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Go and Gather all the Jews

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Go and Gather all the Jews

by Rabbi Leo Dee

It was not by chance that Hamas chose to attack Israel on October 7th, 2023. One of the captured terrorists said: “We saw that the Israeli people were divided and figured that this would be the best time to attack.”

These words are all too familiar to us from the Book of Esther, where Haman asks King Achashveros for permission to kill all the Jews, describing them as a people that are “scattered and divided” (Esther 3:8). Presumably Haman believed that division among the Jews in the Persian Empire would enable a swift and fruitful victory for him and the King.

We are now, once again, under attack from a Persian proxy who defined us as “divided”. What if anything can we learn from our Sages about the solution?

When Esther finally accepts upon herself the responsibility to take control of the situation, her first command to Mordechai is to “Go and assemble all the Jews… and fast for three days” (Esther 4:16).

The Maharal of Prague in the 16th century suggested that, just as all the Jews had assembled to feast in the King’s palace for six months at the beginning of the Megillah, the remedy should be to assemble in order to fast and repent for that previous indulgence.  Similarly, just as Israelis assembled on the streets during the flag marches of 2023 to emphasise the differences between the different sectors of our population,  on October 8th our brave reserve soldiers assembled in huge numbers, and all sectors of the population gathered to pack food and supplies for them and for those displaced and injured by the war.

We can also learn from Megillat Esther that we Jews are likely to become a little more observant during our troubled times than during our times of joy. The Maharal explains that Esther’s call for assembly was more than just a gathering, but actually a prayer fest, where Jews throughout the Persian Empire committed themselves to keeping more of the Torah and doing more acts of kindness. The Talmud (in Shabbat 88a) explains that the acceptance of the Torah at Mount Sinai may not have been binding  because it was compelled through a tangible revelation of Hashem which meant that the Jewish people could not refuse. However,  the acceptance of the Torah in the times of Esther (where Hashem was most hidden and not even mentioned once in the Megillah) became binding for future generations.

And we see this move towards greater observance in our generation. Remember how many thousands of sets of tzitzit and tefillin were sent to the battle front, and how many Tel Aviv restaurants koshered their kitchens to provide food for the IDF? Around the Jewish world, Rabbis have reported an increase in the number of Jews assembling in their synagogues, drawn together by the need to pray and to feel united.

One of the most startling and heartwarming outcomes of this war has been the assembly of the Jewish people in battle and in support of one another. When the reservists were first called up in the days following Simchat Torah, the IDF was anticipating a 60% turnout, due to the number who had threatened not to serve during the protests. In fact, the turnout was well over 120% because everyone who was called presented themselves for service, and another 20% came without being called up. Organisations that had been financed to rally against the government transformed themselves within 24 hours to become logistical supply factories for soldiers on the various fronts and to provide aid for families seeking refuge. Jewish communities around the world sent aid of all kinds and in overwhelming quantities, and continue to support Israel through mission visits, and through sending messages and treats for our soldiers and gifts for displaced families, keeping our economy functioning and boosting our morale.

We are a truly wonderful people – undivided, fully assembled, and ready to take on anything. Two and a half thousand years ago the Persian Empire and its proxies desired to perpetuate genocide against divided Jews, but we united, strengthened ourselves, fought back and won. If this is the model for success against today’s Iranian (Persian) proxies and their genocidal actions, then we are surely on the path to the greatest of victories. May this be His will. Amen.

Rabbi Leo Dee is an educator living in Efrat. His book “Transforming the World: The Jewish Impact on Modernity” has been republished in English and Hebrew in memory of his wife Lucy and daughters Maia and Rina, who were murdered by terrorists in April 2023.

Guilfoyle, Grenell, Giuliani, and Kerik Endorse Pro-Israel Abe Hamadeh at Mar-a-Lago Palm Beach

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From left to right: Bernie Kerik, Abe Hamadeh, Kimberly Guilfoyle, Ric Grenell, Kash Patel, Jamal Hamadeh. Ric Grenell served as Acting Director of National Intelligence in President Donald Trump’s Cabinet in 2020. Grenell also served as the United States Ambassador to Germany from 2018 to 2020 and as the Special Presidential Envoy for Serbia and Kosovo Peace Negotiations from 2019 to 2021. Kash Patel served as a U.S. National Security Council official, senior advisor to the acting Director of National Intelligence, and chief of staff to the acting United States secretary of defense during the Trump presidency.

Article andPhotos: Lieba Nesis

On Tuesday March 19th 2024 over a hundred Trump supporters gathered at the Mar-a-Lago Club in Palm Beach at 5:30 PM to support 33-year-old Trump endorsed Abe Hamadeh as Republican candidate for Arizona’s 8th Congressional District.  With event chair Kimberly Guilfoyle joining Israel lovers Siggy Flicker, Adam Kidan and David Fishman as chairs the evening was glamorous, thought provoking, fun, and critical to remediate the current political morass the Country finds itself in.  Guilfoyle a former television news star, San Francisco prosecutor and the most eloquent woman on the political stage today made a grand entrance while attendees patiently waited to snap a much coveted picture with the glamorous presidential advisor.

– On the left is Marc Goldman, a Boca Raton-based investor and board member of the Republican Jewish Coalition. To his right is Abe Hamadeh, the Republican candidate for Arizona’s 8th Congressional District.
Kris Kidan, Kimberly Guilfoyle,, Adam Kidan
– On the left is Melissa Fishman and to her right is Adam and Kris Kidan. Adam Kidan is an American business leader, entrepreneur, attorney, and philanthropist who has campaigned for critical elections, served on a number of nonprofits boards, and remains an active participant in his community.

With Mar-a-Lago as a backdrop along with the crisp eighty degree weather, Guilfoyle magnanimously greeted Republican backers including former ambassador to Germany Ric Grenell who has a 1.2 million Twitter following. Along with the cross on his neck the Christian Grenell has started wearing a star of David to show his support for Israel and Judeo-Christian values and remind himself of the 136 hostages being held by Hamas.  Grenell, began the evening extolling the 33-year-old Hamadeh as an Arab voice with sanity someone who unequivocally supports Israel and Trump -the Alexandria Ocasio Cortez squad’s nightmare.

Former NYC Police Commissioner Bernie Kerik
On the left is Charlene Haroche and to her right is Callie Haroche Leone. Charlene Haroche is the widow of travel agency mogul Gilbert Haroche.
Kimberly Guilfoyle

Who is Hamadeh? The Arabic speaking Druze whose family immigrated from Syria is a rising political star who received his undergraduate degree in political science from Arizona State University accompanied by a JD from the University of Arizona College of Law. Subsequent to working as a prosecutor in the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office he served as an Army intelligence officer.  He seeks to replace Republican Debbie Lesko who suprisingly declined to run for re-election and has campaigned on increased border security, crackdowns on illicit fentanyl smuggling, and support for law enforcement.  Hamadeh has spoken out fearlessly against “the leftist mob” decrying their dominance over every aspect of our lives: including the sports, entertainment, business and education arena.  Tonight he praised Israel as a beacon of humanity as it allows aid to flow freely through a war corridor and warns Gazan civilians before entering an area.  Israel, Hamadeh remarked, is “the sole beacon of hope and freedom in the Middle East.”  And while President Trump should have received a Noble Peace Prize for the Abraham Accords he was instead faced with 92 phony indictments-something Hamadeh promised to remedy.

