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Jewish Students at Columbia U Applaud Removal of Anti-Israel Protesters

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Jewish Students at Columbia U Applaud Removal of Anti-Israel Protesters

Edited by: Fern Sidman

In a decisive action that has sparked widespread reactions across Columbia University, police in riot gear arrested over 100 anti-Israel protesters on Thursday afternoon from an encampment on the campus, following orders from the university’s President, Minouche Shafik, as was reported by The New York Post.   This move, intended to restore order and enforce university policies, has been met with relief by some Jewish students who felt threatened by the escalating tensions.

Sophomore Jonny Lederer expressed a sense of increased safety following the police intervention, highlighting the significance of the moment for those who felt alarmed by the size and fervor of the anti-Israel demonstrations. The Post report indicated that according to Lederer, the presence of a large group openly supporting what he described as a “pro-Hamas cause” was particularly unnerving and made the intervention seem necessary for maintaining peace and security on campus.

The response by the NYPD was marked by restraint, as described by witnesses. Officers asked protesters if they would voluntarily disperse, and upon refusal, proceeded to make arrests. According to the information provided in the Post report, this methodical approach aimed to manage the situation without violence, although the presence of riot gear and the physical removal of protesters called attention to the seriousness with which the university and law enforcement were treating the breach of campus rules.

Eden Yadegar, a Jewish student from Barnard College, which is affiliated with Columbia, expressed deep concerns about the environment at Columbia, suggesting that anti-Semitism and anarchy had been allowed to proliferate unchecked for months, the Post report said. Her remarks illustrate a palpable fear among Jewish students that the campus had become a breeding ground for hostility and intimidation, which necessitated a firm administrative response. “The action taken by our leadership today was, unfortunately, an absolutely necessary one,” Yadeger stated, according to the Post.

 

Tyler Korff, a Columbia alum and co-founder of the Columbia Jewish Alumni Association, lauded the university and the NYPD for their decisive actions against the clearly anti-Semitic and anti-American protests, as was noted in the Post report. Korff’s approval of the clampdown reflects a broader sentiment among many in the university’s Jewish community, who have felt increasingly besieged by the nature and tone of the anti-Israel rhetoric on campus. “These protests and rallies are meant to threaten and intimidate students, and the message today should be very clear: enough is enough,” Korff asserted, according to the Post report.

A student who preferred to remain anonymous voiced a concern to the Post that resonates with many: “How can you learn when you have to watch your back?” This sentiment highlights the anxiety that can pervade academic life when students feel their physical and psychological safety is compromised.

Many students, including a 20-year-old who expressed his distress over the situation, insist that the high tuition fees they pay should guarantee a secure and conducive learning environment. “We pay a lot of money to come here and we should feel safe and protected,” he stated, the Post report said. His remarks encapsulated the expectation that the university administration has a duty to safeguard its students against any form of harassment or danger stemming from campus activism.

 

 

U.S. Vetoes Palestinian State at United Nations

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Joel B. Pollak(Breitbart)

The United States used its veto on Thursday at the United Nations (UN) Security Council to block a Palestinian state from being declared unilaterally.

American policy has held for decades that a Palestinian state should emerge after negotiations between Israel and the Palestinian Authority. Still, the Biden administration played coy until the last hours before the UN Security Council vote, with the White House dodging questions about a potential veto until the State Department announced the U.S. position earlier on Thursday.

In an explanation of the U.S. vote, Ambassador Robert Wood said:

The United States has worked vigorously and with determination to support Palestinian statehood in the context of a comprehensive peace agreement that would permanently resolve the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

Since the attacks of October 7, President Biden has been clear that sustainable peace in the region can only be achieved through a two-state solution, with Israel’s security guaranteed. There is no other path that guarantees Israel’s security and future as a democratic Jewish state.

There is no other path that guarantees Palestinians can live in peace and with dignity in a state of their own. And there is no other path that leads to regional integration between Israel and all its Arab neighbors, including Saudi Arabia.

We also have long been clear that premature actions here in New York, even with the best intentions, will not achieve statehood for the Palestinian people.

As members of the Security Council, we have a special responsibility to ensure that our actions further the cause of international peace and security and are consistent with the requirements of the UN Charter.

As reflected in the report of the Admission Committee, there was not unanimity among Committee Members as to whether the applicant met the criteria for membership as set forth in Article 4 of the UN Charter.

For example, there are unresolved questions as to whether the applicant meets the criteria to be considered a State.

We have long called on the Palestinian Authority to undertake necessary reforms to help establish the attributes of readiness for statehood and note that Hamas – a terrorist organization – is currently exerting power and influence in Gaza, an integral part of the state envisioned in this resolution.

For these reasons, the United States voted “no” on this Security Council resolution.

The U.S. tried to portray a Palestinian state as something that “Hamas and its Iranian backers” would oppose, though Hamas denounced the U.S. veto.

Israel welcomed the veto. The Israeli government had argued against Palestinian statehood, either at the UN or outside of it, arguing that recognizing a Palestinian state in the present context would reward Hamas for terror.

Joel B. Pollak is Senior Editor-at-Large at Breitbart News and the host of Breitbart News Sunday on Sirius XM Patriot on Sunday evenings from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. ET (4 p.m. to 7 p.m. PT). He is the author of the recent e-book, “The Zionist Conspiracy (and how to join it),” now available on Audible. He is also the author of the e-book, Neither Free nor Fair: The 2020 U.S. Presidential Election. He is a winner of the 2018 Robert Novak Journalism Alumni Fellowship. Follow him on Twitter at @joelpollak.

Iran fires air defense batteries in provinces as explosions heard near Isfahan

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(AP) — Iran fired air defense batteries early Friday morning as explosions could be heard near a major air base near Isfahan, raising fears of a possible Israeli strike following Tehran’s unprecedented drone-and-missile assault on the country.

It remained unclear if the country was under attack, as no Iranian official directly acknowledged the possibility and Israel’s military did not respond to a request for comment. However, tensions have remained high in the days since the Saturday assault on Israel amid its war on Hamas in the Gaza Strip and its own strikes targeting Iran in Syria.

One Iranian government official and later Iran’s state-run television broadcaster suggested sites may have been targeted by drones.

IRNA said the defenses fired across several provinces. It did not elaborate on what caused the batteries to fire, though people across the area reported hearing the sounds.

 

In particular, IRNA said air defenses fired at a major air base in Isfahan, which long has been home to Iran’s fleet of American-made F-14 Tomcats — purchased before the 1979 Islamic Revolution.

Chinese foreign minister criticizes US role in Gaza talks during visit to Indonesia
The semiofficial Fars and Tasnim news agencies also reported the sound of blasts, without giving a cause. State television acknowledged “loud noise” in the area.

Isfahan also is home to sites associated with Iran’s nuclear program, including its underground Natanz enrichment site, which has been repeatedly targeted by suspected Israeli sabotage attacks. However, state television described all sites in the area as “fully safe.”

Dubai-based carriers Emirates and FlyDubai began diverting around western Iran about 4:30 a.m. local time. They offered no explanation, though local warnings to aviators suggested the airspace may have been closed.

Iran later announced it grounded commercial flights in Tehran and across areas of its western and central regions. Loudspeakers informed customers of the incident at Imam Khomeini International Airport in Tehran, online videos purported to show.

 

Iranian state television began a scrolling, on-screen alert acknowledging a “loud noise” near Isfahan, without immediately elaborating.

Hossein Dalirian, a spokesman for Iran’s civilian space program, said on the X social media platform that several small “quadcopter” drones had been shot down. A state television reporter in Isfahan said the same in a live report, saying “several small drones were flying in the sky over Isfahan, which were fired at.”

Meanwhile in Iraq, where a number of Iranian-backed militias are based, residents of Baghdad reported hearing sounds of explosions, but the source of the noise was not immediately clear.

