog about it. Here's a sampling from bloggers who found the time.
Israel: Dubious Thanks to USAID
JoeSettler posts a photo of a sign he often passes that reads, “This [road] is a gift from the American people to the Palestinian people.” “What I think that USAID...