Rudy Giuliani with Abe Hamadeh on right
On the left is West Palm Beach attorney Lawrence Abramson and to this right is Bernard Golden.

Former police commissioner during 9/11, Bernie Kerik, reiterated the need for a change in government as he recounted the horrific events of September 11th where 23 people that worked for him were killed along with 37 port authority cops and 343 firefighters not including the more than 11,000 cops and firefighters who suffer from deadly 9/11 related diseases.  Kerik conceded the same radical Muslim enemy attacked Israel on October 7th and wasn’t going anywhere unless Israel annihilates it.  He called Arizona’s 2020 elections “as corrupt as any he has seen” and said Hamadeh had the fortitude to prevent it from recurring.  Kerik introduced old friend since 1989 Rudy Giuliani calling him the greatest leader New York City has seen while railing against the desperate Democrats for going after the two greatest New Yorkers:  Giuliani who drastically reduced violent crime in New York City and Donald Trump one of the most successful businessmen in US history.  Kerik said the unbridled and shameful attacks on these two men have been as unparalleled as their success. An unscheduled Giuliani made a much welcomed cameo as he lamented the tragic situation he wakes up to each day as he wonders if what’s going on is real as people are jailed for crimes they didn’t commit.

– On the left is Abe Hamadeh, the Republican candidate for Arizona’s 8th Congressional District. To his right is Ben Koether, who is the is the driving force behind taking Food Automation Service Techniques, Inc. (FAST)
From left to right: Dennis Wilinchek, Bonnie Conrad, Auggie Gomez, Lacey Kilfoyl, and Nico Howard. Dennis Wilinchek is an Arizona attorney. Auggie Gomez is the CEO of an Arizona based real estate investment firm. Lacey Kilfoyl is an Arizona real estate agent. Nico Howard is the co-owner of Nidax Limited Partnership, a Phoenix based boutique investment firm specializing in real estate investment and development.

A two tiered justice system, said Guiliani, currently means justice for some and not for others. He called Biden a president who hates Americans by calling them systemic racists which means they are evil.  Giuliani attributed the current political witch-hunt to Marxism which could only be fixed by the election of President Trump.  Angry at the American people for voting for Joe Biden who Guiliani has known since 1981 Giuliani said Biden has enriched himself through crooked means with impunity. Giuliani admitted he was astounded as to what a great president Donald Trump was-something that remains an unknown until one gets into office.  The evening concluded with glimmers of hope as Guilfoyle wowed the crowd with her impeccable oratory skills praising Hamadeh as someone who will be a warrior on the front lines with the strength and mettle to “Make America Great Again”.  As the bigwigs headed to dinner in the ballroom Trump joined Hamadeh and Guilfoyle to reiterate the significance of the upcoming elections and thank his supporters for their steadfast loyalty.

The formal dining room at the Mar-a-Lago estate in Palm Beach, Florida.

‘Very, Very Dangerous’: Ron Paul Tells Tucker Americans Should Prepare For ‘Black Swan’ Event

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(DCNF) Former Republican Rep. Ron Paul of Texas warned Tucker Carlson in a Tuesday evening interview that a so-called “black swan” event would “pop up” and Americans needed to prepare.

Paul, who served 12 terms in Congress in three stints, discussed the war in Ukraine, attacks on his foreign policy views and the risk of World War III in the interview with Carlson, a co-founder of the Daily Caller and Daily Caller News Foundation. Paul warned that education is necessary for those seeking to get through the event.

“I think we’re reaching this point where some sudden thing is going to happen,” Paul told Carlson. “I believe in that theory of the black swan. It’s going to pop up and it’s not going to be controllable.”

WATCH:

A “black swan event” is defined as an impossibly difficult event to predict that has extremely widespread consequences that challenges basic assumptions, according to the Corporate Finance Institute, which cited 9/11, Brexit, the dotcom crash and the COVID-19 pandemic as examples.

“But people ask, what can they do? I think the most important thing is understand what’s going on,” Paul continued. “It’s education. That’s why I happen to have a home-schooling program that tries to teach this stuff early.”

Paul, who ran for president on the Libertarian ticket in 1988 and who ran as a Republican in 2008 and 2012, told Carlson too many people focused on the wrong things.

“Really, the most important thing you do is study and understand what’s going on,” Paul said. Because if you come away from that and you’re able accumulate a lot of… get by… you have your guns and stored food and all that. It’s not going to work. You have to understand what’s happening, you have to know what’s coming, it’s very, very dangerous, and that’s why I love to see smaller units of government.”

All content created by the Daily Caller News Foundation, an independent and nonpartisan newswire service, is available without charge to any legitimate news publisher that can provide a large audience. All republished articles must include our logo, our reporter’s byline and their DCNF affiliation. For any questions about our guidelines or partnering with us, please contact [email protected].

Poll: 71% of Palestinians Still Approve of Hamas October 7 Terror Attack

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Palestinian students supporters of the Hamas movement wave the movement's flag during a rally at Birzeit University, near Ramallah, May 19, 2022. (Flash90)

Joel B. Pollak

A new poll of Palestinians in the West Bank and Gaza shows that 71% still approve of the terror attack by Hamas on October 7 — a result that is almost unchanged since the same poll was taken late last year, though there have been geographic changes.

The Palestinian Center for Policy and Survey Research Poll conducted a survey among 1580 adults using face-to-face interviews in both the West Bank (830 respondents) and Gaza (750 respondents), with a 3% margin of error.

The results were as follows, according to the pollster :

As we did in our previous poll three months ago, we asked the respondents in this poll what they thought of Hamas’ decision to launch the October the 7th offensive. A vast majority of 71%, compared to 72% in December 2023, say it was correct. However, despite the stability of the total response, the findings do show significant change when looking at the two areas separately. As the figure below shows, the perception that the decision of the offensive was correct drops in the West Bank by 11 points and increases in the Gaza Strip by 14 points.

The poll found that respondents were unaware of Hamas atrocities:

As we have found in the previous poll, almost all Palestinians think Israel is committing war crimes while almost all believe Hamas is not committing war crimes in the current war. Moreover, more than 90% believe that Hamas did not commit any atrocities against Israel civilians during its October the 7th offensive. Only one in five Palestinians has seen videos showing atrocities committed by Hamas. Only one fifth of those who did not see the videos had access to such videos but decided not to see them; the rest report that the media they watched did not show these videos. The findings show that those who have seen the videos are almost 10 times more likely to think that Hamas men have committed atrocities on October 7.

Other findings are also interesting, such as that a majority of Gaza residents support continued Hamas control of the Gaza Strip.

