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.

Ahlam Tamimi waves as she arrives at Queen Alia international airport in Amman, late October 18, 2011.

Father of child murdered in Sbarro bombing slams Jordan, demands terrorist extradited - interview

Children return to school at an establishment run by United Nations Agency for Palestinian Refugees (UNRWA) in Balata refugee camp, east of Nablus in the West Bank on August 29, 2018.

Tackling terror indoctrination in Palestinian schools key to ending 'Pay-for-Slay,' panelists say

People walk on Jaffa Street in central Jerusalem, June 15, 2026.

US-Iran deal means Israel will be ‘in this s*** a lot longer,’ Jerusalemites say


'I'm Israeli first': Druze fighter Sean Pero set his sights on the UFC

Israeli-Druze MMA rising star Sean Pero is chasing UFC gold while redefining identity, belonging, and representation inside and outside the cage

Sean Pero, 26, an Israeli Druze fighter, is rising in the mixed martial arts world who has his sights set on the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) and, eventually, a world title.
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Israel holds first annual Thai Festival as two nations celebrate 72 years of diplomatic relations

“We’re bringing the Thailand festival here because you are special.," Thai Ambassador to Israel Boonyarit Vichienpuntu said. "It’s going to be an annual event for Israel."

Dancers perform at the first annual Thai Festival in central Israel. June 12, 2026.

As Yemen's Houthis enter the fray, Israel is once again in active conflict on four fronts

The attack from Yemen marks the first such incident in months, and Israel’s home front now faces attacks from the Islamic Republic, Lebanon’s Hezbollah, and the Houthis. 

A man checks a fallen rocket half-buried in the ground in the West Bank on June 8, 2026, following Iranian and Iran-backed Houthi attacks.

Elephant diplomacy: Ambassador marks mark 72 years of Thai-Israeli relations with zoo visit

“The Thai elephant is very important, they are in the heart of Thai people. They are the symbols of living diplomacy, the good relations between Thailand and Israel,” Vichienpuntu said.

Thai ambassador to Israel, Boonyarit Vichienpuntu, in front of the elephants at Jerusalem’s Tisch Family Zoological Gardens. June 4, 2026.

'We Shall Rise' installation highlights Israel's journey since October 7 at Tel Aviv mall

“We wanted to show that no matter what, no matter how they try to kill us and to make us vanish, we're still here,” writer Noam Horev explained.

Images from the 'We Shall Rise' installation at the Azrieli Mall in Tel Aviv.

Indian delegation says India, Israel ‘civilizational partners,’ ties only to get stronger

“India understands terrorism. Israel understands terrorism,” Nikhil Chandwani said. “That is perhaps why Modi and Netanyahu came together and signed a lot of pacts."

The Israel-India Friendship Club delegation visits the Knesset in Jerusalem. May, 2026.

Jewish, Arab Israeli activists launch 'Hasbara' flotilla opposing Gaza-bound Global Sumud Flotilla

“We did our own flotilla,” said Arab-Israeli activist Yoseph Haddad. "We send a clear message to all the ‘terror flotilla’ activists. You are not welcome here."

Arab-Israeli activist Yoseph Haddad on board one of the vessels of the Israeli 'Hasbara' flotilla. May 17, 2026.

Bill to prosecute October 7 terrorists set for vote as Knesset returns from recess

The bill would create a special legal framework for prosecuting Hamas terrorists and others involved in the massacre, including Nukhba terrorists captured inside Israel.

Justice Minister Yariv Levin, MK Simcha Rothman (Religious Zionist Party), and MK Yulia Malinovsky hold joint press conference in Knesset ahead of upcoming vote on bill to publicly prosecute Oct. 7 terrorists, Sunday May 10, 2026.

Armenian Quarter residents descend from genocide survivors, bishop says ahead of exclusive tours

Dating back nearly two millennia, the Armenian Church’s presence in Jerusalem is widely considered the longest unbroken Christian presence in the Old City. 

The Armenian Quarter of the Old City of Jerusalem.

Hamas refuses to give up weapons, demands Board of Peace change Gaza ceasefire plan

Hamas has rejected the US-led Board of Peace's disarmament plan, demanding changes and accusing the mediator of pro-Israel bias.

A Hamas terrorist in the Gaza Strip. February 22, 2025.