Sam Halpern

Sam is a senior field reporter at The Jerusalem Post where he has worked since June 2023. He is a James Madison University alumnus where he graduated cum-laude with a degree in English and minors in Creative Writing and Environmental Studies.

Around 150 new olim arrive at Tel Aviv's Ben-Gurion Airport on August 27, 2026.

North American aliyah hits record month as over 1,100 olim arrive, with 4,000 expected in 2026

The market in the Arab Quarter of Jerusalem's Old City. August 24, 2026.

Jewish, Muslim, Christian Jerusalem Old City vendors say reduced tourism is harming businesses

Ido Amiaz loses by TKO to Shimon Smotritsky in an unofficial boxing match in Tel Aviv after issuing a challenge to fight Zionists. August 18, 2026.

‘Come fight me Zios’: Anti-Israel influencer's boxing challenge ends in 40-second TKO


Likud ministers back Netanyahu's reserved slots as party holds primaries

Likud ministers defended Netanyahu's reserved party-list slots as some 140,000 registered members were eligible to vote in Monday's primaries.

Likud primaries held on Monday.

Not a 'rich people's sport': Yachting clubs say sailing in Israel affordable, drawing diverse crowd

“In the past three or four years, it's become a real trend," David Simon, one of the owners of the Derech Hayam (Via Maris) sailing school and club said.

A man sits aboard one of the boats belonging to the Derech Hayam (Via Maris) yachting club and school. August, 2026.

Fire breaks out on 24th floor of Jerusalem building near Independence Park, none injured

The blaze occured at a building on the corner of HaMatmid Alley and Meir Shaham Street, across from Independence Park.

A fire inside a building in downtown Jerusalem. August 12, 2026.

Israeli gov't abandoned PR war, needs ‘army of hasbara’ led by ‘chief of staff’ - interview

"I know exactly what should be done," said Erdan. "I have a comprehensive plan on how we should work there to portray Israel in the right way, [and] how to be on the offensive."

Former UN ambassador Gilad Erdan at a press conference in Tel Aviv announcing the establishment of a new right-wing party under his and MK Yuli Edelstein's leadership ahead of the upcoming general elections, August 6, 2026.

'Right, enlistment, unity': Ex-UN ambassador Gilad Erdan launches new party with Edelstein

Erdan said in May that he was working toward establishing a new right-wing party said and that he sees himself as a candidate for premier in a post-Netanyahu era.

Gilad Erdan announces new political party with Yuli Edelstein on August 6, 2026.

Tel Aviv Deputy Mayor Guy Avner challenges NYC Mayor Mamdani to charity boxing event

In a statement to 'The Jerusalem Post' following the publication of his video, Avner said he decided to challenge the NYC mayor to a boxing match because boxing is about facing your opponent directly

Tel Aviv Vice Mayor Guy Avner challenges NYC Mayor Zohran Mamdani to a boxing match. August 3, 2026.

'We are one nation': Jewish, Arab teens build relationships at 'Cooking Peace' culinary camp

Participants said the camp showed them how shared interests, music, and food could create connections despite differences in culture, religion, and background.

Cooking Peace summer camp program. August 3, 2026.

Population booming three years after Oct. 7, Sderot looks to show visitors city's resiliency

The residents of Sderot spoke to the Post ahead of an August 11 event that is part of an initiative to bring more visitors to the city this summer.

Cafe Chico in Sderot, July 20, 2026

'We want them to feel at home': RZP has done 'a great deal' for olim, Smotrich tells 'Post'

Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich tells The Jerusalem Post why new immigrants should support the Religious Zionist Party in the upcoming election.

Finance Minister and Religious Zionist Party head Bezalel Smotrich at the primary count, Jerusalem, July 26, 2026.

Smotrich’s RZP releases primary results, MKs Strock, Rothman secure top slots

Smotrich told The Jerusalem Post at the list launch event that the RZP had done a lot for olim to bring them to Israel.

Finance Minister and Religious Zionist Party head Bezalel Smotrich at the primary count, Jerusalem, July 26, 2026.