Rockland County Synagogue Destroyed in Massive Blaze: Volunteers Rush to Save Torah Scrolls

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Rockland County Synagogue Destroyed in Massive Blaze: Volunteers Rush to Save Torah Scrolls

Edited by: Fern Sidman

In a poignant display of determination and faith, volunteers from the Chaverim of Rockland County bravely entered the remnants of their synagogue in upstate New York to rescue sacred Torah scrolls after a devastating fire, as was reported by The New York Post on Thursday. The Chassidim of the Heights temple, a place of worship and community, was engulfed in flames earlier this week, leaving behind a scene of destruction and loss.

The fire, which was eventually extinguished by Rockland County firefighters, did not deter the members of a local volunteer safety patrol from undertaking a risky mission to salvage the Sifrei Torah; as was indicated in the Post report. According to CBS News, the volunteers faced a heartrending scene: the synagogue they cherished had been reduced to charred remains. Yet, their resolve led them to a safe that contained the Torah scrolls.

The effort to retrieve the scrolls was neither quick nor easy. The group spent over an hour amidst the debris, employing buzzsaws and crowbars to cut through the metal and pry open the safe. The moment the safe was opened was bittersweet, marked by both relief and sorrow. As per the information provided in the Post report, Steven Goldenberg, a member of the Chaverim of Rockland County, described the emotional toll of the rescue, highlighting the sadness of seeing the Torah scrolls in uncertain condition, wrapped in a plastic bag to protect what was left of them.

Tragically, the recovery confirmed the volunteers’ worst fears: two of the three scrolls had suffered severe damage not only from the fire but also from the water used to extinguish the blaze, the Post report affirmed.  Water pouring out of the safe upon its opening was a stark indication of the damage endured by these precious texts.

Despite the loss, the community plans to honor the damaged Torah scrolls with the dignity they deserve. As reported by ABC 7, the members of the synagogue will hold a special burial ceremony, a tradition that respects the sanctity of Torah scrolls by giving them a burial similar to that afforded to human beings.

The fire has left the congregation without a physical place of worship, as the remaining structure had to be demolished for safety reasons.  Yet, the spirit of the community remains resilient. Fortunately, there were no injuries reported from the incident. The Post reported that the temple, which had been operating within a family residence and was under construction for expansion, is now at the center of an intense investigation led by the Rockland County Arson Investigation Unit to determine the cause of the blaze. The exact cause of the fire at the synagogue has yet to be determined, and authorities have not speculated publicly on whether the fire was an accident or arson.

The investigation into the fire’s origin is ongoing, with the arson unit meticulously combing through evidence to track down potential causes. As was explained in the Post report, this process is critical not only for the synagogue’s future security measures but also for providing closure to a community rattled by the loss of their place of worship and Torah study. The outcome of this investigation will likely impact local and possibly national discussions on the safety of religious communities and the need for enhanced protective measures during significant religious observances.

This incident occurred amid heightened security measures by New York police and law enforcement agencies nationwide, which have increased patrols around synagogues due to an alarming escalation of anti-Semitic incidents as the Jewish community prepares for the upcoming Passover holiday, according to the information contained in the Post report.

The Chassidim of the Heights had only recently received permission from the village of Pomona to transform the existing residence into a fully functioning synagogue. Noted in the Post report was that this approval was part of a broader vision to expand the facility to accommodate a growing congregation. The fire has put a temporary halt to these plans, devastating a community eager to see their place of worship flourish.

Despite the destruction, the spirit of the congregation remains unbroken. Members of the Chassidim of the Heights have expressed a steadfast resolve to rebuild their temple. This commitment to reconstruct the destroyed structure is a testament to the resilience and unity of the community, which has come together in the face of adversity.

In the meantime, the congregation of Chassidim of the Heights is navigating this challenging period with hope and perseverance, planning not just for the immediate recovery but for the long-term revitalization of their communal and spiritual life. The rebuilding efforts will undoubtedly require significant resources and support, both from within the local community and from broader networks that stand in solidarity with the congregation. As they lay the groundwork for their future, the story of Chassidim of the Heights will likely serve as a shining example of unwavering faith and community resilience in the face of tragedy.

 

NPR CEO Katherine Maher Reveals How She Ruined Wikipedia

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By Lucas Nolan (Breitbart)

Katherine Maher, NPR’s newly appointed CEO, is facing criticism over her past tweets as a veteran editor accuses the organization of leftist bias. But along the way, another interesting line of investigation has opened — how Maher wrecked Wikipedia by turning away from “free and open” discussions on the “online wikipedia” because that goal represents a “white male westernized construct.”

The Daily Mail reports that Katherine Maher, NPR’s newly appointed CEO, has sparked controversy after a resurfaced clip from a 2021 panel discussion hosted by the Atlantic Council revealed her calling the First Amendment the “number one challenge” in American journalism. During the discussion, Maher, who previously served as the CEO of Wikimedia the parent organization of Wikipedia, argued that the First Amendment provides a “fairly robust protection of rights,” making it “a little tricky to address some of the real challenges of where bad information comes from.”

The controversy has also brought to light some of Maher’s past tweets, which include a veiled shot at former President Donald Trump, branding him a ‘deranged racist sociopath,’ and her support for President Biden by sharing selfies wearing his campaign hats. Maher has also expressed views on gender and language, tweeting, “I do wish Hillary wouldn’t use the language of “boy and girl” – it’s erasing language for non-binary people.”

But beyond her extreme leftist political views, many of Maher’s statements reflect on her time leading the parent foundation of Wikipedia. Her comments about a “free and open” Wikipedia where multiple sides of an argument could be presented to users actually being a “white male Westernized construct” are eye opening, and explain how Wikipedia became a cesspit of fringe leftist beliefs where any balance or conservative viewpoints are immediately crushed.

Maher’s attitude and leadership at Wikipedia goes a long way in explaining how the site devolved from an online encyclopedia into a source of fake news and extreme leftist groupthink. Over the years, Breitbart News has investigated and reported on many fake news hoaxes that began life on Wikipedia, including one about Breitbart News itself:

Framing Breitbart

Breitbart News has also been the subject of a Wikipedia hoax on its own page where left-wing editor “Snooganssnoogans” added a claim in early 2017 that Breitbart promoted the “Pizzagate” conspiracy theory, which claims John Podesta’s e-mails about pizza are coded references to a child sex ring connected to the Clintons. The cited source doesn’t claim this and Breitbart’s only appearance in the article is an embedded tweet from its verified account, which mentioned one of Podesta’s pizza-related e-mails weeks before the conspiracy theories emerged.

However, editors kept the material even after it was challenged. An article in the Independent would later repeat this false accusation along with other negative material copied from Wikipedia’s Breitbart article. One editor suggested citing the article for other claims on the page. Breitbart News has never promoted the Pizzagate conspiracy theory, but justlikemanyothernewsoutlets, it has reported on the connection between the Clintons and the late accused sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Ironically, Breitbart has been banned from Wikipedia for nearly two years after editors deemed it “unreliable” in a discussion claiming Breitbart publishes “fake news” on its site.

Wikipedia co-founder Larry Sanger has been a particularly fierce critic of the site’s loss of balance, which again can be attributed to Maher’s leadership:

On May 14, Sanger published a blog piece titled “Wikipedia Is Badly Biased” and started by declaring Wikipedia’s “Neutral Point of View” policy dead. Having founded the online encyclopedia with Jimmy Wales and having been involved in the original drafting of the policy, Sanger offered particular insight into its development and its practice in recent years. On the current policy’s rejection of providing “equal validity” to different views, Sanger stated this went directly against the original policy’s intent and that “as journalists turn to opinion and activism, Wikipedia now touts controversial points of view on politics, religion, and science.”