U.S. President Joe Biden has claimed that the majority of Palestinians are “not Hamas.”

 

A majority of respondents also expected that Hamas would “win” the war.

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 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.

 

J’lem students mark Fast of Esther at Tel Aviv’s ‘Hostage Square

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Librarian Kobi Abarbanel with students from Jerusalem's Hartman High School, including Chai Lascar (second from right), in Tel Aviv's "Hostage Square," March 21, 2024. Photo by Amelie Botbol.

(JNS) Some 400 students from Hartman High School in Jerusalem converged on Tel Aviv’s “Hostage Square” on Thursday, to fast and pray on the Fast of Esther for the safe return of the 134 captives held by Hamas in Gaza.

“We came today to tell the world we are not forgetting the hostages. We are one people. Like Esther told Mordechai to get together all the Jewish people on Purim, we are coming together with the families of the hostages,” Kobi Abarbanel, the librarian at Hartman, told   JNS.

“We came here while fasting, we did not eat or did not drink, in solidarity with the hostages in Hamas’s tunnels who are held against their will without food or drink, without hope. On this day, we wanted to feel the way they feel,” Abarbanel said.

The Fast of Esther is a dawn-to-nightfall fast held before the Purim festival, which commemorates the events that occurred during the Jewish exile in Persia as recorded in the Book of Esther. While the fast is generally celebrated on the day before Purim, when Purim falls on Sunday, the fast is moved from Shabbat to the preceding Thursday.

At “Hostage Square” near the Tel Aviv Museum of Art, JNS met Chai Lascar, 15, a Hartman student, who came to Israel from France as a toddler with his family.

“We hear about what is happening on the news, but here we are actually able to feel a little bit of what the hostages are going through in Gaza,” he said.

Lascar, whose grandparents still live in France, evoked the challenge that the Jewish community is experiencing back in his country of birth.

“It’s a catastrophe in this day and age to see some people get attacked and harassed because they are Jews. My grandparents are scared to leave their mezuzah on their doorway and are afraid to be identified as Jews,” he said.

Naomi Mandel from Jerusalem’s Hartman High School at “Hostage Square” in Tel Aviv, March 21, 2024. Photo by Amelie Botbol.
Naomi Mandel, in charge of pedagogic activities at the religious boys school in the capital’s German Colony neighborhood, told JNS, “Today, on the Fast of Esther, we felt that we needed to organize this gathering and pray for the hostages to return as soon as possible. We brought every single student in our school to fast here.”

Ahead of Purim, Israel’s Education Ministry warned against wearing “panic-inducing costumes” during the holiday as the country grapples with the war against Hamas that began on Oct. 7. The ministry recommended that teachers sit down with students and parents to discuss “how to properly celebrate the holiday” with the recognition of the “worry or sadness they experience.”

 

Many municipalities have decided to cancel or alter traditional events, including Holon, which has nixed the nation’s largest Adloyada Purim parade.

An exception is Jerusalem, which plans to celebrate the holiday as usual, including with a street party in the Nachlaot neighborhood near the Mahane Yehuda market and dressing famous buildings in monster costumes.

The capital will host its first Purim Adloyada parade in more than four decades, which will include 30 floats and seven musical stages along the kilometer-long downtown route on Monday when the ancient walled city celebrates the holiday—Shushan Purim—on Sunday evening and Monday, a day after other places in the world.

Dr. Cochav Elkayam-Levy Awarded the Israel Prize for her Work to Raise Awareness of Hamas’ Crimes Against Humanity

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Dr. Cochav Elkayam-Levy, of the Hebrew University of Jerusalem was awarded the Israel Prize in the field of Solidarity (Arvut Hadadit) for her tireless work to raise awareness and acknowledgement of the heinous crimes committed by Hamas on and following October 7th against Israeli women, children, men and families

Dr. Cochav Elkayam-Levy Awarded the Israel Prize for her Work to Raise Awareness of Hamas’ Crimes Against Humanity

Israeli Women, Children, Men, and Families murdered by Hamas terrorists

Edited by: TJVNews.com

Dr. Cochav Elkayam-Levy, of the Hebrew University of Jerusalem was awarded the Israel Prize in the field of Solidarity (Arvut Hadadit) for her tireless work to raise awareness and acknowledgement of the heinous crimes committed by Hamas on and following October 7th against Israeli women, children, men and families. Elkayam-Levy established the “Civil Commission on October 7th Crimes by Hamas against Women and Children”, aimed at giving voice to the victims and their families and raising awareness of the concerning developments in war crimes against women, children, men and families on and after October 7th and raising support for this cause.

Dr. Cochav Elkayam-Levy: “I am humbled and grateful to receive the Israel Prize and wish to express my sincere gratitude to the award committee and the Minister of Education for bestowing upon me this esteemed honor. It is with great privilege that we work to raise awareness and give voice to the silenced victims and families whose lives were shattered by the October 7th atrocities. I am deeply thankful for the opportunity to advocate for the rights of women, children, and families worldwide. We must stand firm against the stark denial and the increasing tide of anti-Semitism. I also want to express my heartfelt gratitude to the numerous individuals who have tirelessly dedicated themselves to this vital cause alongside me. This privilege is both an honor and a responsibility that I hold with utmost dedication.”

In the award committee’s deliberations, it was underscored that Dr. Elkayam-Levy’s unwavering commitment and dedication propelled her to take action both nationally and internationally, culminating in the establishment of a Civil Commission dedicated to promoting human rights and gender equality.

Prof. Asher Cohen, President of the Hebrew University of Jerusalem said: “The Hebrew University takes immense pride in the profound impact Dr. Cochav Elkayam-Levy has had on raising awareness and acknowledgment of the atrocities committed against Israeli women, children, men, and families on and following October 7th. Her relentless dedication has served as a powerful catalyst for justice and remembrance, inspiring us all to confront adversity with courage and compassion. We congratulate Dr. Cochav Elkayam-Levy on being awarded the Israel Prize, the State’s highest honor, in a testament to her unwavering commitment to shedding light on one of the darkest chapters of our shared humanity.”

Education Minister Kish said: “Dr. Elkayam-Levy’s work in the international arena to expose the atrocities of Hamas is a crucial pillar in our ongoing struggle for justice and in our efforts to confront the perpetrators. Congratulations on winning the prize, Dr. Elkayam-Levy. The people of Israel deeply value your work and extend their heartfelt gratitude to you.”

Editorial – The Fallacy of Gaza Health Ministry’s Statistics: A Lesson in Media Credulity

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Gaza terrorists, October 4th, 2023 - days before the Hamas invasion. (Yousef Mohammed/Flash90

Editorial – The Fallacy of Gaza Health Ministry’s Statistics: A Lesson in Media Credulity

Edited by: Fern Sidman

The recent revelations by Abraham Wyner, as highlighted in The New York Post, shed light on a concerning trend of misinformation surrounding the casualty figures from the Hamas-Israel conflict. According to the editorial in the Post, Wyner’s analysis presents a damning indictment of the credibility of both the world media and numerous politicians who have unquestioningly regurgitated these statistics without scrutiny.

