Author: Tovia Smith

This year’s cohort of Israeli and Palestinian entrepreneurs taking part in 50:50 Startups is smaller than usual, because the war prevented many from travelling. 50:50 co-founder Amir Grinsteen (third from right) founded the program seven years ago, believing that building businesses together would also build lasting bridges, that could advance the cause of peace. Dena Yadin hide caption toggle caption Dena Yadin BOSTON – Salah Hussein was 11 years old when he was woken up in the middle of the night by Israeli soldiers in his family home in Nablus in the West Bank. It left him traumatized and terrified…

The Israel-Hamas war ignited protests on many U.S. college campuses. Some students were elated, others concerned after the announcement of a ceasefire. MARY LOUISE KELLY, HOST: News of a ceasefire and hostage-release deal between Israel and Hamas spread quickly through U.S. college campuses, which have been bitterly divided over the conflict in Gaza since October 7, 2023. NPR’s Tovia Smith checked in with several students.TOVIA SMITH, BYLINE: When Mayah Goel, a sophomore at Wayne State University in Detroit, first heard about the deal, she headed straight for Hillel, the Jewish student organization, both nervous and excited.MAYAH GOEL: And we just…