Providing examples, Sanger noted former President Obama’s article excludes most notable scandals during his Administration, such as the bungled ATF Fast and Furious operation that armed Mexican cartels who killed a U.S. border agent or the targeting of Tea Party groups by the IRS. By contrast, Sanger pointed to Trump’s article containing overwhelmingly negative sections on the President regarding his “public profile” as well as investigations and impeachment. The sections critical of Trump and his presidency are nearly as long as those dealing with his presidency overall. He further criticized Wikipedia repeatedly saying Trump makes false statements rather than attributing such characterizations to sources.

Read more at the Daily Mail here.

Lucas Nolan is a reporter for Breitbart News covering issues of free speech and online censorship.

U-Haul Ultimatum: Pro-Israel Group Demands Columbia President’s Resignation Amid Soaring Anti-Semitism

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U-Haul Ultimatum: Pro-Israel Group Demands Columbia President’s Resignation Amid Soaring Anti-Semitism

Edited by: Fern Sidman

In a striking demonstration of frustration and demand for administrative accountability, a pro-Israel activist group took a bold step against Columbia University’s leadership on Thursday, highlighting a deepening conflict over anti-Semitism on campus. According to the information provided in a report by the New York Post, the group, Accuracy in Media, mobilized a fleet of U-Haul trucks bearing messages aimed directly at Columbia’s President, Minouche Shafik. The Post report added that the trucks, adorned with mobile billboards, were not just a protest but a symbolically loaded statement: “Minouche Shafik, it’s time to resign and we’re here to help you move.”

This vivid display of dissent came in response to an abysmal failure by President Shafik to adequately address and curb instances of anti-Semitism within the university. The tension has been exacerbated by her testimony on Wednesday, before Congress, which left many critics disgusted by her lack of adequate responses as they called for her resignation. Indicated in the Post report was that the mobile billboards, one of which was positioned strategically outside President Shafik’s official residence on Morningside Drive, close to the main campus, shed light on the urgency and severity of the grievances held by members of the pro-Israel community.

The activists’ message was clear and further amplified by the website “ColumbiaHatesJews.com,” promoted on the billboards, where supporters are encouraged to demand the university take a stronger stand against the alarming escalation of the most egregious manifestations of anti-Semitism among its students and faculty, as per the Post report.  This online platform serves as a rallying point, aiming to consolidate and voice collective discontent, advocating for significant administrative changes.

This protest by Accuracy in Media is part of a series of actions targeting Columbia University, which has been a hotspot for heated protests and clashes since the outbreak of the war that Hamas terrorists launched on Israel on October 7th, as was detailed in the Post report. The university has been criticized for having a permissive attitude towards anti-Israel sentiment that has crossed into overt and reprehensible anti-Semitism. The Post report also noted that these criticisms came to a head during recent campus protests where chants such as “Settlers, settlers go back home, Palestine is ours alone” and “Resisting is justified when people are occupied” were heard, referencing the tragic Hamas led October 7 terror attack on southern Israel, which resulted in the brutal massacre of 1200 Israelis and others as well as the abduction of 250 people who were held as hostages by the terror group in Gaza,

Moreover, the university’s decision to suspend students for using violent and anti-Semitic language during protests against Israel’s actions has added another layer of controversy.

The actions taken by Accuracy in Media reflect a broader dissatisfaction with how Columbia University, under President Shafik’s leadership, has handled issues of anti-Semitism and campus safety. For many in the pro-Israel community, these are not just administrative failures but are seen as moral failings that compromise the integrity of the academic institution. The call for President Shafik’s resignation represents a critical demand for leadership that not only understands but actively combats anti-Semitism, ensuring that all students can pursue their education in an environment free from hate and bias.

Columbia University President Minouche Shafik faced intense scrutiny during congressional hearings on Wednesday over her handling of anti-Semitic incidents on campus.

Tyler Korff, co-founder of the Columbia Jewish Alumni Association, criticized President Shafik’s definitions and responses to anti-Semitism as “grossly inadequate.” Indicated in the Post report was that he highlighted a troubling variation of the chant used by anti-Israel protesters on campus: “From the river to the sea, Palestine will be Arab.” Korff argued that such rhetoric is not only anti-Semitic but also evokes genocidal sentiments, posing a direct threat to Jewish students and undermining the university’s commitment to a safe and inclusive environment, the Post report added.

The implications of these chants and the university’s tepid response to them have had a palpable impact on Jewish students at Columbia. According to the information contained in the Post report, descriptions  of students feeling unsafe and even facing penalties for expressing pro-Israel views are alarming, suggesting a biased campus atmosphere that prioritizes certain political expressions over others. Such an environment not only stifles free speech but also contradicts the principles of academic freedom and diversity that should define any leading educational institution.

Despite these serious concerns, Korff expressed a desire for a more constructive approach rather than demanding immediate leadership changes. The Post report pointed out that he advocated for working collaboratively with the university to address these issues, focusing on enhancing public safety and improving the educational climate.

However, the situation at Columbia University raises significant questions about the responsibilities of academic institutions in handling political and racial tensions. The university’s leadership, under Shafik’s stewardship, appears to be at a critical juncture where the decisions made now will likely have long-lasting impacts on the community’s fabric.

 

 

 

 

Barnard Student Isra Hirsi, Daughter of Rep. Ilhan Omar, Suspended Due to Pro-Hamas Activism

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Isra Hirsi/Instagram

Edited by: TJVNews.com

The unfolding events at Columbia University’s campus, involving raucous protests against Israel, have led to significant repercussions for some students, including Isra Hirsi, the daughter of Minnesota Representative Ilhan Omar, according to a report that appeared on Thursday in the New York Post.  Hirsi, a 21-year-old student at Barnard College, which is affiliated with Columbia, has been suspended due to her active role in these protests.

On Thursday, Hirsi disclosed through a post on X (formerly known as Twitter) that she and two other students, Maryam Iqbal and Soph Dinu, were suspended from their academic pursuits. As was reported by the Post, in her message, Hirsi expressed surprise and distress over the suspension, noting her previously unblemished disciplinary record at Barnard. She emphasized her commitment to the cause, stating that the suspension was a result of her standing “in solidarity with Palestinians facing a genocide.”

The student group CU Apartheid Divest, with which Hirsi is involved, released a statement following the suspensions. It detailed that the actions taken by Barnard’s administration were informed by reports from Columbia University Public Safety. According to the dean of Barnard College, Leslie Grinage, the suspended students were involved in an “unauthorized encampment” on Columbia’s campus, the Post report affirmed. Despite multiple requests on Wednesday from both Barnard and Columbia to cease their involvement, the students did not comply, leading to their suspensions.

This disciplinary action aligns with a broader pattern of enforcement related to the ongoing protests, which have seen at least three people arrested overnight in connection with the tent protest at the Morningside campus, according to the information in the Post report. Hirsi’s suspension, particularly given her high-profile background as the daughter of a prominent U.S. congresswoman, brings additional attention to the protests and the responses by university administrations.

As one of three children of Rep. Omar and her ex-husband Ahmed Hirsi, Isra has actively participated in and promoted the campus protests, describing her involvement as part of a “huge historic moment,” as was stated in the Post report.

Following her participation, Hirsi shared footage of herself at the protest on the social media platform X. A day after posting the footage, Hirsi revealed she had been suspended from Barnard College. In a resolute response to her suspension, she expressed that the protesters “will not be intimidated” and vowed to continue the anti-Israel protest until their demands—which include the divestment from companies they accuse of being complicit in genocide, transparency in Columbia University’s investments, and full amnesty for all students facing disciplinary actions—are met, the Post report said.

Hirsi, who self-identifies on X as an “angry black girl,” has been vocal during the pro-Hamas protests, using her platform to amplify the cause and engage with a broader audience. Her activism has gained additional visibility through the support of her mother, Rep. Ilhan Omar, who herself has been a controversial figure in U.S. politics, the Post report noted. Omar, known for her radically left-wing stances, faced significant backlash from Republicans and was removed from the Foreign Affairs Committee in February of the previous year due to remarks that were widely criticized as anti-Semitic.