The core issue lies in the glaring inconsistencies within the reported death tolls provided by the Gaza health ministry. The linear increase in daily fatalities, averaging around 270 deaths per day, defies the logic of warfare dynamics, where fluctuations in combat intensity typically result in varying casualty rates, as was indicated in the Post editorial. This statistical anomaly raises legitimate doubts about the authenticity of the data being disseminated.

Moreover, the absence of any discernible correlation between the reported numbers of children and women casualties further undermines the credibility of the figures. In any conflict, it is reasonable to expect that the majority of children would be in close proximity to their mothers, yet this pattern is conspicuously absent from the purported statistics, the information in the Post editorial said. Similarly, the lack of coherence between the reported casualties among women and men casts serious doubts on the accuracy of the information being provided.

Perhaps most telling is the stark disparity between the Gaza health ministry’s claims and Hamas’ own admissions. While the former asserts that 70% of the casualties are women and children, Hamas acknowledges the loss of 6,000 male combatants, the report in the Post clarified. This incongruity suggests a gross misrepresentation of the true civilian casualty figures, with the ministry’s statistics appearing to be fabricated rather than based on empirical data.

It is evident that the ministry’s purported data lacks credibility and fails to provide an accurate depiction of the situation in Gaza.

Despite this revelation, these dubious statistics continue to permeate various platforms, with some outlets cautiously attributing them to the “Hamas-run Gaza health ministry.” However, the Post reported that even this disclaimer falls short of acknowledging the inherent fallacy in treating the data as meaningful. The reality is clear: the numbers are devoid of any substantive value and should be viewed with skepticism.

Undoubtedly, life in Gaza is fraught with challenges, exacerbated by a dire lack of basic necessities such as shelter, food, and water. It is a reality marred by the callous prioritization of Hamas gunmen, who exploit their power to ensure their own well-being at the expense of the civilian population they claim to protect, the Post report affirmed.

It is abundantly clear that Hamas, in a flagrant display of disregard for human life, intentionally places civilians in harm’s way to serve as human shields.

However, the condemnation directed solely at Israel, particularly from figures such as President Biden, is not only misguided but disingenuous. Such criticisms, cloaked in an aura of concern, serve only to perpetuate a narrative divorced from reality. They are nothing more than empty posturing, devoid of genuine intent to address the root causes of the conflict.

It is imperative to acknowledge that genuine concern for the well-being of civilians in Gaza necessitates an unwavering commitment to truth and transparency. Criticisms must be grounded in verifiable facts, not unfounded rhetoric aimed at vilifying one party while absolving the other of accountability.

In the pursuit of justice and peace, it is essential to confront the uncomfortable truths and hold all parties accountable for their actions. Only then can we hope to foster a meaningful dialogue and work towards a sustainable resolution to the longstanding conflict in the region.

The lesson drawn from Wyner’s analysis is also clear: blind acceptance of statistics without proper verification can perpetuate misinformation and distort public perception. Moving forward, it is imperative that the media and policymakers exercise due diligence in scrutinizing the sources and methodologies behind such statistics to ensure the dissemination of accurate and reliable information to the public.

 

‘RICO Is Not A Crime!’: AOC Sent Into Tailspin After Asking Bobulinski To List Biden’s Crimes

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Screenshot/House Oversight Committee hearing

(Daily Caller) Democratic New York Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez was sent into a tailspin Wednesday as she questioned Hunter Biden’s former business partner, Tony Bobulinski.

Bobulinski appeared before the House Oversight Committee to testify about his allegations against President Joe Biden. Bobulinski said Joe Biden knew about his son’s business dealings with Chinese energy firm, CEFC.

“Is it your testimony today that you personally witnessed President Joe Biden commit a crime?” Ocasio-Cortez asked.

“I believe the fact that he was sitting with me while I was putting together —” Bobulinski began.

“Did you witness the president commit a crime? Is it your testimony today?” she asked.

“Yes,” the witness answered.

 

“And what crime have you witnessed?” the congresswoman asked. (RELATED: Hearing Goes Off The Rails As Former Hunter Biden Business Partner Calls Two Dem Reps ‘Liars’)

“How much time do I have to go through it?” he asked.

“It is simple. You name the crime. Did you watch him steal something?” she asked.

Bobulinski listed off Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act (RICO), the Foreign Agents Registration Act (FARA) and “corruption statutes.”

“RICO, you’re obviously not familiar with —” he said.

“Excuse me, sir. Excuse me, sir? Excuse me, sir. RICO is not a crime. It is a category. What is the crime?” she asked.

“It’s a category of crimes that you’re then charged under a long hundred list of statues,” Bobulinski said.

Ocasio-Cortez raged against Republicans for opening an impeachment inquiry into Joe Biden in relation to a potential influence-peddling scheme. She claimed the resolution does not accuse the president of a specific “high crime or misdemeanor.” She pointed out how the FBI arrested the source who alleged that the Biden family discussed a bribery scheme with Burisma officials on charges of making a false statement and one count of creating a false and fictitious record.

“This entire impeachment inquiry is based on an actual, provable individual who has lied. Now responsible leadership would withdraw an inquiry based on that!” she said. “Withdraw it. Instead, what we are seeing is that this committee was warned about the falsehoods of these allegations long before that. Warned by Trump’s Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, and yet they proceed it anyway.”

She argued the basis of the inquiry was “wrong” and that it was proceeding based on “false charges.”

Bobulinksi said in 2022 that the Biden family tried to commit “fraud” against him.. He said in February that China successfully tried to “infiltrate and compromise” the Bidens as well as the Obama White House and alleged the now-president “enabled” a profitable business deal between his son and a Chinese Communist Party-linked energy company.

Bobulinski was one among five business partners involved in Oneida Holdings, a shell company created in May 2017 with Hunter Biden, James Biden and two other businessmen. They planned to use Oneida Holdings to form a business arrangement with CEFC. Bobulinski further said the Biden family “aggressively leveraged” their family name to facilitate their business deals.

Hunter Biden denied that his father was involved in his business dealings during a closed-door deposition in February.

“I am here today to provide the committees with the one uncontestable fact that should end the false premise of this inquiry: I did not involve my father in my business, not while I was a practicing lawyer, not in my investments or transactions, domestic or international, not as a board member, and not as an artist, never,” Hunter Biden said in his opening remarks.

Tony Bobulinski Testifies that Hunter Biden Perjured Himself Multiple Times in Interview with Lawmakers

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Hunter Biden perjured himself during his February closed-door interview with the House impeachment inquiry, former Biden business associate Tony Bobulinski testified Wednesday.

Bobulinski previously alleged that President Joe Biden is the “big guy” marked in a text message to receive a ten percent stake in a joint venture with CEFC China Energy Co., a company with close ties to the Chinese Communist Party.

Bobulinski – Written Statement by Breitbart News

 

Bobulinski provided examples to support his claim of perjury during his opening statement Wednesday morning.

