Joanie Margulies

Joanie is a writer and Breaking News Desk Manager at The Jerusalem Post. She moved to Israel in December 2020 from New York, after living across the globe in places like Australia, Colombia, and Ghana. She holds a BA in Journalism from the University of Oregon’s School of Journalism and Communication. When she’s not covering the breaking desk, she’s traveling to unique corners of the world, or she’s likely tending to the dogs of Tel Aviv (including her own). You can follow her work on Twitter and Instagram.

Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro aboard the USS Iwo Jima after his capture by US forces. January 3, 2026.

How did US forces infiltrate Venezuela, capture Maduro from Caracas? - explainer

Islands of the bay and mountains, Palawan, Philippines

Philippine ambassador targets surge in Israeli tourism through direct air link

PARTICIPANTS IN Adi Negev-Nahalat Eran's Disability Awareness Month inclusive race, December 31, 2025.

Diaspora youth mark Disability Awareness Month in inclusive race at Israeli rehabilitation village


Israel uncovers Second Temple-period mikveh beneath Western Wall

The ritual bath was found sealed beneath a layer of destruction dated to 70 CE, in which researchers found burned ash and numerous artifacts that offer a snapshot of life just before the city fell.

THE RITUAL purification bath (mikveh) from the Second Temple period.

Israeli lawmakers push to ban brothels as anti-prostitution efforts expand

The Knesset moved to prohibit brothel operations nationwide, with officials stressing that prostitution will not disappear without coordinated action and local enforcement.

A prostitute in Israel waiting for a client.

Israelis still believe in the country, but not its institutions, IDI survey reveals

Only about a quarter of Jewish respondents described Israeli democracy as “good” or “excellent,” continuing a downward trend in recent years, with ratings among Arab respondents even lower.

THE KNESSET during a meeting on December 24, 2025.

Mother of final Gaza hostage calls for commitment to deal terms to bring son back

Talik Gvili noted that she will be flying to the United States to meet with US President Donald Trump at the request of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

TALIK GVILI gives a speech ahead of Bejamin Netanyahu's trip to the US, December 24, 2025.

Police arrest five in connection with attacking, killing Palestinian shepherd’s sheep

Footage taken after the attack showed at least one of the sheep lying dead and bloodied in the pen alongside other livestock, which were also huddled in their pen.

Palestinians inspect the scene of an attack on a Palestinian family by extremist settlers, during which several sheep were killed, in the town of As-Samu, south of Hebron, December 23, 2025.

Former PM Bennett calls Qatargate treasonous, calls on Netanyahu to resign

Yair Lapid, who also briefly served in the role, called it the "most serious treason case in the history of the State.”

Former prime minister Naftali Bennett speaks at a political event in Jerusalem, November 19, 2025; illustrative.

The unattended farewell ceremony of a Thai murder victim - comment

No ministers were in attendance in this morning’s ceremony, nor were any foreign ambassadors. Though today was for a Thai national, it could have been anyone of their own.

Photo held of Thai farm worker Sudthisak Rinthalak, murdered by Hamas. Taken at his farewell ceremony.

Israel, Thailand mourn together as slain Thai hostage Rinthalak returns home in touching ceremony

“Their hopes, and even their right to dream, were taken away along with their lives and freedom,” the Thailand’s ambassador to Israel said.

Relatives and friends of Thai national Sudthisak Rinthalak mourn next to his coffin during a farewell ceremony before being flown to Thailand for burial, at Ben Gurion airport, near Tel Aviv, December 9, 2025.

Who was slain Gaza hostage Sudthisak Rinthalak? - explainer

An investigation carried out by Israeli intelligence officials determined his death in May 2024. Officials at the time informed his family in rural Thailand of his death.

Thai hostage Sudthisak Rinthalak, November 5, 2025.

US senator pushes ban on dual citizenship, creating uncertainty for Israeli-Americans, olim

Proposing Senator Moreno was born in Bogota, Colombia, and emigrated to the United States with his family as a child. At 18, he became a citizen and renounced his Colombian citizenship.

Senator Bernie Moreno.