 

 

 

Israel Retaliates Against Iran: Conducts Airstrike on Military Base Near Isfahan

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Israel Retaliates Against Iran: Conducts Airstrike on Military Base Near Isfahan

Edited by: Fern Sidman

In a significant escalation of hostilities in the Middle East, the Israeli military conducted an airstrike on a military air base near Isfahan, central Iran, early on Friday, as was reported in The New York Times. This operation marks what is believed to be Israel’s first direct military retaliation following Iran’s unprecedented missile and drone assault on Israel five days prior. The strike adds a new chapter to the intensifying conflict between the two nations, which has shifted from a shadowy engagement to a more overt confrontation, the NYT report added.

According to reports from Iranian officials and local news agencies, the attack led to audible explosions near the city of Isfahan. However, it was confirmed that nearby nuclear facilities were not targeted in this strike. Noted in the NYT report was that the precise scale of the damage inflicted by the Israeli operation remains unclear, though the strategic choice of targets suggests a calculated approach aimed at minimizing broader regional escalations while responding firmly to Iranian aggression.

In response to the immediate threat, flight tracking data indicated that civilian aircraft were rerouted away from the region for safety. Additionally, the NYT report affirmed that several airports in the vicinity reportedly closed, reflecting the severity of the situation and the potential for further military actions.

The origins of this direct confrontation date back to an Israeli strike on an Iranian diplomatic compound in Syria on April 1, which resulted in the deaths of seven Iranian officials. According to the information provided in the NYT report, this incident prompted a severe response from Iran, which launched over 300 missiles and drones at Israel, marking the first direct and substantial military engagement between the two states in recent history.

Israeli leaders had vocally expressed their intent to respond to Iran’s aggressive actions, signaling the potential for retaliation. The airstrike near Isfahan can be seen as a fulfillment of those warnings, underscoring Israel’s readiness to engage militarily to protect its national security interests against Iranian threats.

Meanwhile, Iran’s military leadership, represented by Maj. Gen. Abdolrahim Mousavi, has issued stark warnings against Israeli aggression, suggesting that any further military actions by Israel would prompt additional responses from Iran, as per the information in the NYT report. This rhetoric from Iran indicates the high tensions and the likelihood of continued military engagements between the two adversaries.

The Israeli military’s decision to withhold official comments on the strike is in line with its usual policy regarding operations of a sensitive nature. This approach aims to manage the information flow and possibly to maintain strategic ambiguity while assessing the aftermath and preparing for possible further escalations.

Indicated  in the NYT report was that President Joe Biden has advised Israel against any further retaliatory strikes against Iran, amid concerns that such actions could escalate into a more extensive conflict. This advice comes as Israel is already engaged on multiple fronts, including against Hamas in Gaza and Hezbollah in Lebanon, both of which are allies of Iran, the report added.

This complex geopolitical situation was a key topic of discussion in a phone conversation on Thursday between. Defense Secretary Lloyd J. Austin III and his Israeli counterpart, Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, the NYT reported.  According to a statement by Pentagon Press Secretary Maj. Gen. Patrick Ryder, their discussion covered regional threats and Iran’s destabilizing activities in the Middle East. A significant portion of their dialogue also focused on humanitarian concerns, particularly the importance of maintaining and increasing the flow of aid to civilians in Gaza, according to the NYT report. This includes facilitating humanitarian aid through a new route from Ashdod Port in Israel, highlighting the ongoing efforts to alleviate civilian suffering amidst the conflict.

Despite tensions, it was noted that communications between Austin and Gallant have generally been very good. This ongoing dialogue is crucial as both nations navigate the delicate balance of responding to immediate security threats while also considering the broader implications of military actions in the region.

It was also reported that President Biden’s administration once again intervened to moderate Israeli military plans, this time concerning a proposed major assault on the city of Rafah in southern Gaza. The intervention took place during a virtual meeting chaired by Jake Sullivan, the President’s National Security Adviser. According to the NYT report, the discussion focused on evaluating Israeli strategies for the attack. However, the American side raised concerns, particularly regarding the plans’ alignment with Biden’s stringent criteria to minimize civilian casualties.

The White House issued a statement revealing that, while the American team had reviewed Israel’s proposed military actions, they had not been persuaded that these plans adequately safeguarded civilian lives, as per the information provided in the NYT report.  As a result, the two parties agreed to postpone immediate action, allowing more time for consultation and to reassess the strategies presented by Israel.

The discussions were part of a broader conversation addressing security measures against ongoing threats, notably the recent attack by Iran. The American delegation, engaged in these strategic talks, expressed reservations about the courses of action presented, prompting a commitment from the Israeli representatives to reconsider their tactics and engage in further expert-level discussions.

The Israeli delegation was led by two significant figures: Ron Dermer, a close adviser to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and a member of the Israeli war cabinet, and Tzachi Hanegbi, the National Security Adviser, the information in the NYT report affirmed. Their involvement shines a spotlight on the high stakes and the complex nature of the security challenges discussed, particularly those concerning the defense against Iran and its implications for regional stability.

The White House’s statement clarified that while the United States supports Israel’s objective to defeat Hamas in Rafah, there is considerable caution against initiating a ground operation. President Biden’s administration is particularly concerned about the potential repercussions of such an operation on the over one million Palestinians who have sought refuge in Rafah, as was pointed out in the NYT report. This hesitation highlights the delicate balance the U.S. aims to maintain between supporting its ally’s security objectives and mitigating the humanitarian impact on Palestinian civilians.

 

REPORT: Biden’s Latest Reelection Gambit May Be Declaring National Climate Emergency

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By Reagan Reese (Daily Caller)

White House officials are weighing whether to declare a national climate emergency several months out from the 2024 election, people familiar with the matter told Bloomberg.

President Joe Biden’s top advisers have returned to conversations about declaring such a national climate emergency, though those in discussion appear to be divided on the move, the sources told Bloomberg. While the move, the sources say, would stunt offshore drilling and curb greenhouse gas emissions, others think the move would help energize youth voters, particularly those with a focus on climate, Bloomberg reported. (RELATED: Biden Reportedly Plans To Go Full Steam Ahead With Same Strategy Despite Disastrous Polling)

“President Biden has treated the climate crisis as an emergency since day one and will continue to build a clean energy future that lowers utility bills, creates good-paying union jobs, makes our economy the envy of the world and prioritizes communities that for too long have been left behind,” White House spokesperson Angelo Fernandez Hernandez told the outlet while not commenting directly on the reported discussions.

The decision, Bloomberg notes, has not been made and such conversations could carry on for as long as several years. The president’s administration previously considered a similar measure in 2022 once negotiations over clean-energy legislation failed, Bloomberg reported. Biden also said he had declared a climate emergency in 2023 when he implemented “conservation policies,” the outlet reported.

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Ahead of the 2024 election, such a move could help Biden win over some of the youth vote as the president trails hypothetical matchups with former President Donald Trump, Bloomberg reported.

The Sunrise Movement, Fridays For Future USA and the Campus Climate Network, all youth climate activist networks, are planning protests surrounding Earth Day in an effort to put pressure on the president to declare a climate emergency, Bloomberg reported.

“If Biden wants to win the youth vote, he needs to take forceful action on climate change,” Aru Shiney-Ajay, the Sunrise Movement’s executive director, told the outlet.

While Biden has a lead over Trump with youth voters, the margins aren’t where they should be to help the president confidently secure reelection, Politico Playbook reported. With registered Americans under 30 years old, Biden leads the former president 50% to 37%, according to Harvard’s Institute of Politics April poll.

“For a Democrat to comfortably win the Electoral College, he or she needs to win 60 percent of the youth vote. Biden and Obama, ’12 and ’20, won 60 percent. Obama got 66 percent in ’08. [John] Kerry and Hillary Clinton got 55 percent,” John Della Volpe, director of polling at Harvard Kennedy School Institute of Politics, told Politico Playbook. “Biden is in the mid-50s. Can you improve that to get to 60 percent? It’s within reach. But he’s going to have to get younger men and young men of color, younger men who are white, younger men in the suburbs and their urban areas to turn out.”