In the first example, Bobulinski questioned the timing of when Hunter began to work with CEFC:

1. In Hunter’s transcript (Page 42), he states, “I officially began to do work for CEFC when the – when I received a retainer from CEFC in early – or spring of 2017”. Why, then, did Hunter yell at CEFC Executive Director Zang in front of his entourage as I sat right next to him in New York City on Sunday May 7th, 2017? Hunter was adamant that he was owed the rest of the $20 Million CEFC had committed to paying for the work he had claimed he had done in prior years.

In the second instance, Bobulinski argued that Hunter did not tell the truth when he claimed that President Joe Biden never interacted with Hunter’s associates:

2. On Page 48 of his transcript, Hunter is asked, “He’s never interacted with any of your business associates. Is that correct?” The “He’s” is a reference to Joe Biden. Hunter responds, “Yes”. Hunter arranged the meeting between his father and me at the Beverly Hilton in Los Angeles on May 2, 2017. The sole reason Hunter wanted me to meet his father was because I was the CEO of Sinohawk, the Bidens’ partnership with CEFC. I was a business associate. In his transcript, Hunter confirms that that meeting with Joe took place and incriminates his Uncle Jim for perjury by confirming it.

In the third case, Bobulinski said Hunter “lied” about leveraging Joe Biden to receive a $5 million payment from CEFC:

3. Hunter lied to the Committee about important details concerning his money demands and threats to CEFC on July 30 and July 31, 2017. He leveraged his father’s presence next to him in that infamous text in order to strong-arm CEFC into paying Hunter immediately and in the process defrauded the partners of Sinohawk Holdings LLC and Oneida Holdings LLC. The threat worked, as a few days later the Chinese wired $5 million dollars into a company of which Hunter owned 50%. It’s important to remember that CEFC considered this money an interest-free loan to the “Biden family”, and planned to send more. I have the email from CEFC to prove it.

Bobulinski also testified that Joe Biden was “more than a participant in and beneficiary of his family’s business.” Bobulinski said Joe Biden “was an active, aware enabler who met with business associates such as myself to further the business, despite being buffered by a complex scheme to maintain plausible deniability.”

“If there is no evidence of corruption – if Joe’s conduct and the conduct of his family were fully legal and proper – then why are they so dishonest about it?” Bobulinski asked. “Not just slight misrepresentations of fact but deep untruths about the entire corrupt enterprise.”

More evidence against Joe Biden can be found here and here.

 

Wendell Husebo is a political reporter with Breitbart News and a former GOP War Room Analyst. He is the author of Politics of Slave Morality. Follow Wendell on “X” @WendellHusebø or on Truth Social @WendellHusebo.

Goldman Sachs Faces Female Exodus as Investment Banking Star Departs

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Photo Credit: Shutterstock

Goldman Sachs Faces Female Exodus as Investment Banking Star Departs

Edited by: TJVNews.com

Stephanie Cohen, a prominent figure in investment banking circles and once seen as a potential trailblazer for women at Goldman Sachs, has announced her departure from the firm after a distinguished 25-year career, according to information in a recently published report in The New York Post. Her exit marks another setback for the Wall Street titan amidst a troubling trend of female departures in recent months.

Cohen, who joined Goldman Sachs in 1999 and ascended to the position of partner in 2014, served as the head of the bank’s Platform Solutions department. However, as was noted in the Post report. she is now set to take on a new role as the chief strategist at Cloudfare, a San Francisco-based tech firm, signaling a significant career shift.

The news of Cohen’s departure, initially reported by The Wall Street Journal, comes as a blow to Goldman Sachs, particularly in light of CEO David Solomon’s purported commitment to advancing women into senior leadership roles within the organization, as per the information contained in the Post report. Solomon’s pledge appears increasingly tenuous against the backdrop of ongoing challenges related to gender equality at the bank.

Goldman Sachs has long grappled with accusations of fostering a male-dominated culture, a reputation that was further cemented by a landmark settlement last May. Indicated in the Post report was the fact that the bank agreed to pay $215 million to settle a class-action lawsuit filed over a decade ago, alleging gender-based pay discrimination and sexual harassment against female employees.

In an effort to address the glaring gender disparities within the firm, Solomon is reportedly set to convene a dinner meeting with several women partners. According to the report in the Post, the objective of the gathering is to confront the stark reality of female representation at the upper echelons of Goldman Sachs, as highlighted by recent developments.

A recent analysis published by The Wall Street Journal shed light on the troubling trend of female partners departing from the firm. The findings revealed that approximately two-thirds of women who achieved partner status by the end of 2018 have since left Goldman Sachs, the Post reported. In contrast, just under half of their male counterparts who attained partner status during a similar period have departed the firm.

The departure of Beth Hammack, a highly respected trader with three decades of experience at Goldman Sachs, serves as another notable example of the challenges faced by women within the organization, the Post report explained. Despite her significant contributions, Hammack was overlooked for the position of chief financial officer, which was awarded to Denis Coleman.

The departure of Dina Powell McCormick, a former Trump administration official and esteemed executive at Goldman Sachs, has brought renewed attention to the ongoing gender disparity within the prestigious financial institution. As was pointed out in the Post report, McCormick’s decision to join BDT & MSD Partners, a merchant bank founded by ex-Goldman luminaries Byron Trott and Gregg Lemkau, underscores the challenges faced by women in ascending to senior leadership roles at Goldman Sachs.

Despite efforts to promote diversity and inclusivity, the lack of credible female candidates in the pipeline to succeed CEO David Solomon raises concerns about the firm’s commitment to gender equity. Currently, only two of the eight executive officers at Goldman are women, with both occupying positions in non-revenue generating divisions such as legal and accounting, the report in the Post added.

The absence of female representation at the highest echelons of Goldman Sachs has prompted scrutiny and criticism from industry observers. The stark gender disparity within the firm’s leadership ranks has become increasingly apparent, raising questions about the organization’s commitment to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace environment.

In June, speculation swirled regarding the future of Stephanie Cohen. Reports surfaced suggesting that Cohen, aged 46 at the time, was considering a leave of absence from the firm, prompting speculation about her potential departure, the Post report said. However, a Goldman spokesperson swiftly refuted these rumors, asserting that Cohen’s leave was temporary and that the firm fully supported her decision to prioritize family commitments.

Tony Fratto, Goldman’s head of communications, reiterated the company’s stance, emphasizing their unwavering support for Cohen during her time away from work. As per the Post report, Fratto emphasized that Cohen’s decision to take a hiatus was driven by personal reasons, and Goldman Sachs remained committed to accommodating her needs.

“She will be returning to Goldman Sachs,” Fratto asserted, dismissing inaccurate speculation and reaffirming the company’s commitment to Cohen.

However, recent developments suggest a shift in Goldman’s messaging. In a memo circulated to employees, CEO David Solomon expressed gratitude for Cohen’s significant contributions to the firm, signaling a departure from previous statements, the Post report explained. Solomon’s memo acknowledged Cohen’s outstanding achievements and extended well wishes to her and her family for the future.

