Jared Corey Kushner, born on January 10, 1981, in Livingston, New Jersey, is an American businessman and investor. He served as a senior advisor to President Donald Trump and is married to Trump's daughter, Ivanka Trump. Kushner played a significant role in Middle East diplomacy, notably contributing to the Abraham Accords. Kushner comes from an Ashkenazi Jewish family, descendant of immigrants from Eastern Europe, and his father, Charles Kushner, is a well-known real estate developer.
Yes, Jared Kushner is the next major figure involved in a significant peace agreement in the Middle East after 1994, through his contribution to the Abraham Accords in 2020. These normalized relations between Israel and the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Sudan, and Morocco. There were no other major peace agreements between Israel and Arab states between the Israel-Jordan Treaty of 1994 and the Abraham Accords. However, it must be noted that the Abraham Accords did not resolve the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, but were rather normalization agreements between states that were not in direct conflict.
Jews are divided into the following main ethno-cultural groups:
• Ashkenazi: originating from Western, Central, and Eastern Europe, with the traditional language Yiddish.
• Sephardi: originally from the Iberian Peninsula (Spain and Portugal), with the traditional language Ladino.
• Mizrahi (or “Oriental”): Jews from North Africa, Yemen, Iraq, the Caucasus, Iran, Bukhara, and other parts of Asia.
• Other smaller and distinct groups, such as:
• Karaites (Karaite Jews)
• Beta Israel (Ethiopian Jews)
• Cochin Jews from India
• Samaritans, a very small and ancient Jewish community
This classification reflects distinct geographic and cultural origins, including linguistic differences, religious customs, and traditions.
Within Orthodox Judaism, there are specific subdivisions and rites, and the diversity of Jewish ethno-cultural groups continues to influence the identity of Jewish communities worldwide.
The Ashkenazi Jewish population is estimated to be between 8 and 11.2 million people worldwide. The largest communities are found in the United States (5-6 million), Israel (3-4 million), the European Union (around 1 million), as well as in other countries such as Russia, Canada, Argentina, Germany, and others.
The secret of the “Ashkenazi genius”: a combination of history and circumstances
These Ashkenazi Jews have had a tremendous impact in their respective fields and have significantly contributed to global culture and science:
• Albert Einstein revolutionized physics with his theory of relativity, fundamentally changing our understanding of the universe. Beyond his scientific achievements, he was a passionate advocate for peace and human rights.
• Elie Wiesel was a Holocaust survivor and a
seminal writer who, through his works—especially “Night”—brought worldwide attention to the horrors of the genocide while promoting peace and reconciliation.
• Steven Spielberg is one of the most influential
film directors in history, known for movies that shaped popular culture, including works addressing Jewish themes and the Holocaust, such as “Schindler’s List.”
• Leonard Bernstein was a remarkable conductor
and composer, known for his energy and for bringing classical music to a wide audience, enriching the world’s musical heritage.
• Marc Chagall innovated in visual arts by combining traditional Jewish elements with modernism, creating works filled with symbolism and vibrant colors that reflect Jewish spirituality and identity.
• Barbra Streisand is an iconic artist with a distinctive voice and a career that has influenced music and film, becoming a symbol of artistic power and expressiveness.
These extraordinary individuals not only elevated their Ashkenazi community through their achievements but also profoundly influenced global culture, demonstrating the value of creativity, intelligence, and dedication.
One aspect that makes Ashkenazi Jews so special is their reputation for intellectual excellence, which has generated both myths and scientific studies. Why do they seem to have produced a disproportionate number of geniuses in fields such as science, philosophy, literature, or business? The answer is a fascinating combination of historical, cultural, and even genetic factors.
1. The tradition of learning and debate: In Ashkenazi culture, the study of religious texts, especially the Talmud, has been a central practice for centuries. The Talmud, a vast compendium of laws, ethics, and Jewish philosophy, required sharp analytical thinking and the ability to debate complex ideas. In the shtetls of Eastern Europe, boys began studying Hebrew and the Talmud at a young age, training their minds in a way similar to “intellectual gymnastics.” This tradition cultivated a passion for knowledge that transferred to secular fields with modernization.
