Hillel Kuttler

Hillel Kuttler’s feature stories have appeared in the N.Y. Times, Washington Post, Wall Street Journal, Smithsonian Magazine, People, the magazines of the National Baseball Hall of Fame and of the National Football League and scores more publications. He’s interviewed an American president, an Israeli prime minister, diplomats, authors, athletes, musicians, a felon, Red Auerbach and even his own sons. Hillel also has edited books, newspapers and magazines. Above all, he’s a diehard fan of the New York Mets.

In France, It’s The 14th of July. Elsewhere: Bastille Day

Whatever the holiday’s name, the French Revolution brought Jews equality. The National Library of Israel’s holdings help tell the story.

Marc Chagall’s Gift: A Mosaic of Generosity

The French artist once designed something special for his friends’ garden in Washington, D.C. In turn, they provided a unique experience for congregants of a synagogue across the street.

A Pilot and a President: Remembering Ezer Weizman

June 15 marked a century since the birth of the former Israeli President and Air Force chief

The Prime Minister’s Stuttering Speech

In the lead-up to one of Israel’s greatest-ever military victories, Prime Minister Levi Eshkol took to the airwaves to address the nation. It didn’t go well, and the national crisis became significantly worse as a result. Despite his failure in a critical moment, today Eshkol is often viewed as one of Israel’s greatest leaders.

Moe Berg: Baseball Player and Secret Agent

The Ivy League-trained linguist and lawyer, professional baseball player and American spy was an enigma in life — and he remains so. Somehow, a number of Berg’s documents entered the collections of the National Library of Israel.

The Miraculous Rescue of the Jews of Zakynthos

Local leaders and residents of this Greek island risked their lives to defy the Nazi occupying authorities during the Holocaust. Their heroic efforts saved the lives of the entire Jewish community.

“The Night of the Ducks”: An IDF Drill Gone Wrong

What had all the makings of an April Fools’ prank in 1959 was no joke.

The Mystery of the Spanish Esther Scroll

“¡Que tengas un feliz Purim!” – That’s Spanish for: Have a happy Purim! A 17th century megillah stands out for being penned in the language of descendants of the inquisitions’ survivors.