A source familiar with the situation shed further light on Cohen’s status, revealing that the intention was indeed for her to return to Goldman Sachs. According to the Post report, Cohen’s trajectory within the company has been marked by notable milestones, including her elevation to the role of chief strategy officer in 2017 and her subsequent appointment as co-head of the consumer and wealth management unit three years later.

However, Goldman’s foray into consumer banking, spearheaded by Cohen, faced significant challenges and setbacks. Indicated in the Post report was the fact that the partnership with tech giant Apple, along with the acquisition of fintech firm GreenSky, yielded disappointing results. The sale of GreenSky during Cohen’s leave, coupled with plans to unwind the joint credit card venture with Apple, underscored the complexities and difficulties inherent in Goldman’s consumer banking initiatives.

The Post reported that in an exclusive interview with Business Insider on Monday, Cohen revealed her newfound passion for technology and her decision to embark on a new chapter in her professional journey.

“I just got to this place where it was, ‘I want to do this for real,'” Cohen expressed to Business Insider, reflecting on her evolving career aspirations. “This is what I want to do. I don’t want technology to be just a part of it; I want it to be what I do.”

Cohen’s leap into the tech realm will see her assume the role of Cloudfare’s inaugural chief strategy officer, marking a significant milestone in her career trajectory. The Post report explained that the move entails a relocation to Utah, underscoring the transformative nature of Cohen’s transition and her commitment to embracing new opportunities.

Despite her impending move to Utah, Cohen is no stranger to the region. During the tumultuous period of the coronavirus pandemic, she found solace and respite in the area after grappling with a case of long COVID,  according to the information in the Post report. Her time spent in Utah not only provided a healing environment but also fostered a deeper connection to the region, paving the way for her eventual relocation.

David Solomon, CEO of Goldman Sachs, lauded Cohen’s invaluable contributions to the firm, highlighting her unwavering dedication to fostering a vibrant organizational culture and nurturing talent across all levels and geographic regions. Cohen’s role as a mentor and trainer has left an indelible mark on the firm, earning her admiration and respect from colleagues and industry peers alike.

With her wealth of experience and unwavering determination, Cohen is poised to make a significant impact in her new role at Cloudfare, further solidifying her reputation as a visionary leader in both finance and technology.

 

WATCH: Jewish students at Cape Town University stand in the face of hate

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Pro-Israel supporters and students stood in the face of hate, while pro-Hamas supporters chanted for the success of Hamas and ‘Free Palestine.’

Terrorist who masterminded kidnapping and murder of Israeli teens captured in Gaza hospital

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Teenage terror victims (from right): Naftali Frankel, Gilad Shaar and Eyal Yifrach. (Courtesy)

By World Israel News Staff

A Hamas terrorist involved in a series of attacks on Israelis, including a high-profile incident involving the kidnapping and murder of three Israeli teenagers, has been captured by Israeli security forces.

In a joint statement Wednesday, the IDF and the Shin Bet internal security agency announced that they have apprehended Mahmoud Qawasme, a Hamas terrorist who helped plan the 2014 abduction and murder of three Israeli teenagers in Gush Etzion.

A long-time member of the Hamas terror organization, Qawasme was released by Israel and transferred to the Gaza Strip in 2011 as part of the hostage deal with Hamas that led to the release of abducted IDF soldier Gilad Shalit.

Since then, Qawasme has directed terror operations in Judea and Samaria from the Gaza Strip. The IDF said that Qawasme was responsible for organizing multiple shooting attacks.

He was recently captured during the IDF operation inside the Shifa Hospital in the northern Gaza Strip.

IDF forces operating in and around the hospital have killed roughly 90 terrorists and arrested more than 300, the IDF said.

“Over the past day, the troops have eliminated terrorists and located weapons in the hospital area, while preventing harm to civilians, patients, medical teams and medical equipment,” the IDF said.

Qawasme is perhaps best known for his role in orchestrating the abduction and murder of 16-year-old Naftali Fraenkel, 16-year-old Gilad Shaer, and 19-year-old Eyal Yifrah in June 2014.

Two Hamas terrorists operating out of Hebron abducted the three teenagers as they were hitchhiking in Gush Etzion on June 12th, before murdering them and dumping their bodies in a ditch outside of Halhoul north of Hebron.

One of the two terrorists involved in the abduction and murder was Marwan Qawasme, Mahmoud’s brother.

The incident sparked war between Israel and Hamas in the Gaza Strip in the summer of 2014.

United Airlines Grapples with String of Safety Incidents: What Travelers Need to Know

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(AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh, File)

Edited by: TJVNews.com

In recent weeks, United Airlines has found itself grappling with a series of safety incidents, sparking concerns among federal officials and passengers alike, as was recently reported in The New York Times. From engine fires to runway mishaps, these incidents have raised questions about aviation safety and put the spotlight on both United Airlines and aircraft manufacturers like Boeing.

Among the recent incidents reported, an engine fire sparked by plastic packaging wrap, a lost tire shortly after takeoff, and a plane veering off the runway have grabbed headlines, underscoring the challenges faced by the airline in ensuring the safety of its operations, according to the information provided in the NYT report. While no injuries have been reported in any of these incidents, the occurrences have nevertheless heightened anxiety among passengers and regulators.

“All of the incidents happened on flights that took off from or were headed to airports in the United States, and five involved airplanes made by Boeing, a manufacturer already under intense scrutiny,” revealed a spokesperson for United Airlines, the report in the NYT said. This concentration of incidents involving Boeing aircraft further amplifies concerns about the safety and reliability of these planes.

As United Airlines navigates this challenging period, passengers are left wondering about the implications for their travel plans and overall safety. Here’s what travelers need to know about the latest developments in aviation safety:

Heightened Vigilance: Passengers can expect heightened vigilance and scrutiny of safety procedures and protocols in response to recent incidents. United Airlines, along with federal regulators, is likely to implement additional measures to ensure the safety and well-being of passengers.

Ongoing Reviews: The airline is conducting comprehensive reviews of each incident, examining factors contributing to the mishaps and identifying areas for improvement. These reviews will inform future safety protocols and training initiatives.

Manufacturer Accountability: With several incidents involving Boeing aircraft, scrutiny is likely to intensify on the manufacturer’s quality control and safety standards. Boeing, already under scrutiny for past incidents, faces increased pressure to address any underlying issues.

Passenger Assurance: United Airlines is committed to maintaining open communication with passengers, providing updates on safety measures and addressing concerns promptly. Passengers are encouraged to stay informed and reach out to the airline with any questions or inquiries.

Most of the aforementioned incidents have necessitated emergency landings or diversions, underscoring the seriousness of the situations faced by the airline and its passengers, the NYT report said.

On March 4, a Boeing 737-900 departing from George Bush Intercontinental Airport in Houston was forced to return to the airport for an emergency landing after one of its engines ingested and burned plastic wrap, causing a potentially dangerous situation mid-flight.