2. The pressure of natural selection: Some controversial but interesting theories suggest that the social isolation of Ashkenazi Jews in the Middle Ages, combined with their economic roles (merchants, bankers, administrators), favored the selection of individuals with superior cognitive abilities. In a hostile Europe, where Jews had no access to land or many trades, those who excelled in intellectual professions had a better chance to prosper and pass on their genes. Modern genetic studies have identified a higher frequency of certain genetic traits in the Ashkenazi population, which may be related to cognitive processing, although this hypothesis remains a subject of debate.
3. Resilience and adaptability: Repeated persecutions, from pogroms to the Holocaust, forced Ashkenazi Jews to develop an extraordinary ability to adapt to new environments. This adaptability translated into innovation, whether we talk about creating new forms of art or contributions to cutting-edge sciences. For example, in the 20th century, Ashkenazi Jews were at the forefront of the development of quantum physics, with names like Niels Bohr (of partial Ashkenazi origin) or Richard Feynman.
An unusual story: “The Ashkenazi chess school”
A fascinating and lesser-known example of Ashkenazi intelligence and creativity is their dominance in the world of chess in the 20th century. Chess, a game that requires strategy, memory, and abstract thinking, became a field of expression for many Ashkenazi minds. Names like Garry Kasparov, Bobby Fischer (of Ashkenazi origin), or Emanuel Lasker are not only chess legends but also symbols of the Ashkenazi capacity to excel in fields that combine intellectual rigor with creativity.
Why chess? In the shtetls of Eastern Europe, chess was more than a game—it was a way of socializing and training the mind in an environment where material resources were limited. Jewish cafes in Warsaw, Vienna, or Odessa were often filled with passionate players who debated moves with the same fervor as they discussed the Talmud. This “Ashkenazi chess school” produced world champions and influenced the modern style of the game, emphasizing strategic aggression and innovation.
Ashkenazi humor: a weapon of the spirit
Another aspect that makes Ashkenazi Jews unique is their humor, often described as a combination of irony, self-deprecation, and a piercing insight into the absurdity of life. This humor, rooted in the diaspora experience and survival in the face of adversity, has become a distinctive mark of Ashkenazi culture.
A famous example is the story of the “wise men of Chelm,” a fictional town in Yiddish folklore, where the inhabitants are described as simultaneously naive and deeply philosophical. The stories of Chelm, filled with absurd humor, reflect the Ashkenazi capacity to find meaning and laughter in the most difficult moments. This type of humor has profoundly influenced popular culture, from Mel Brooks’ comedy to the dialogues written by the Coen Brothers, both of Ashkenazi origin.
A hidden contribution: the culinary revolution
A lesser-discussed but fascinating aspect is the Ashkenazi influence on global gastronomy. Traditional Ashkenazi foods, such as the bagel, lox (smoked salmon), or pastrami, have become symbols of American cuisine, especially in New York. The bagel, for example, was brought by Ashkenazi immigrants from Poland in the 19th century and evolved from the simple bread of the shtetls into a global culinary phenomenon.
Interestingly, these dishes reflect Ashkenazi history: they are simple yet ingenious, created from modest ingredients, adapted to the precarious economic conditions of Eastern Europe. For example, gefilte fish (stuffed fish) emerged as a solution to make fish more accessible to poor families but became a symbol of Jewish festive meals.
Ashkenazi and the future: a living legacy
Today, Ashkenazi Jews continue to be a creative and intellectual force, but they also face unique challenges. In Israel, they play an important role in technology and innovation, contributing to the country’s status as a “startup nation.” In the diaspora, Ashkenazi communities in cities like New York or London are involved in revitalizing traditions, whether through klezmer music or digital projects that preserve the Yiddish archive.
