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.

UN special rapporteur Francesca Albanese has become one of the most controversial figures in the UN human rights system, drawing condemnation over her statements on Israel and the Gaza War.

Albanese apologizes for misinterpreting Nazi camp term away from original meaning of Jews

United Nations Special Rapporteur on the Palestinian Territories Francesca Albanese holds a press conference at MACBA on May 08, 2026 in Barcelona, Spain.

UN's Albanese claims Jews in Nazi camps were called ‘Muslims,’ distorts history of 'antisemitism'

This general view shows the logo of the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in The Hague on January 12, 2024, prior to the hearing of the genocide case against Israel, brought by South Africa.

Prominent scholars, legal experts among 6,000 signatories to letter rejecting Gaza genocide charge


Israel’s global news coverage vastly disproportionate and unusually persistent, analysis finds

An analysis of nearly 14.7 million news articles found that coverage of Israel was not only disproportionately high but also unusually persistent compared with other major conflicts and global crises.

The New York Times logo is seen on the building's facade in New York City on January 22, 2026.

Somaliland delegation eyes Israeli military presence to strengthen cooperation against Houthis

“If they get help from the Israelis, they can beat the Houthis and make it safe,” Dirie said.

The Israel and Somaliland Friendship Association delegation in Israel. September 2026.

Jerusalem Deputy Mayor Arieh King calls to immediately end municipal services to British Consulate

“There is no difference between east Jerusalem and Judea and Samaria or Binyamin,” Jerusalem Deputy Mayor Arieh King told the Post.

Jerusalem Deputy Mayor Arieh King outside the British consulate in east Jerusalem on September 14, 2026.

Former hostage Omer Shem Tov recalls loneliness, hunger, abuse during Hamas captivity

“It bothers me when people tell me I’m a hero,” Shem Tov said of his release from captivity. “I don’t think I’m a hero. This was a reality that was forced on me."

Former Gaza hostage Omer Shem Tov at the Civilian October 7 memorial ceremony at Hayarkon Park in Tel Aviv, marking two years since the October 7 massacre, October 7, 2025.

On This Day: Remembering the September 11 terror attacks in New York, 25 years later

The attacks sparked the NATO-allied US invasion of Afghanistan and Iraq and began the global war on terror.

Smoke pours from the World Trade Center after being hit by two planes, in New York City, September 11, 2001

With Eisenkot, Israel can defeat Iran, ex-Mossad official and Yashar list member Bachar says

Now on Eisenkot’s list, she believes her party is well positioned to triumph in the October elections and “make Israel great again.”

Portrait of Yashar party member former Shin Bet and Mossad official Dvora Bachar with Yashar head Gadi Eisenkott, August 12, 2026.

Women immigrant-owned businesses featured at massive market at HER Tel Aviv festival

“We really want to show the diversity and the connection and the love for Israel,” HER Tel Aviv founder and CEO Sivan Hadari said.

Market goers shop at the HER Tel Aviv International Summer Festival in Tel Aviv, September 3, 2026.

Most ‘connected’ American Jews favor opposition win in Israel’s October election, survey finds

“The strong interest of American Jews in elections in Israel demonstrates the importance of Israel to them," JPPI President Prof. Yedidia Stern said.

Pro-Israel counter-protesters stand in front of police separating them from pro-Palestinian protesters near the Israeli consulate, during the Democratic National Convention (DNC), in Chicago, Illinois, US, August 20, 2024.

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

“It’s record-breaking for us,” Nefesh B’Nefesh’s Vice President of Diaspora Partnerships, Marc Rosenberg, said.

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

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

Vendors pointed to a shortage of flights, high airfares, and lingering fears abroad about security as the main reasons traffic into Israel has suffered.

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