As was indicated in the NYT report, three days later, on March 7, a Boeing 777 departing from San Francisco for Osaka, Japan, was compelled to make an emergency landing at Los Angeles International Airport after the aircraft lost a tire shortly after takeoff, highlighting the critical nature of the issue that prompted the diversion.

The following day, on March 8, a Boeing 737 Max 8 experienced a frightening incident as it veered off the runway upon landing at George Bush Airport in Houston, ultimately tilting onto the grass, raising questions about the factors contributing to the mishap, the report in the NYT noted.

Simultaneously, another United Airlines flight departing from San Francisco for Mexico City, operated by an Airbus A320, encountered issues with its hydraulic system, compelling the aircraft to be diverted to Los Angeles for further assessment and ensuring passenger safety.

The incidents continued to unfold on March 9, according to the NYT report, when an Airbus A320 en route to Salt Lake City was forced to return to Chicago O’Hare International Airport due to reported maintenance issues, highlighting the importance of proactive measures in addressing potential safety concerns mid-flight.

The report in the NYT also added that just two days later, on March 11, a Boeing 777 flying from Sydney, Australia, to San Francisco was compelled to turn back shortly after takeoff due to a hydraulic leak, emphasizing the critical role of regular maintenance checks in preventing potentially catastrophic incidents.

The string of incidents culminated on March 14, when an Airbus A320 departing from Dallas Fort Worth International Airport experienced a hydraulic leak shortly before landing at its scheduled destination in San Francisco, the NYT report pointed out.

In a separate incident on the same day, a Boeing 737-800 departing from San Francisco landed at Rogue Valley International Medford Airport in Oregon missing an external panel, highlighting potential issues with aircraft integrity and maintenance oversight.

While United Airlines finds itself under scrutiny that have prompted questions about the airline’s safety protocols and overall reliability, experts caution against overreaction, emphasizing that the recent mishaps are not indicative of systemic problems within the airline industry.

Robert Sumwalt, former chairman of the National Transportation Safety Board and current head of an aviation safety center at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, offered insight into the situation. “Some of these issues are things that happen occasionally but often don’t get reported in the media,” he explained to the NYT. He also stressed that while these incidents are concerning, they are not necessarily uncommon in the aviation industry.

Kyra Dempsey, who specializes in aviation accidents and writes for the blog Admiral Cloudberg, echoes Sumwalt’s sentiment. Speaking to the NYT, she asserted that United’s recent issues should not be erroneously linked to broader challenges faced by aircraft manufacturers such as Boeing. “While it’s bad luck that United had so many incidents in such a short period, in general, such incidents happen frequently around the world, and they aren’t on the rise overall,” Dempsey affirmed to the NYT.

In response to the spate of incidents, United Airlines’ Chief Executive, Scott Kirby, took steps to reassure customers, acknowledging the seriousness of the situation and emphasizing the airline’s commitment to safety. “These incidents have our attention and have sharpened our focus,” Kirby stated in an email sent to customers on Monday, the NYT reported. He assured passengers that each incident was under thorough review by the airline, with findings influencing safety training and procedures moving forward.

In the message, Kirby outlined several measures aimed at enhancing safety protocols within the airline. Notably, starting in May, United pilots will undergo an additional day of in-person training, a change that was already in the pipeline prior to the recent incidents, as per the information in the NYT report.  Additionally, the airline will implement a centralized training curriculum for new maintenance technicians and allocate additional resources to bolster the carrier’s supply chain.

As concerns mount over recent safety incidents in the aviation industry, government agencies tasked with oversight and investigation are stepping up to address the issues at hand, as was indicated in the NYT report. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) play critical roles in ensuring the safety and integrity of the nation’s aviation system, with each agency handling specific aspects of safety regulation and investigation.

“The FAA regulates the country’s aviation system and investigates safety incidents on U.S. airlines,” explained Sumwalt when he spoke with the NYT.  “Meanwhile, the NTSB investigates the causes of accidents, collisions, and crashes involving planes flown by U.S. carriers, among other incidents involving commercial and mass transit operators.”

Sumwalt also highlighted the discretionary nature of investigations conducted by both agencies, indicating that not all incidents necessarily warrant formal inquiries. “Both agencies have discretion on what they investigate,” he added, according to the NYT report, as he underscored the need for prioritization and strategic allocation of resources.

Currently, the NTSB is actively investigating the incident that occurred on March 8 in Houston, where a plane veered off the runway during landing. Additionally, the NYT report said that the agency is looking into a February 10 flight from Los Angeles to Newark, operated by United Airlines, which experienced severe turbulence resulting in injuries among passengers.

According to safety experts, some issues may not reach the threshold for formal investigation by either agency. Also speaking to the NYT was Michael McCormick, an assistant professor at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University and former FAA control tower operator, who shed light on this aspect. “Partial loss of some of an airplane’s multiple hydraulics systems is common,” McCormick noted. “The FAA may or may not get involved for this kind of issue unless there’s a pattern.”

 

 

Robert F. Kennedy Jr.: Israel a ‘Moral Nation’; Any Other Would ‘Level’ Terrorist Enemy

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Democratic Presidential Candidate Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. speaks as Michael Smerconish hosts a SiriusXM Town Hall with Democratic Presidential Candidate RFK Jr. at The Centre Theater in Philadelphia, Penn., on June 5, 2023. (Lisa Lake/Getty Images for SiriusXM)

By Joel B. Pollak

Independent presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Kr. said in an interview published Tuesday that Israel is a “moral nation,” and he backed its response to Hamas terrorists, opposing President Joe Biden’s anti-Israel drift.

In the interview, conducted by Reuters and published in the Jerusalem Post, Kennedy expressed concern for the humanitarian cost of the war to Palestinian civilians, but said that Israel had no choice but to respond as it had.

From the interview:

“Any other nation that was adjacent to a neighboring nation that was bombing it with rockets, sending commandos over to murder its citizens, pledging itself to murder every person in that nation and annihilate it, would go and level it with aerial bombardment,” Kennedy said.

“But Israel is a moral nation. So it didn’t do that. Instead, it built an iron dome to protect itself so it would not have to go into Gaza.”

He said Hamas gave Israeli leaders no choice after fighters stormed into Israel on October 7, killing 1,200 people and capturing 253 hostages, according to Israeli tallies.

Rather than pressuring Israel, Kennedy said, the U.S. should be pressuring states that currently support Hamas.

Several Jewish leaders expressed their support for Kennedy’s position, notably Democrat-turned-Republican Dov Hikind, a former New York State Assemblyman who is the founder and leader of Americans Against Antisemitism:

 

Kennedy, whose environmental career has placed him on the political left, has lost donors and staff members over his support for Israel. He says he is equally interested in finding a peaceful resolution to the Middle East conflict.

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 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.