A fascinating project is the “Yiddish Book Center” in Massachusetts, which digitizes thousands of Yiddish books, providing access to an almost lost literature. Likewise, contemporary artists, such as the band The Klezmatics, reinterpret klezmer music for modern audiences, blending it with jazz or rock.
A story that inspires
What makes Ashkenazi Jews truly special is their ability to transform adversity into creativity. Whether we talk about a grand chess master who changes the rules of the game, a writer who finds humor in tragedy, or a scientist who deciphers the mysteries of the universe, the Ashkenazi legacy is one of intellectual and spiritual courage. Their history, full of ups and downs, is proof that intelligence, combined with profound humanity, can change the world.
Jews, including those of Ashkenazi origin, have made a remarkable contribution to the Nobel Prizes, winning a disproportionate number of awards relative to their global population. According to data available up to 2023, out of the 965 individual Nobel Prize laureates (including the Memorial Prize in Economic Sciences) awarded between 1901 and 2023, at least 216 laureates were Jews or people with at least one Jewish parent, representing approximately 22% of the total awards. This is an extraordinary achievement, considering that Jews represent only about 0.2% of the world’s population, meaning their share among laureates is 110 times greater than their demographic proportion.
The traditions of raising children among Ashkenazi Jews are deeply rooted in religious, cultural, and social values, with a strong emphasis on rigorous education and the transmission of Jewish traditions. Here are the main characteristics:
• Children are raised with firm discipline, considered a form of love and responsibility.
• Education starts early, with great importance placed on learning Hebrew and studying sacred texts such as the Torah and the Talmud.
• Boys are circumcised eight days after birth, an essential religious ritual.
• At the age of 12-13, they undergo the Bar Mitzvah (for boys) and Bat Mitzvah (for girls) ceremonies, symbolizing the transition to religious and community responsibility.
• Respect for parents and authorities is cultivated, being one of the fundamental principles.
• The family plays a central role, and the father has a strong role in the education and major decisions concerning the children until marriage.
• Culinary traditions are also important in children’s lives, with specific foods like Challah bread or latkes (fried pancakes) consumed during Jewish holidays.
• Games and cultural activities (e.g., playing the dreidel during Hanukkah) are used to transmit community values and encourage family spirit.
These traditions create a holistic educational framework that combines religion, culture, and family life in raising Ashkenazi Jewish children
Distribution of awards by category
Jews have been laureates in all six Nobel Prize categories, with a notable presence in scientific and economic fields:
• Physics: 56 laureates (approximately 25% of the total physics awards).
• Chemistry: 36 laureates (approximately 19% of the total).
• Physiology or Medicine: 59 laureates (approximately 26% of the total).
• Economics: 38 laureates (approximately 41% of the total).
• Literature: 16 laureates (approximately 13% of the total).
• Peace: 9 laureates (approximately 8% of the total).
Context and notable examples
The first Jewish laureate was Adolf von Baeyer, who received the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 1905 for his contributions to organic chemistry. Among famous Jewish laureates are Albert Einstein (Physics, 1921, for the theory of relativity), Jonas Salk (who, although he did not receive a Nobel, was a pioneer in the polio vaccine, but other Jews like Albert Sabin were recognized in medicine), Elie Wiesel (Peace, 1986, for his work related to the Holocaust), and Louise Glück (Literature, 2020, for her poetry).
Why so many awards?
Several explanations have been proposed for this impressive performance:
• Education and culture: Ashkenazi Jews, in particular, have valued education and intensive study, influenced by the Talmudic tradition, which encourages critical analysis and debate.
• Socio-economic conditions: In medieval Europe, Jews were often restricted to intellectual professions (merchants, bankers, scholars), which favored the development of cognitive skills.
• Resilience: The history of persecutions stimulated a mindset of adaptability and innovation, with Jews being forced to find creative solutions in hostile environments.
Observations and clarifications
• The data is based on sources such as Wikipedia and other analyses that define Jewish laureates either by descent (at least one Jewish parent) or by self-identification.
