Brian Blum

Jerusalem

Writer and Editor at Freelance

I am a writer, editor and freelance journalist living in Israel. My new book TOTALED is now available on Amazon. https://t.co/f7KoKEdGe2

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Articles

Words matter: How we speak about cancer can hinder healing - opinion

1 week ago | jpost.com | Brian Blum

In 2017, when I was diagnosed for the first time with lymphoma, I wrote a frustrated piece about how the words we use to speak about cancer can significantly hinder one’s experience of healing. Now, with the effects of cancer treatment staring me squarely – and much more threateningly – in the face, I wanted to revisit that article and share some of what I’ve learned in the ensuing eight years.
A cancer patient's escape

1 month ago | msn.com | Brian Blum

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Indulging in TV: A cancer patient's escape - opinion

1 month ago | jpost.com | Brian Blum

I once had the strangest fantasy: When I retired, I would spend most of my time engaging in one of my favorite pastimes: watching TV. Well, now I’ve had a taste of that odd vision, and it’s not all it’s cracked up to be. Since my cancer turned aggressive, I haven’t had the energy to get out of the house that much. So, pretty much every night (and some daytimes, as well), I’ve plopped myself in front of our living room TV and indulged.
Diversity becomes the key as Hebrew University celebrates 100 - ISRAEL21c

1 month ago | israel21c.org | Zachy Hennessey |Brian Blum |Abigail Klein Leichman

This April, the Hebrew University of Jerusalem (HUJ) is celebrating its 100th anniversary. Its establishment one century ago transformed a decades-old dream into one of Israel’s premier academic institutions and a globally recognized center of research. In celebration of the university’s centennial anniversary, HUJ’s senior leadership opened trading at the Tel Aviv Stock Exchange on April 6.
Fighting cancer: How a hospital stay at Hadassah feels like an international flight - opinion

2 months ago | jpost.com | Brian Blum

Throughout my cancer journey, one of my biggest fears has been needing to be hospitalized.The “rule,” when you’re undergoing chemotherapy like mine, is that if your fever spikes beyond 38 degrees C (100.4 degrees F) and it’s after hours (nights, weekends), you need to race to the emergency room, as the chemo depresses the body’s ability to fight off potentially fatal infections.
When cancer treatment goes wrong: An irreversibly damaged kidney and worsened lymphoma - opinion

2 months ago | jpost.com | Brian Blum

The stent hadn’t helped after all; the impacted kidney had, in fact, been irreversibly damaged and was now functioning at a paltry 20%. Why? The cancer was back, and worse. He introduced himself as Yuvi Hachiyuchi – Hebrew for “Yuval the smiley guy” – which was not far off.
My first fentanyl: What it was like being sedated by the infamous narcotic - opinion

Mar 8, 2025 | jpost.com | Brian Blum

I don’t remember when I fell asleep or when I woke up, but I was in another room. My wife, Jody, said that when I started talking again, I would repeat the same stories three, four, or even five times in a row. That’s what a little fentanyl will do to you.
Reasons to bless the bad that came from Oct. 7

Feb 21, 2025 | msn.com | Brian Blum

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Horrors and heroes: Reasons to bless the bad that came from Oct. 7 - opinion

Feb 21, 2025 | jpost.com | Brian Blum

The Mishna suggests that even the most personal of tragedies can and should receive a blessing. There is a principle in the tractate Brachot of the Mishna that suggests something seemingly outrageous. One is obligated to praise God for both the good and the bad.
8 essential English-language podcasts to understand Israel's war - opinion

Feb 8, 2025 | jpost.com | Brian Blum

Over the course of Israel’s multi-front war with Hamas, Hezbollah, the Houthis, and beyond, I’ve received much of my news from podcasts. If, before Oct. 7, 2023, I was hooked on pop culture, history, and science-minded audio programming such as Fresh Air, RadioLab, and This American Life, my AirPods lately have been tuned to a more Israel-focused digital frequency. Here are eight essential English-language podcasts that have kept me in the know.