 

Finally Unilever Dumps Ben & Jerry’s

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shutterstock

Unilever Announces Job Cuts and Spinoff of Ben & Jerry’s to Streamline Operations

Edited by: TJVNews.com

Unilever, the global consumer goods giant, unveiled plans on Tuesday to streamline its operations by cutting 7,500 jobs and spinning off its lucrative ice cream unit, which includes iconic brands like Ben & Jerry’s, as was reported by The New York Times on Tuesday. The move aims to reduce costs and simplify Unilever’s portfolio of brands, positioning the company for greater efficiency and growth in the future.

The NYT report indicated that Ian Meakins, Unilever’s chair, described the strategic overhaul as a step towards creating “a simpler, more focused, and higher-performing Unilever.” The ice cream division, which generated a staggering 7.9 billion euros ($8.6 billion) in sales last year, accounts for approximately 13 percent of the group’s total revenue.

The decision to spin off the ice cream unit, expected to be completed by the end of 2025, reflects Unilever’s commitment to refining its brand portfolio. According to the information provided in the NYT report, the division houses beloved brands such as Cornetto, Magnum, Talenti, and Wall’s, in addition to Ben & Jerry’s, which Unilever acquired in 2000.

Hein Schumacher, Unilever’s chief executive, who assumed the role in July, outlined a comprehensive plan last year aimed at driving growth and unlocking the company’s full potential, as was indicated in the NYT report. The recent announcement regarding job cuts and the ice cream spinoff represents an acceleration of this strategy, with projected cost savings of nearly $870 million over the next three years.

Schumacher emphasized that the layoffs, affecting predominantly office-based roles globally, would account for approximately 6 percent of Unilever’s workforce. The restructuring aligns with the company’s broader objective of optimizing efficiency and refocusing resources on key growth areas.

The move comes amidst the backdrop of investor pressure, with Nelson Peltz, a prominent activist investor, acquiring a stake in Unilever in early 2022. According to the information contained in the NYT report, Peltz, who is known for advocating simplification of corporate structures, secured a seat on Unilever’s board later that year. His influence is evident in the company’s strategic pivot towards a leaner and more agile operating model.

Following the proposed spinoff, Unilever’s remaining units will encompass health and beauty brands such as Dove soap, consumer goods such as Surf detergent, and food brands including Hellmann’s mayonnaise, the report in the NYT said. The restructuring mirrors similar actions taken by Unilever’s rivals, including Nestlé, which streamlined its ice cream business through joint ventures and divestitures in recent years.

In recent years, the company has relied heavily on steep price increases to buoy revenue growth, but the strategy has been undermined by shifting consumer preferences and mounting inflationary pressures.

“The company has tried accelerated cost-cutting for accelerated growth for at least a decade,” noted analysts at Bernstein in a research note, highlighting Unilever’s persistent struggle to translate cost-saving measures into sustained growth, the NYT reported.  The company’s shares saw a modest uptick of around 3 percent on Tuesday following the announcement of its restructuring plans, but have remained relatively stagnant over the past year.

The ice cream division, in particular, has borne the brunt of input-cost inflation, exacerbating Unilever’s woes. Last year, the division faced the highest input-cost inflation within Unilever’s portfolio, prompting the company to pass on some of those costs to consumers. However, the report in the NYT pointed out that the move backfired, as consumers opted to purchase less or switch to cheaper alternatives, resulting in declining market share and profitability.

“The disappointing year with declining market share and profitability underscores the challenges facing Unilever’s ice cream division,” remarked a company spokesperson, reflecting on the recent earnings report, the NYT report said. The struggles of the ice cream segment underscore broader trends within Unilever’s business, where efforts to spur growth through cost-cutting measures have yielded mixed results.

Meanwhile, Ben & Jerry’s, a highly visible brand under Unilever’s umbrella, has faced its own set of controversies that have further complicated the company’s position. Since its acquisition by Unilever, Ben & Jerry’s has maintained an independent board and a reputation for championing social and political causes, according to the NYT report. However, this independence has occasionally clashed with the corporate ethos of Unilever, leading to tensions and legal disputes.

In 2021, Ben & Jerry’s founders announced their decision to end sales in the Judea and Samaria region of Israel, sparking backlash from shareholders and prompting divestments from some U.S. pension funds. The NYT report noted that the move also resulted in a shareholder lawsuit against Unilever and legal battles over the sale of distribution rights in Israel. Ultimately, Unilever sold the rights to its longstanding local partner, albeit with slight alterations in branding.

As Unilever grapples with internal and external challenges, including shifting consumer trends, inflationary pressures, and brand controversies, the company faces a critical juncture in its trajectory. The success of its restructuring efforts, alongside efforts to address underlying market dynamics and navigate contentious issues surrounding its brands, will determine Unilever’s ability to regain momentum and secure its position in the fiercely competitive consumer goods industry.

Captured Shifa terrorists a ‘gold mine’ of information, says IDF

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Hamas terrorists apprehended in Shifa Hospital. (Twitter Screenshot)

By Batya Jerenberg, World Israel News

The IDF’s second raid into Shifa Hospital has resulted in a “gold mine” of information from the first of over 350 Hamas terrorists captured in the incursion so far, an army source told Army Radio Wednesday.

Many of the terrorists reportedly surrendered without a fight. The IDF has cleared out a corridor in the hospital as a temporary holding cell so that they can be interrogated on site and their information used promptly against their colleagues.

A Shabak internal security official elaborated to the press separately that because intelligence coordinators and investigators are working so closely with the army there, they can immediately pass on information extracted from the terrorists about the location of enemy forces as well as crucial infrastructure such as communications equipment.

“They are providing a lot of valuable intelligence,” the official said.

Those captured included Gaza Brigade Commander Izz a-Din al-Haddad.

More than 160 terrorists have been brought for further interrogation into Israel by the Shabak.

Searches of the hospital have uncovered folders full of IDF data stolen by Hamas terrorists from the Erez Crossing during their invasion of October 7.

Weapons such as Kalashnikov rifles, dozens of magazines of bullets and rocket propelled grenades, as well as bundles upon bundles of Israeli cash, have also been found.

Some 90 terrorists have been killed in the firefights that developed since early Monday morning. The elite Shayetet 13 commandos darted into the medical compound together with forces of the 401st Brigade, and a battalion each from the Givati and Nahal Brigades and the armored corps.

The most senior of these was Fa’ak Mabhouh, the head of the Hamas Internal Security Operations department. The IDF said that he had been responsible for synchronizing Hamas systems in the Strip.

Of the Israeli forces, reservist Warrant Officer Sebastian Haion (51), a commander in the 401st brigade, and Staff Sgt. Matan Vinogradov (20) of the Nahal’s 932nd Battalion, were killed in the action.

This brings the number of IDF soldiers killed in Gaza to 252.

The IDF’s first raid into Shifa took place in November. Interrogated terrorists said they had come back to use the hospital as a center of operations because they felt it was safe to do so.

The army allowed the hospital to continue providing medical services to the Gazan population after it had cleared Hamas operatives out and disabled the terror tunnels running underneath it.

The tunnels were later destroyed.

During the current raid, the soldiers are allowing staff and patients to stay, and have provided medical and other humanitarian aid as well.