• The exact number may vary slightly depending on sources, as some lists include individuals with partial Jewish ancestry. For example, until 2016, some sources indicated 197 Jewish laureates, and by 2023, the number increased to 216 due to new awards.
• In 2020, Jewish laureates such as Paul Milgrom (Economics), Harvey J. Alter (Medicine), and Andrea Ghez (Physics) reinforced this trend.
The opinion of other Jews about Ashkenazi
Other Jews have diverse and sometimes controversial perceptions of Ashkenazi Jews, who are a branch of the Jewish people originating from Central and Eastern Europe. There is a theory, rejected by most historians and specialists, that Ashkenazi Jews descend from the Khazars, a Turkic nomadic people. This theory is considered a conspiracy theory often used to contest the legitimacy of Jews in Israel and is associated with antisemitic rhetoric. Recent genetic studies contradict this theory, showing that Ashkenazi Jews have a predominantly Semitic origin with European influences and that there is no solid evidence that they mainly descend from Khazars.
Within Jewish communities, there are sometimes tensions between Ashkenazi Jews and other groups, such as Sephardi Jews. Some voices have been criticized for perpetuating stereotypes or internal conflicts, but in general, Ashkenazi Jews are recognized as an important part of Judaism and Jewish history, with a distinct culture including the Yiddish language and klezmer music.
In summary, regarding Ashkenazi Jews, most Jews consider them an authentic and valuable part of the Jewish people, rejecting conspiratorial theories about their Khazar origin, and recognizing their cultural and historical contributions. However, some cultural tensions or stereotypes still exist between Jewish subgroups.
What does the Quran, the holy book of Muslims, say about Jews and Christians.
Educated Muslims and Islamic theologians generally have a complex perception of Jews, reflected both in religious writings and in cultural and political commentaries:
• From a religious perspective, Islam recognizes Judaism as a revealed religion but considers that it was progressively superseded by Islam. According to the Quran, Muslims are required to respect Jews as “People of the Book” (ahl al-kitab), but there are also passages that criticize certain behaviors of Jews who are considered disobedient or traitors to divine laws. This duality is frequently discussed in Islamic literature and reflects an ambivalent relationship: respect for the revelation but condemnation for disobedience.
• Historically and politically, there is a tradition of interethnic and interconfessional coexistence in the Muslim world, but conflicts have intensified in the modern era, especially because of territorial disputes in Palestine and the establishment of the state of Israel, considered by many Muslims as an occupation of Muslim land and an invasion that displaced Muslims. These aspects intensify critical rhetoric and rejection of the legitimacy of the Jewish state in the discourse of some educated Muslims.
• Theologically, some Muslim voices assert that Jews, as a people, have been historically contested as a legitimate ethnic group, and their religion is seen as annulled in light of the advent of Islam. The conflicts related to Jerusalem and other holy places are fundamental to this perception.
In short, educated Muslims often write about Jews within a framework of formal religious respect but contest the political and sometimes religious validity of the Jewish people and state, and these views are strongly influenced by the current political and historical context of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
“The following day, good things have been made lawful for you. The food of those who were given the Scripture is lawful for you, and your food is lawful for them. And lawful in marriage are chaste women from among the believers and chaste women from among those who were given the Scripture before you when you have given them their due compensation, desiring chastity, not unlawful sexual intercourse or taking them as secret lovers. And whoever denies the faith - his work has become worthless, and he, in the Hereafter, will be among the losers.” (Surah Al-Ma’idah 5:5)
This verse shows that Jews and Christians have a special status in Islam, recognized as bearers of divine revelation, with certain legal and religious respect accorded to them by the Quran.
Conclusion
Jews, especially those of Ashkenazi origin, have won approximately 216 Nobel Prizes from 1901 to 2023, representing about 22% of the total laureates, an astonishing achievement for such a small community. This reflects not only intelligence and individual talent but also a culture that has valued education, innovation, and resilience for centuries.
These are the Jews of the world! The best, most influential people who do only good things in the world and with whom we are proud.
Long live Israel! Long live the Jews! Glory to them!
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