Mayhem in Morningside Heights! –  Police Arrest 100 Anti-Israeli Protesters at Columbia U  

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Mayhem in Morningside Heights! –  Police Arrest 100 Anti-Israeli Protesters at Columbia U  

Edited by: Fern Sidman

In a significant escalation of campus tensions at Columbia University, at least 100 anti-Israel protesters were arrested and removed by NYPD officers equipped with riot gear. The New York Post reported that this drastic action was initiated on Thursday afternoon after Columbia’s President, Minouche Shafik, made the decisive move to dismantle a large anti-Israel protest encampment.

The protest, which began as an “occupation” by dozens of students on the South Lawn of Columbia’s campus, quickly transformed into a significant confrontation. According to the information provided in the Post report, the encampment was erected early Wednesday morning, despite clear warnings from the university administration that participants needed to vacate by 9 p.m. that same day, with the threat of preliminary suspensions looming over those who chose to defy the orders.


By Thursday afternoon, the situation escalated as NYPD cops in body armor and face shields arrived on the scene. The protesters, including some who resisted to the point of needing to be physically carried away, were promptly detained and placed onto waiting NYPD corrections buses, as per the Post report. In a show of defiance, a large crowd swarmed the police vehicles, temporarily preventing them from leaving.

The police response was robust; officers dismantled dozens of tents, discarding them as trash. This forceful clearing of the protest was met with mixed reactions from the student body. As was noted in the Post report, a 20-year-old Columbia student, opting to remain anonymous, expressed support for the police actions, stating, “I applaud the cops. They are doing the right thing,” and emphasized the sentiment of insecurity felt by some students: “We don’t feel safe. We fear for our lives.”

The student also referenced Hamas, the Iranian backed terrorist organization that was responsible for the October 7th massacre in southern Israel in which 1200 Israelis and others were killed and 250 were taken hostage.  The Post reported that the student implied that the motivations behind the protest were aligned with the actions of such groups and that they protest group supported terrorist acts targeting Israelis.

Notably, one of the anti-Israel protest leaders, Isra Hirsi, daughter of Representative Ilhan Omar, faced suspension from Barnard College, affiliated with Columbia, due to her involvement in the demonstrations.

President Shafik’s decision to involve the NYPD in clearing the protest marks a critical moment in the university’s approach to handling campus demonstrations. It illustrates a hardline stance against prolonged occupations and raises questions about the balance between student activism and institutional control.

The event rapidly escalated around 2:30 p.m., leading to the detention of approximately 100 demonstrators, as police sources reported to The Post.

As the officers entered the university grounds, they issued stern warnings to the gathered protesters, informing them that failure to disperse would result in arrests, the Post report indicated. Despite these warnings, many demonstrators chose to stay, sitting quietly in rows, embodying a passive resistance even as they were bound with zip ties and taken into custody.

The atmosphere surrounding the protest was charged with emotion. Onlookers, some of whom may have been students or local community members, expressed their dissent loudly. Chants of “Shame, shame, shame!” echoed through the air, mingling with cries of “Let them go!” from the crowd, as detailed in the Post report.

The atmosphere on campus further deteriorated when shocking video footage surfaced, showing a protester near the university openly supporting Hamas. This incident, coupled with the arrest of another protester for assaulting an NYPD officer, highlighted the intensity and volatility of the situation.

In anticipation of the protest’s growth, the NYPD had strategically blocked off 114th and 115th Streets, which are located just south of the university’s main entrance. This tactical move aimed to control the flow of protesters and manage the gathering more effectively.  As was affirmed in the Post report, officers in riot gear were also observed moving in formation along Broadway, south of 116th Street, creating a visible barrier between the campus and potential reinforcements for the demonstrators.

President Minouche Shafik, in an email sent earlier to students, faculty, and staff, explained her decision to request NYPD intervention, a measure she had hoped would never be necessary. The report in the Post said that Shafik articulated that this “extraordinary step” was compelled by “extraordinary circumstances.” She highlighted that the protesters had violated a comprehensive list of university rules and policies, suggesting a breakdown of campus order that could no longer be managed through internal measures alone.

She also conveyed regret over the necessity of police involvement but underscored the administration’s efforts to engage with the protesting students. According to Shafik, the university had attempted to address the demonstrators’ concerns and had offered to continue discussions provided the protesters agreed to disband their encampment, the Post reported. However, these offers were ultimately rebuffed, leading to a hardened stance from both sides.

The situation reached a critical point when President Shafik penned a letter to the NYPD’s Deputy Commissioner of Legal Matters, explaining that the students, having been suspended, were now technically trespassing on university property. The Post report pointed out that in her plea for police assistance, she detailed the requested procedure: the NYPD would employ Long Range Acoustic Device (LRAD) technology to issue a final order for dispersal to the encamped students, allowing them time to comply before any further actions were taken.

In her correspondence, Shafik stressed the importance of handling the situation with care and caution. She emphasized the university’s priority of maintaining safety and security for all members of the community and expressed appreciation for the NYPD’s support in managing the protest respectfully and peacefully during such a challenging time.

Responding to the university’s call, NYPD Deputy Commissioner Michael Gerber issued a memo authorizing the police action to dismantle the protest, as requested by President Shafik, the report added.

Amidst a backdrop of escalating tensions and public scrutiny, Shafik recently faced pointed allegations of “gross negligence” during her testimony on Wednesday before the House Education and Workforce Committee. The Post reported that the allegations primarily concerned anti-Semitic incidents on campus and accusations of pro-Hamas indoctrination, highlighting a fraught period for the Ivy League institution following the October 7 Hamas terror attacks in Israel.

A report issued by Columbia’s own Task Force on Anti-Semitism described “repeated violations by student groups” in the aftermath of these attacks. The document brought to light the depth of the issue, revealing a pattern of behavior that many found concerning. Ahead of the congressional hearing, Jewish students and alumni expressed their apprehension and dissatisfaction to The Post, emphasizing a sharp and frightening rise in anti-Semitism and unchecked protests that have clearly fostered an environment of hostility towards Jewish students at the Morningside Heights campus. The Columbia University Jewish Alumni Association demanded that university administrators take more decisive action to curb these unauthorized demonstrations.

During her testimony, President Shafik defended Columbia’s response to the incidents post-October 7 but faced critical questions from lawmakers. As was noted in the Post report, a contentious point in the hearing was her refusal to classify the phrase “From the river to the sea, Palestine will be free” as anti-Semitic, a stance that has been widely debated within academic and political circles.

Federal Docs: Joe Biden’s DHS Gave Work Permit to Laken Riley’s Accused Killer Knowing He Had Criminal Record

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Facebook/CCSO

By Jpohn Binder(Breitbart News)

President Joe Biden’s Department of Homeland Security (DHS) approved a work permit for Jose Antonio Ibarra of Venezuela, who is accused of murdering 22-year-old Laken Riley, even after discovering he had a prior criminal history, according to federal documents detailed by Sen. Josh Hawley (R-MO).

On February 22, Laken Riley went for a morning jog around the University of Georgia (UGA) campus in Athens, Georgia. Riley’s bludgeoned body was found later that day in a wooded area. The following day, Ibarra was arrested and charged with her murder.

During a Senate budget hearing on Thursday, Hawley read aloud the DHS file on Ibarra, which he said senators only recently obtained.

According to the documents that Hawley read, Ibarra was encountered at the United States-Mexico border near El Paso, Texas, on September 8, 2022. DHS officials cited “detention capacity,” according to Hawley, as the reason Ibarra was rewarded parole.

