More Istanbul Snow - 1/25/22

 A panoramic view of Istanbul's Golden Horn under a blanket of white snow. 

Kemal Aslan/AP

Istanbul Under the Snow - 1/25/22

This is the scene in Istanbul after heavy snowfall blanketed the city yesterday. Winter storm Elpis has walloped much of Turkey with some of the coldest temperatures and heaviest snowfall seen in years. The storm is expected to move further south to Israel and other countries in the Levant. Israel, which has already been hit with sub zero temperatures, is preparing to receive significant snowfall. The heaviest snow is expected to hit the Golan and northern Israel as well as Jerusalem, which is highly elevated amidst the Judean mountains.

Emrah Gurel/AP

German Jerusalem

This is a new title that's high on my reading list. I've spent hours walking the leafy streets of Rehavia and frequenting the cafes along Rehov Azza. Even today, it's easy to stroll through the neighborhood and feel like you are transported somewhat to Europe. It is easily one of my favorite neighborhoods in Jerusalem, if not my favorite. I'm very excited to know that there is a book published in English that explores Rehavia's fascinating German-Jewish history.

Zolote, Ukraine - 1/20/22

A Ukrainian soldier walks through a trench in a forested area near the front line in Zolote in eastern Ukraine.

Tyler Hicks/NYT

Florence Pugh - The Little Drummer Girl (2018)

 Florence Pugh in the BBC's 2018 adaption of John le Carre's The Little Drummer Girl. 

Hello Magazine

Ukraine 1/16/22

 Ukrainian reservist troops drill at a training area outside Kyiv

Sergey Dolzheko/EPA/Shutterstock

Rostov - 1/13/22

Russian tanks sit in formation and take part in live fire training drills at a firing range in the Rostov region close to the border with Ukraine.

Associated Press/NYT