I am stepping down as editor of The Jerusalem Report after seven fulfilling years. While the days since October 7, 2023, have been difficult for all of us, it has been a great honor for me to edit this magazine, especially during the past 15 months of the worst war in Israel’s history. Together we have mourned our losses, saluted the bravery of our soldiers, and admired the resilience of our citizens. While reporting on tragedy and triumph, we have sought to focus this magazine on the good things people here in Israel and abroad are doing.
Journalistically, I’ve done all I can to contribute to the war effort. Together with the superb team at The Jerusalem Report, I’ve sought to present a true and accurate picture of Israel, a remarkable country that has been “a light unto the nations” ever since its establishment in 1948. I’m acutely aware that the profession of journalism is constantly maligned, and not just by our leaders, but I firmly believe that trustworthy media are vital for a free and thriving democracy.
At the office and at home, I have followed the Jewish National Fund-USA slogan, “Choose life.” Change, as we learned since corona, is healing and necessary for our growth as individuals, as a nation, and internationally. While Israel continues to seek the release of the hostages and the defeat of its enemies, I’m going to take a short break and then start a new journey in journalism.
I have a sign on my desk that reads “I love my job; please don’t hate me.” I really have loved my job and my colleagues, but my job is now done, and it’s time to move on. My colleagues and the people we’ve interviewed have provided constant inspiration. Let me take this opportunity to thank you all, graphic artist David Yaphe, copy editor Ruth Beloff, proofreader Elaine Moshe, writers past and present, and illustrator Avi Katz, who returned to work for us just before the war began.
The Jerusalem Report under Steve Linde
During my editorship I have met many special people, one of whom – renowned Bedouin expert Clinton Bailey – died in Jerusalem at 88 on January 5. Among my colleagues, none has been as inspirational as Walter Bingham, who turned 101 on January 5 and is the world’s oldest working journalist and broadcaster. As he wrote in The Jerusalem Report, all he wants for his birthday is the return of the hostages.
The Jerusalem Report was founded in 1990 by my South African landsman, Hirsh Goodman, with a mission to cover Israel, the Middle East, and the Jewish world. Today it is owned by Eli Azur’s Jerusalem Post Group, priding itself on being editorially independent, balanced, and fair.
I wish you well, dear readers, and wish all the best to my superstar successor, Tamar Uriel-Beeri, who previously served as managing editor of jpost.1eye.us and as the deputy editor of The Jerusalem Post. My best advice to her is to share the words imparted to me by a colleague: “May you be proud of the work you have done, the person you are, and the difference you have made.”
May 2025 see a speedy return of the hostages and a decisive Israeli victory in this multi-front war. Am Yisrael chai!