“You and I both know [lack of detention capacity] is not a valid reason [for parole] under the statute,” Hawley told DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas. As Breitbart News previously reported, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) data shows about 8,100 available detention beds at the time Ibarra was encountered at the border.

Biden’s expansive Catch and Release network, Sen. Rand Paul (R-KY) noted, purports to give parole to migrants on a “case-by-case” basis for public benefit or humanitarian reasons. Paul asked Mayorkas if detention capacity is a reason migrants are given parole, but Mayorkas said he would not comment on the case.

“Why was [Ibarra] paroled?” Paul repeatedly asked Mayorkas.

On July 19, 2023, Hawley said the DHS file states that Ibarra reported to agency officials in New York City for a biometric appointment where he was fingerprinted. The results of those fingerprints, according to the document, show Ibarra had a prior criminal history.

On September 14, 2023, Ibarra was arrested for acting in a manner that could injure a child. Despite the charge, Ibarra was not prosecuted, and the arrest was expunged.

Two months later, in November 2023, the DHS file states that Ibarra applied for an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). On December 9, 2023, Hawley said the DHS file states that Ibarra’s work permit application was approved.

Less than three months after securing the work permit, Ibarra was charged with Riley’s murder.

“This is your policies in action,” Hawley told Mayorkas. “A criminal is permitted into this country on grounds flatly not permitted, flatly contradictory to the statute. He commits a crime against a child, and then he gets a work permit … then, in February, he commits the heinous crime against Laken Riley.”

Digital Diplomacy Under Scrutiny: Chinese Embassy Lobbies Against TikTok Sale Amid Cybersecurity Standoff

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The United States recently banned TikTok from all federal government devices over growing security concerns. (AP Photo/Kiichiro Sato, File)

Digital Diplomacy Under Scrutiny: Chinese Embassy Lobbies Against TikTok Sale Amid Cybersecurity Standoff

Edited by: TJVNews.com

In recent weeks, amidst escalating tensions between the U.S. and China over cybersecurity and data privacy, Chinese Embassy officials have been engaging with congressional staffers in an effort to influence legislation aimed at forcing the sale of the social media giant TikTok, according to a report that appeared on Wednesday on the New York Post.  This strategic engagement comes at a time when concerns over digital sovereignty and national security are at a peak, highlighting the complex web of diplomacy, international trade, and national security.

According to sources familiar with the matter, Chinese officials initially secured meetings with key congressional staff by suggesting that China might make concessions on another, unspecified issue that has been a point of contention between Washington and Beijing, as per the information provided in the Post report. However, this promise was reportedly a strategic move to open dialogue and address broader concerns, particularly the proposed TikTok divestment legislation.

During these meetings, the Chinese officials presented a wide array of grievances against the U.S., focusing heavily on the treatment of TikTok. The Chinese Embassy’s approach underscores a deeper narrative about the perceived unfair treatment of Chinese companies by the U.S. government. Indicated in the Post report was that Liu Pengyu, a spokesperson for the Chinese Embassy, argued that the discussions were not merely about TikTok but rather the broader issue of whether Chinese companies can receive fair treatment in the United States. Pengyu insisted that the U.S. has not provided evidence that TikTok poses a national security threat, yet it has still moved to suppress the company under the guise of national security concerns.

This diplomatic push by the Chinese Embassy highlights the tension between the two global powers over technology and trade. The U.S. government’s scrutiny of TikTok stems from fears that the Chinese-owned company could potentially share user data with the Chinese government, thereby posing a threat to national security, the Post report said. These concerns are exacerbated by China’s own policies regarding foreign technology platforms; notable American companies such as Google, Facebook, and YouTube are banned from operating in mainland China, which raises questions about reciprocity and fair play in international trade and technology exchange.

First reported by Politico, this revelation indicates that discussions about TikTok were explicitly mentioned ahead of meetings, highlighting the strategic importance of the platform in broader geopolitical dialogues.

The outreach by Chinese officials spanned both chambers of Congress, targeting staffers from both the House and Senate. During these discussions, the officials voiced substantial concerns regarding the proposed TikTok divestment legislation, the report in the Post said. They argued that the bill, which mandates the sale of TikTok due to national security concerns, is unfair and could potentially harm U.S. investors. This stance reiterates the public position China has taken, criticizing the U.S. government’s scrutiny of TikTok as an unjust move that could destabilize mutual economic interests.

TikTok, while based out of Singapore and Los Angeles, is owned by the Chinese company ByteDance, a fact that has contributed to ongoing debates about the app’s data privacy practices and its implications for U.S. national security. The company’s spokesperson, Alex Haurek, stated that TikTok was unaware of the Chinese Embassy’s efforts until the issue was brought to light by Politico. The Post report said that Haurek emphasized, “At no point did we have any knowledge of these meetings until Politico approached us. Since the bill’s introduction, we’ve been publicly vocal about why we oppose the ban bill and will continue to do so.”

The legislative journey of the bill concerning TikTok has seen significant progress. Last month, the House of Representatives passed the Protecting Americans from Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act with a substantial majority vote of 352-65, as was noted in the Post report, The bill enjoys bipartisan support and has also received backing from President Joe Biden, indicating a strong consensus on the need to regulate foreign-controlled applications that might pose a risk to national security.

. If not sold, TikTok faces the risk of being removed from Apple and Google app stores, a move that could effectively cripple its operations in one of its largest markets. Revealed in the Post report was that despite its popularity, with approximately 170 million users in the U.S., the app’s fate now hangs in the balance as the Senate has yet to decide on the legislation.

The House’s decision reflects growing bipartisan unease concerning the potential threats posed by foreign-owned apps to national security. According to the information contained in the Post report, TikTok, a global phenomenon, has come under intense scrutiny from U.S. lawmakers and national security experts who express concerns over the Chinese government’s possible access to vast amounts of user data, including biometric identifiers, location data, and browsing histories. Fears are that this data could be used for surveillance or to spread propaganda within the U.S., leveraging TikTok’s extensive reach among American users.

Despite the looming threat of severe restrictions, the Senate has so far declined to take up the bill, with indications that the House may be considering further legislative measures, the report revealed. The specifics of these potential actions remain unclear, yet they underscore the legislative momentum against perceived cybersecurity risks.

In response to the legislative pressures, TikTok has launched an aggressive campaign to sway public and political opinion in its favor. The company initiated a pop-up feature on its app, providing users with information about the legislation and encouraging them to contact their representatives to express their opposition, as was pointed out in the Post report. This campaign, however, has not been without its controversies. Sen. Thom Tillis (R-NC) reported receiving a chilling death threat, allegedly from a TikTok user mobilized by the campaign, highlighting the intense emotions and high stakes involved.

 

A carefully manufactured myth

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Meir Jolovitz

“The great enemy of the truth is very often not the lie – deliberate, contrived, and dishonest – but the myth – persistent, persuasive, and unrealistic.” – John F. Kennedy

There is extant a fundamental misunderstanding of one specific aspect of the November 2024 US presidential elections which has led, inevitably and invariably, to a misbegotten understanding of the Biden/Blinken foreign policy calculations in dealing with the post-October 7 Middle East.

It’s all about Michigan, we are told.

It is not.

Any student of a Logic 101 course at any university – perhaps even at Harvard, despite it have suffered a terrible blow to its cachet as the epicenter of scholarship – will understand the following: if the premise is wrong, there is a great certainty that the conclusion that follows might indeed be wrong as well. The percentages tell us as much. That’s the way logic works.

Well, to argue that the vote in Michigan – as it affects the 2024 election – is a pivotal reason that the progressive Left has seduced, deceived, and pressured the Biden Administration to abandon Israel in its effort to properly prosecute the war in Gaza is foolishly wrong. And it can be very easily exposed, despite the fact that virtually every political commentator, and no fewer voices throughout the media – both liberal and conservative – have taken the bait. A ubiquitous chorus of punditry.

It’s all about Michigan, we are told.

And they are wrong.

Everyone has been bamboozled by a spurious argument, and it is rather remarkable that it hasn’t been exposed.

As proof of this fear that Michigan – which is accurately seen as one of the important votes that will determine who occupies the White House on January 20, 2025, and axiomatically the direction of American foreign policy vis-à-vis Israel – the so-called experts cite the Leftist protest vote against Joe Biden in the Michigan Democratic Primary on February 27, 2024. The primaries (!), mind you.

As a demonstration of their displeasure with the Biden Administration’s handling of the war in Gaza – under the very mistaken belief that it was decidedly pro-Israel (a nonsensical misreading of the realities that suggested exactly the opposite), there was a well-coordinated and well-financed campaign to vote “uncommitted” – an option available to the voters. And the anti-Israel lobby exercised it most effectively. Over 100,000 voted their protest – a staggering 13% of the vote – enough to make Joe Biden’s knees buckle. And enough, every pundit understood, to drive the Blinken/Biden foreign policy (that is the proper pecking order) to pressure, and then threaten Israel.

The Left had joined the large Arab population of Michigan in a hyperactive drive to influence American foreign policy by promising to influence the election. If you don’t compel Israel to abort its assault on Gaza, the argument was crafted to suggest, we will not vote for Biden, in the general elections. And if Biden doesn’t win Michigan, Trump very likely might become president again.

That was a fraudulent lie. A manufactured myth. A transparent poker hand that everyone has chosen to ignore. Willful blindness. Or just an amateurish reading of political realities. Lacking the intellectual horsepower, the political analysts have failed to grasp that if the premise was disingenuous, the conclusion was therefore not logical.

Let’s look at the facts.

Fact: The state of Michigan has 16 electoral votes and is considered, axiomatically, one of the important battleground states. To win the 2024 presidential election, Michigan is central. Even critical.

Fact: In the 2020 Presidential elections, Joe Biden had 2,804,040 votes (50.6%); Donald Trump had 2,649,852 (47.8%). The margin was 154,188. There were nearly 85,000 votes cast for third parties.

Fact: There are 200,000 registered Muslim voters in Michigan. There are 300,000 whose ancestry is either Middle East or North Africa. Significant numbers – enough to determine a final count in a close election.

The Democrats consider Michigan absolutely pivotal to victory in 2024. They are convinced, given the polls of the past few months – where Trump is leading by a few percentage points – that they must do anything – everything! – to ensure a win in Michigan. Yes, even alienate the Jewish vote which traditionally votes 70 percent for the Democratic candidate. No matter what is happening in the Middle East, the sun rises in the East. Jews vote Democrat.

Therefore, they cleverly surmised – they have threatened not to vote for Biden if he continues to support (sic) Israel. And his knees, and those of his puppeteers who control his every move, have buckled.

Because no one dared to suggest that the emperor has no clothes.

So, let’s offer the last and most important fact: If the Democrats, including 100 percent of the Arabs of Dearborn, Michigan – where one finds as many signs in Arabic as there are in English – carry out their duplicitous threat not to vote for Biden, then Trump wins. Handily. If they opt to vote for one of the other, third-party candidates – either Robert Kennedy Jr, Jill Stein, or Cornel West – then Trump wins. Handily. Or, if they choose to sit out the election, as some have threatened to do – then Trump wins. Handily.

Those are the premises. So, let’s draw the proper conclusion.

It’s November 5, 2024. You are a progressive Democrat, angry at Joe Biden. You are a Muslim, angry at Joe Biden. You hate Israel. You support Gaza. Who do you vote for?

You vote for Joe Biden. Because you hate Israel. It’s really that simple, and no one seems to get it.

Laurence J. Peter, author of The Peter Principle, wrote: “Sometimes I wonder whether the world is being run by smart people who are putting us on or by imbeciles who really mean it.” One might more properly ask: “Sometimes we wonder whether the Democratic Party in Michigan is being run by smart people who are putting us on, or by imbeciles who relay mean it.” We believe the former.

There is another side to this coin, not lost on those willing to look. Few do.

That one should not conclude that the Biden foreign policy team was railroaded into its growing antipathy towards the Jewish State, one more important fact needs to be stated. The anti-Israel hostility is evidenced by something much greater than its pressure against Israel because of the myth of the Michigan vote – with the demands of a humanitarian pause, a lengthy cease-fire as a prelude to a complete cessation of military action against Hamas, and the ultimate trump card (note the lower-case t).

It’s all about that Holy Grail by which the Biden/Blinken/Sullivan/Austin/Power/Amr foreign policy hopes to memorialize its legacy. A 2-State solution.

The Hamas (read: Iranian) invasion of Israel on October 7 and the subsequent months of an Israeli response that has been hampered by an American stick in the wheels of the Israeli military spokes have brought the United States one step closer – where it always wanted to be – to former Undersecretary of State George Ball’s preferred American Middle East policy (April 1977): Saving Israel in spite of herself.

That is the greatest danger of all. It is why the progressive voters of Michigan will indeed vote for Joe Biden (or whomever the Democrats might wish to replace him with as we near November 2024).

Meir Jolovitz is a past national executive director of the Zionist Organization of America, and formerly associated with the Institute for Advanced Strategic and Political Studies.

‘We Are on the Edge of a Regional War’ in Middle East Warns European Union Diplomatic Chief

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(Breitbart)  European Union’s top diplomat says “stop it” and tells Israel to give a “restrained answer” to Iran’s massive air attack last week and not attack Rafah in his call to avoid a wider war.

A region-spanning war in the Middle East will send “shock waves” to the rest of the world and “particularly Europe”, the bloc’s foreign services boss warns. Speaking in advance of a meeting of G7 group of nation foreign ministers on the Italian island of Capri on Thursday, EU foreign policy boss Josep Borrell said it was time for “ceasefire, humanitarian support, free the hostages” and repeatedly told Israel to not strike Rafah.

Warning of the possibility of a wider conflict breaking out, the diplomat said: “We have to ask Israel for a restrained answer to the Iranians attack. We cannot escalate. We cannot go step by step, answering every time higher to a regional war. I don’t want to exaggerate but we are on the edge of a war, a regional war in the Middle East”.

Such a war would “send shockwaves” to the world and “in particular to Europe”, he said. While Borrell wasn’t specific about what that would mean, in recent memory new conflicts in the Middle East and Africa have pushed waves of migrants and refugees to Europe, which the continent has found politically difficult to absorb. Terrorism is another long-running concern, with Europe’s Europol noting the danger of foreign fighters “who travel to and from conflict zones.”

Apparently addressing Israel, Borrell went on: “So stop it. Take care of the Gazan people: ceasefire, humanitarian support, free the hostages.

“If there is an attack on Rafah with 1.7 million people lining the streets it will be a humanitarian catastrophe. So the call to Israel has been very clear from President Biden himself, all European leaders, don’t attack Rafah.”

The Spanish socialist politician, now serving as the head of the EU’s foreign affairs mission, is not the first European diplomat to give their advice to Israel on the issue. Former British Prime Minister David Cameron, now ennobled as Lord Cameron and Britain’s top diplomat traveled to Israel this week and counseled the nation against responding the Iran’s massive airstrike on Sunday.

As reported, Lord Cameron told Israel to be “smart as well as tough” and said the country should act in a way that “does as little to escalate this as possible”. Like Borrell, Cameron said the focus should now be “getting the aid in… getting a pause in the conflict in Gaza”.

‘So Sickened’: Rand Paul Blasts Mayorkas For Refusing To Answer Why Laken Riley’s Alleged Killer Was Paroled Into US

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(Photo Credit: Senate Television via AP)

Republican Kentucky Sen. Rand Paul on Thursday scolded Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas for his unwillingness to answer questions about why the illegal immigrant charged for the murder of Laken Riley was paroled.

Venezuelan illegal immigrant Jose Ibarra allegedly killed Riley, a 22-year-old Georgia nursing student, with Mayorkas on Tuesday saying he would be “pleased” to explain why he was paroled into the United States after reviewing the details of the case when Republican North Carolina Rep. Dan Bishop pressed him. Republican Sen. Lindsey Graham of South Carolina announced on Tuesday that DHS informed him Ibarra got paroled “due to detention capacity at central processing center in El Paso, Texas,” which Paul questioned the secretary about, but he refused to address the circumstances of the alleged killer’s parole. (RELATED: House Passes ‘Laken Riley Act’ To Crack Down On Illegal Immigrant Criminals)

WATCH:

“For what reason was the alleged killer of Laken Riley, Jose Ibarra paroled and allowed to come into this country?” Paul asked.

“Ranking member Paul, first and foremost, all our hearts break for the family of Miss Riley,” Mayorkas answered. “Secondly, the perpetrator of this heinous criminal act needs to meet justice to the fullest extent of the law, and I will not comment on the particulars of the case because the matter is being prosecuted by authorities now.”

Mayorkas on Tuesday told Bishop he did not have the details of the case on hand but that he was willing to share them after the hearing.

“This isn’t on the case of whether or not he murdered her. This is on the case of why you paroled him,” Paul said. “Why was he paroled?”

Mayorkas said his answer remained the same and would not elaborate.

“You’re refusing to answer the question?” Paul asked. “You’re refusing to give any specifics about Jose Ibarra.”

Paul then reiterated the documentation Graham announced on Tuesday.

“Ranking member Paul, there are different bases for parole. I am not a legal expert in this regard, but let me assure you that when an individual is encountered at the border and they are deemed to be, at the time of encounter, a threat to public safety or national security, they are a priority for detention,” Mayorkas said. “If not, they receive a notice to appear and are placed in immigration enforcement proceedings. The number of individuals encountered at the border exceed the number of beds available in our detention facilities. That is not something specific to this administration. That is something that has been true.”

Paul also asked Mayorkas why he won’t bring back former President Donald Trump’s policies because he said they worked better.

“I respectfully, ranking member, disagree with the premise of your question,” Mayorkas said.

Paul listed other cases of illegal immigrants allegedly killing Americans.

“I’m just so sickened and sad by the families that have lost loved ones from this,” Paul said. “I don’t see real remorse. I don’t see your willing to answer the questions I mean, if it were me, I would be so upset by this I’ll be doing everything possible to make sure that another Jose Ibarra doesn’t get in. But apparently his brother’s got a rap sheet ten times longer than Jose does.”

“All I can express is disappointment and bewilderment that the Democrats let you get away with it,” Paul concluded.

The Democratic-held Senate quickly voted on Wednesday to reject both articles of impeachment against Mayorkas along party lines after the House voted to impeach him on Feb. 13 over his handling of the border crisis.

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‘Pro-Israel’ congressman secures $1 million in federal funds for pro-Hamas group

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Rep. Ritchie Torres, D-N.Y., speaks during a House Financial Services Committee hearing, Thursday, Sept. 30, 2021 on Capitol Hill in Washington. (Al Drago/Pool via AP)

By Sam Westrop, Middle East Institute

New York Congressman Ritchie Torres has defended his decision to secure over $1 million of federal funding for a hardline Islamist organization in the Bronx whose officials openly support Hamas and the October 7 attacks.

Torres is known to be a pro-Israel Democrat and recently made a solidarity visit to Israel, in which he was warmly welcomed by Israeli citizens and officials.

He said that on his trip we was treated like a celebrity.

“It’s unusual for me to have people ask for my autograph without mistaking me, without thinking that I’m someone other than myself,” Torres told the New York Jewish Week.

However, in late March, Torres’ office confirmed that he had successfully ensured $1,050,000 from the taxpayer would be provided to the Bronx Muslim Center, a branch of the deeply controversial Muslim American Society (MAS).

In 2019, congressional colleagues of Rep. Torres called for an investigation into the MAS after its Philadelphia branch hosted an event in which children sang about torturing and beheading Jews, to widespread media condemnation.

Today, MAS and its Bronx Muslim Center (BMC) are closely aligned with pro-Hamas causes.

In Arabic posts on his social media, the BMC imam, Hamud Alsilwi, disseminates praise for Hamas founder Ahmad Yassin for “making the Jews sleepless in Palestine.”

He advocates stoning adulterers to death, and has disseminated text urging his followers to be “glad” that fighting in the Middle East “stirs jihad in the souls of Muslims, which terrifies the West.”

 

Alsilwi is openly aligned with the Egyptian Muslim Brotherhood, and spreads hateful conspiracy theories about Shia Muslims secretly working on behalf of Israel, in alliance with Jews and Christians, to undermine and kill Sunni Muslims.

Meanwhile, BMC official Akram Omar has shared Hamas-produced propaganda on his social media. On October 7, he re-posted praise for the October 7 attacks, featuring video of cheering crowds.

BMC Official Akram Omar reposts praise of the October 7 attacks

Omar also lionizes the Palestinian “resistance” and denounces Muslims who criticize Hamas.

In speeches given to crowds at the BMC, Omar promises that Palestinians are “willing to die” to defeat the “terrorist group Israel.

 

BMC Official Akram Omar re-publishes Hamas propaganda

Meanwhile, the BMC has emerged as a key institution amid increasingly radical anti-Israel protests across the United States.

Social media posts by BMC have urged its followers to engage in the large scale anti-Israel protests and efforts to “disrupt” American cities and infrastructure.

  WATCH: DEMOCRATIC CONGRESSMAN REAFFIRMS US SUPPORT FOR ISRAEL AMID ‘CLASH OF PERSONALITIES’

BMC social media posts also openly support Palestinian efforts towards “victory” and “liberation.”

The center has repeatedly collaborated with American Muslims for Palestine (AMP), which lawmakers in both parties, including close colleagues of Torres, accused of serving as a leading advocate for Hamas.

Indeed, BMC recruits activists for AMP rallies, promotes AMP press conferences, and advocates AMP’s BDS initiatives.

 

Previously, BMC’s social media accounts have also posted footage, noticed by the Investigative Project on Terrorism, of senior Hamas leaders Ismail Haniyeh and Khaled Meshaal at the funeral of the late Muslim Brotherhood spiritual guide and internationally infamous cleric, Yusuf Al-Qaradawi.

As for the BMC’s parent organization, the Muslim American Society, federal prosecutors have described it as “the overt arm of the Muslim Brotherhood in the United States.”

NYC law enforcement have previously expressed concerns about the Bronx Muslim Center and its parent organization.

A 2006 NYPD reports: “NYPD source reporting indicates that individuals believed to be supporters/members of Hamas may have links to the Bronx Muslim Center …”

 

The awarded $1 million is to be provided through the federal government’s Community Development Block Grant, following a request by Representative Torres first issued in March 2023.

The grant is one of the largest federal grants ever made to an American mosque.

It is by far the largest grant received by a domestic institution of the Muslim Brotherhood in the United States.

Despite ostensible blocks on government monies benefiting religious activities, Congressman Torres has confirmed that the money is for the construction of the “Bronx Muslim Center so that more Muslim residents of the Bronx have a place to worship freely.”

 

 

FWI reached out to Representative Torres’ office for comment.

In response, the congressman published, before this article was even released, a Twitter post inexplicably denouncing this publication as “far-Right,” referring to the BMC as a community “fixture,” denying the anti-Semitism and pro-terror rhetoric of MAS, and, most curiously, admitting the federal funding was to be used for religious activities.

Representative Torres has a long history of collaboration with the Bronx Muslim Center, including attending events and photo opportunities with MAS officials, both before and after he became a member of Congress.

 

 

The congressman’s collaboration with dangerous radical forces in New York may well come as a shock to some of his backers, given the significant praise in the pro-Israel community for Torres’ steadfast support for Israel and his frequent denunciations of anti-Semitism.

Representative Torres must address this contradiction.

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